Time remains to have your say on Mental Health support in Derbyshire

There’s still time to have your say on the future shape of support provided by Derbyshire County Council for people with mental ill health.

The eight-week public consultation to find out people’s views on how support is currently being offered, how it might work in the future and whether there are any gaps in provision or duplication, ends on Sunday 23rd August.

Currently, the council provides three services for people with ‘low levels’ of need who don’t require crisis support or hospital admission. One service is provided directly by the county council and two are commissioned by the authority.

The services are designed to help people live independently in their communities and support residents by helping build confidence and resilience to deal with practical and personal issues that are impacting on their mental health.

Support is practical and community-based – such as talking to someone, helping people join community groups, getting help with housing and building routines and confidence

It includes:

• One-to-one help – in person or by telephone
• Drop-in hubs across the county
• Intensive work to help people live independently, such as help with finances and budgeting and support with managing wellbeing.

As both commissioned service contracts are due to end in March 2027 – with the option of a one-year extension – the council is undertaking a strategic review of all three services it offers and launched a consultation in June.

Feedback gathered will help shape future commissioning and delivery of services, ensuring support is designed around the needs and experiences of Derbyshire residents.

Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for adult care Councillor Joss Barnes is encouraging people to take part. He said: “This is about understanding what works well, what could be improved and how we can make early support accessible and joined up for our communities.

“We know that getting help at an early stage can make a big difference and we want to ensure people feel supported before their needs become more complex.

“If you’d like a say in how services might work in the future, please get in touch.”

As part of the consultation the council has organised online sessions for the public and has held 18 focus groups with service users to gather opinions, including one in a library and another in a local market.

To take part in the consultation, fill in an online questionnaire by Sunday 23rd August at derbyshire.gov.uk/mental-health-review

Anyone who needs additional support to fill in the questionnaire can get help over the telephone. Alternative formats are available on request.

Councillor Barnes added: “These three services developed at different times in response to various government guidance and policies and with significant developments and improvements in mental health support services in the county, we need to look at support more strategically.

“Improvements have already been made, including the creation of Living Well Derbyshire which is jointly funded by us and the NHS to provide support for mental health and wellbeing across the county. There is also the locally provided mental health helpline through 111.

“By gathering information about what works well now and where there may be gaps or duplication, we can develop more joined-up support.

“I’d encourage as many people as possible to have their say to help shape services for the future.”

To find out more and take part in the consultation visit derbyshire.gov.uk/mental-health-review