Derbyshire County Council has secured some short-term funding to assist our vulnerable populations with obtaining oral health resources.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a considerable impact on dental services, and this has been felt more severely by those who were already more likely to have poorer health outcomes. It is recognised that inequalities exist in oral health outcomes for some population groups and that is why we would like to offer your services free tooth brushing packs.

Dental decay is almost entirely preventable, and the risk of developing oral health problems can be reduced by the adoption of good oral hygiene including brushing daily with fluoride toothpaste. Poor oral health can have a negative impact throughout life and can cause pain and infection, leading to difficulties with eating, sleeping, socialising and well-being.

Each tooth brushing pack will include either an adult or child toothbrush and toothpaste and include oral health key promotional messages. A minimum order of two boxes must be made, there are around 40 toothbrushing packs in each box.

If you work with vulnerable populations in Derbyshire, your organisation/group can apply to help distribute these resources.

We have set up a simple online order system and Derbyshire County Council Logistics Hub will arrange to deliver the packs to you.

What next?
You will need to register before Friday 17th February 2023. Visit Oral Health Hygiene Pack Ordering then we will send you the link to place your order and our team will deliver the products to you.

What is it?
Funding is available to enable groups to deliver a range of physical activity and wellbeing-based sessions across Derbyshire with the aim of improving mental wellbeing.
 
Who can apply?
Small to medium voluntary, community or social enterprise groups working within Derbyshire (excludes Derby City).
 
How much can you apply for?
Groups can apply for up to £5,000.
 
When do I apply?
The application form will open on the 20^th February 2023.
The deadline for applying will be 10^th March 2023, at which time the application form will close.
 
This is phase one of the scheme, there will be a second phase whereby more funding is available starting around October 2023.
 
How do you apply?
Visit www.derbyshiremind.org.uk/services/mhawproject/how-to-apply to access the application form and guidance documentation.

Time to Talk Day on Thursday 2 February is a great excuse to check in with friends and see how they’re doing.

The idea behind the day is that it gives us all a chance to open up about how we’re feeling. Talking about mental health isn’t always easy, but a conversation has the power to change lives.

You can download a host of materials form the Time to Talk website, you’ll find posters, social media images, conversation starters, bunting and much more.

To get ideas and advice on how to start a conversation about mental health and emotional wellbeing, visit the Derbyshire County Council Time To Talk page.

First Steps ED are holding free eating disorder workshop for parents/carers at Relate in Chesterfield over two evenings in February.
 
The skills for carers workshops are suitable for anyone over 18 who is supporting an adult or child with an eating disorder. The course aims to equip the participants with practical tips, information and insight to allow them to support their loved one.
 
Interest in registering for the course can be made by contacting Clare Jones, Parent and Carer Service Coordinator, on 01332 367 571 or clare@firststepsed.co.uk
 
You can also register by completing a form on the First Steps ED website in the support for carers section. 

You’ll have heard that the NHS is under a huge amount of pressure at the moment across the country, and the same is true in Derbyshire. Health and care services in the county have declared a critical incident because of extreme pressures.

Our health partners have taken a decision to temporarily postpone some elective care treatments so that they can dedicate clinical resources to those requiring urgent and emergency care and those who are acutely ill.

They’re urging residents who need urgent medical care that is not an emergency to visit NHS 111 online or call NHS111 for advice on how to get the care they need at any time of day or night.

If you have a minor illness or injury, like a sprain, fracture, minor burn, skin infection, animal bite, minor eye and head injury, sting or bite you can visit an Urgent Treatment Centre.

Pharmacists can give you advice about minor illnesses such as a cough or cold, sore throat, tummy trouble and aches and pains. They’re experts in medicines who can offer you clinical advice and over-the-counter medicines.

Contact your GP for symptoms that won’t go away, such as lumps, unexpected weight loss, abnormal bleeding and persistent pain. GP practices also employ highly trained professionals such as physiotherapists, nurses, dieticians and others. Only call 999 or attend A&E for serious accidents and emergencies.