
Championing Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Across Derbyshire and Derby City
If you’re part of a small business, community organisation, charity, sports club or local group, we can support you to create a mentally healthy environment for everyone.
Here’s how we can help:
Newsletter:
Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Newsletter January 2026
Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Newsletter December 2025
Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Newsletter November 2025
Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Newsletter October 2025
Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Newsletter September 2025
Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Newsletter August 2025
To join the Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Outreach Project please fill in your organisations details below:
Derbyshire Mental Health First Aiders Network
The Derbyshire Mental Health First Aiders Network is a peer group for anyone who has
completed (MHFA England) Mental Health First Aider training either Adult or Youth and
is using their skills within Derbyshire either via work, or volunteering. The network is a
part of the Derbyshire Mental Health & Suicide Prevention project commissioned by
Derbyshire County Council.
This network is not a membership body and is not affiliated to MHFA England, it is a
countywide space to share events, networking opportunities, resources, research,
success stories, and also to reach out for advice and support from your peers.
Listening Lounges are an online peer support session for Mental Health First Aiders, who are using their skills, either in paid or voluntary roles, within Derbyshire. The format is very simple, we host these sessions on MS Teams, which any MHFA’s (or anyone interesting in becoming an MHFA). Sign up to the network to get your tickets.
How to join the MHFA Network:
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Email mhfa@erewashcvs.org.uk with your contact details and a copy of your MHFA certificate.
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If you need a copy of your certificate contact: https://mhfaengland.org/
Here are some testimonials:
“Volunteering with the Erewash Voluntary Action Mental Health Team’s Listening Lounge
has been a deeply enriching experience. It’s been a privilege to be part of such an
amazing ‘work family’, holding compassionate space for others during emotionally
vulnerable times. In my role as a Personal Development Life Coach, I naturally bring my
coaching presence…curious listening, empathy, and intuition…into each conversation,
helping individuals feel heard, valued, and supported. Alongside this, I co-lead Sofa2Stroll,
a gentle, welcoming walking group that promotes wellbeing and connection in nature
for people living with chronic health conditions. Both voluntary roles beautifully reflect the
heart of my coaching philosophy: creating safe, empowering environments where people
can pause, reconnect with themselves, and move forward with greater clarity and confidence.
Volunteering has allowed me to witness powerful shifts in others…often subtle but
deeply meaningful. That’s where the real impact lies”.
Nikki Hall
Long Eaton Rugby Football Club has been engaged with the
Derbyshire Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Project through communication
and resource sharing, this is what they had to say:
“The club have used the information and resources shared through newsletters
to benefit the wider LERFC community, containing players, parents, coaches,
and volunteers. The main outcome of the club’s engagement has been the
ability to keep it informed about mental health support, initiatives, and developments.
This has helped ensure that LERFC remains connected to broader community
wellbeing conversations and activities. LERFC reports feeling more informed and
up to date thanks to the project’s resources”.
JC - Volunteer at Long Eaton Rugby Club
We’ve been working in partnership with a range of local fitness centres and organisations, and Amber Valley Fitness Centres offered this reflection:
“My name is Rebecca (Refit), together with my boss Neil, and we are the leaders
of Amber Valley Fitness Centre. We are proud to have been working closely with
Isabelle on the Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Project, delivered through
Erewash Voluntary Action and funded by Derbyshire County Council.
Our mission is to highlight the importance of mental health and to remind people that you are not alone. Our gym is not just a place to exercise. It is a space for support, connection, and community. A place where you can come as you are, without judgement.
Right now, statistics show that mental health challenges are increasing among young people and adults. We see this every day in our community. This is why we are so passionate about creating awareness, starting conversations, and supporting each other through the tough times as well as the good ones.
We believe:
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No one should feel like they have to struggle alone
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Talking and reaching out is a sign of strength
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Looking after your body can help look after your mind
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Community itself can be healing
As a project, we have already achieved so much to help people feel seen, supported and understood. And we are continuing to build on this work daily within our gym and wider community.”
Follow us on:
Funded By:
Izzy at Long Eaton Sunday league Cup Final
The Mental Health Team at New Mills Listening Lounge

Nikki at High Peak Listening Lounge
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Partners at Amber Valley Fitness Centre
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