This week is Mental Health Awareness Week, and across Derbyshire there is a growing recognition that supporting mental health is not just the responsibility of services alone — it is something built through communities, connection and creating spaces where people feel heard and understood.
At Derbyshire Voluntary Action (DVA), we see every day how Derbyshire’s voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector helps people feel less isolated, more connected and better supported. Whether through youth projects, creative activities, peer support, wellbeing groups or community events, local organisations are often the first place people turn when they need support.
This year, that message is being brought to life through a number of projects and partnerships focused on reducing stigma, opening conversations and ensuring people know help is out there.
Listening to Young Voices Through Creativity
This year, FutureMinds Collective have hosted and shared Behind the Pane, a youth-led exhibition created by children and young people from across Derbyshire.
Using art as a window into lived experience, the exhibition invited visitors to slow down, look closer and listen to how young people experience their mental health. Each piece encouraged understanding and empathy rather than judgement or explanation, reinforcing the importance of creating safe spaces for expression and connection.
The exhibition reflected what Derbyshire’s VCFSE sector told us through DVA’s Annual Survey — that children and young people’s mental health remains one of the most urgent priorities facing our communities.
ThinkFest: Breaking Down Stigma Together
This Mental Health Awareness Week also sees the return of ThinkFest, a community-led event taking place at Vicar Lane, Chesterfield on Saturday 16 May, 10am–3pm.
Led by Ellie Scott from DVA and the Georgia Bird Foundation, ThinkFest brings together local organisations, creative activities, music, workshops and conversations focused on breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health.
The event celebrates the wide range of support available across Derbyshire and highlights the role creativity, art and community play in supporting wellbeing. Visitors will be able to meet local organisations, take part in activities and hear directly from people passionate about creating more open and supportive conversations around mental health.
Young volunteers from Thrive will also be supporting the event, alongside performances from the Georgia Bird Foundation Choir.
Importantly, ThinkFest reflects something we continue to hear across Derbyshire: mental health support works best when communities are involved, conversations are open and people feel connected.
Supporting Mental Health Through Community
Mental health awareness is about more than recognition. It is about creating environments where people feel safe to talk, able to access support and part of something bigger than themselves.
Across Derbyshire, VCFSE organisations are doing this work every day:
- Creating welcoming spaces
- Supporting young people
- Reducing loneliness and isolation
- Encouraging creativity and self-expression
- Building stronger, healthier communities
DVA remains proud to support and champion this work — helping organisations connect, collaborate and amplify the voices of the communities they serve.
This Mental Health Awareness Week, we encourage everyone to:
Check in with others
Support local community initiatives
Visit events like ThinkFest
Continue conversations around mental health without stigma
Because stronger mental health starts with stronger communities.