In July 2024, local Mental Health Support Group – Mindscapes – visited Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trustto showcase some of their artwork to colleagues in the Health and Wellbeing Hub.

The Hub is a free, 24/7 on-site facility supporting both the physical and mental wellbeing of Hospital colleagues.

Mindscapes – led by their Chair and Trust Governor, Tim Adwick – help local individuals with building self-esteem, social confidence, and personal aspirations – as well as supporting them to build resilience to help maintain a good level of mental health wellbeing.

Following this successful exhibit, colleagues asked that we have some of their artwork permanently within the Hub to promote wellbeing and mental health. Mindscapes exclusively collected some local landscape images that were then shared with our 5,000 colleagues to vote for their favourite – and four winners were selected.

On 16 January the Trust unveiled the four winning pieces that have been permanently installed in the Hub, with thanks to Chesterfield Royal Hospital Trust Charity for supporting the printing costs.

Mahmud Nawaz, Trust Chair, added: “It’s amazing that we’ve had this community collaboration with Mindscapes. Their images are beautiful and the work they do across the community is inspiring. With over 50% of our workforce having accessed the Hub, I’m sure these will be thoroughly appreciated by our colleagues.

“We look forward to working with the group further in the future. A huge thank you to Mindscapes for their support.”

Steve Heppinstall, Director of Finance, Transformation, and Improvement, said: “From a charity perspective, it’s great to have been able to get involved and support this collaboration to promote our colleagues’ wellbeing. The charity aim is to ‘make a difference every day’ and they really do add joy to the Hub.”

Find out more about Mindscapes here: https://www.mindscapes.org.uk.

Photo shows L-R: Becki Hook, Senior Health Improvement Advisor; Abbie Foster, Health and Wellbeing Lead; Mahmud Nawaz, Trust Chair; Beccy, Mindcapes; Tim Adwick, Mindscapes Chair and Trust Governor; and Steve Heppinstall, Director of Finance, Improvement and Transformation.

Sv2 are offering two free sessions for professionals in February and March.

The first is in support of #ITSNOTOK week and they will be delivering their CPD accredited Sexual Abuse Awareness Webinar on 4^th February (2 sessions available 9:30am-11am and 11:30am-1pm). This session is available to all workers in Derbyshire, links to join will be sent out closer to the date.

The next is an information day on 13^th March at Buxton Fire Station. This session is a repeat of the session held in Chesterfield in December. It will be 10am-12:30pm and will cover some of the wider issues around sexual abuse including, offender profiles, barriers and stigma and male survivors.

If you’d like to book a space please email: help@sv2.org.uk.

Dementia together co-production group taking place on Monday January 20^th between 2pm and 4pm at County Hall in Matlock.

This group wants to involve more people with lived experience in planning and shaping Dementia services and support in Derby and Derbyshire.

Please email derbyshire@alzheimers.org.uk for further information or if you would like to attend.

Visit https://bottledupblokes.com/ to find out about all the support Bottled Up Blokes provide.

Building a network of amazing community builders who are really making a difference to the lives of people living in Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire continues to be a labour of love for us all here at Feeling Connected.
 
Our regular Feeling Connected Social events have played a big role in the magic that happens when people who care about community and social connection come together.
 
The conversations flow and ideas ignite in a relaxed and informal setting so whether you’re already active in your community or just want to find out what’s going on we’d love to see you there!
 
This time we’ll be in Clay Cross at the lovely Chapel on Market Street.
 
If you’re new to us it’s a great way to find out more and meet other like-minded folk. And if you’ve been part of the Feeling Connected Family for a while, it’s a fabulous opportunity to reconnect with other members and welcome new ones.
 
Either way, everyone is welcome to come and enjoy a cuppa and a light bite to eat.
 
Come along to support, inspire and get to know each other!
 
This is a FREE event – please do take a moment to BOOK so that we can plan for numbers, thank you.
 
Book here https://www.feelingconnected.org.uk/events-to-connect

Derbyshire Safe Haven are able to support anyone aged 18 and over who may be struggling to cope.

Open 4:30pm-12:30am, 365 days a year, they offer practical advice and support or just a listening ear. 

Based at 188 North Wingfield Road, Grassmoor please feel free to drop in or give or give them a call on 01246 949410.

Paid taxi transport can be provided should this otherwise be a barrier to accessing support.

The Baton of Hope will be coming to Derbyshire on 13th September 2025!

This event will be a vital opportunity to raise awareness for suicide prevention. Residents of Derbyshire affected by suicide will carry the Baton along an iconic route through Derby, making key stops with a final ‘event’ in the city centre in the event.

Applications are open, and Baton of Hope Derby & Derbyshire are honoured to be hosting the Derbyshire/Derby leg on September 13, 2025. This promises to be a powerful day, bringing people together to spread hope, remembrance, and resilience.

Be a Baton-Bearer for the 2025 Baton of Hope Tour!

Baton of Hope Derby & Derbyshire are looking for Baton-Bearers who:

• Have lost someone to suicide—whether a loved one, friend, or colleague.
• Are survivors of a suicide attempt.
• Special exceptions may also be considered.

There is a £20 application fee, but if finances feel like a barrier, please don’t let that stop you. If your application is selected and you’re concerned about costs or fundraising, message any of the admins in the Derbyshire/Derby Facebook group, and they’ll be there to help.

To apply click here.

To get involved, keep up to date and more join the dedicated Facebook group today – Baton of Hope Tour 25 – Derby and Derbyshire.

If you have any questions please contact Ellie Scott, Living Well Collaborative Co-ordinator on ellie@dva.org.uk