Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Awareness

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 June 2026

Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Newsletter May 2026

Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Newsletter April 2026

Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Newsletter March 2026

Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Newsletter February 2026

Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Newsletter January 2026

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:

Email mhfa@erewashcvs.org.uk with your contact details and a copy of your MHFA certificate.
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:

No one should feel like they have to struggle alone
Talking and reaching out is a sign of strength
Looking after your body can help look after your mind
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.”

MENTAL HEALTH FRIENDLY CLUBS

We’re proud to announce the launch of the Mental Health

Friendly Clubs Programme, supporting sports and physical

activity clubs across Derbyshire to create safe, supportive

and inclusive environments for adults and young people.

Delivered in collaboration with Active Derbyshire, this

programme strengthens the role clubs already play in

building confidence, connection and community —

by placing mental wellbeing at the heart of sport!

What Is a Mental Health Friendly Club?: A Mental Health

Friendly Club is committed to being supportive, inclusive

and understanding. It promotes open conversations about

health and ensures members feel valued both on and

off the pitch.

What Your Club Will Receive: By joining the programme,

clubs gain access to: Free mental health & suicide

prevention training Club Wellbeing Ambassador training

Practical resources and guidance Mental health resource

packs A digital badge to showcase your commitment

Ongoing support and signposting advice

Why It Matters?: For many people, their sports club is a trusted space and vital support network. By becoming a Mental Health Friendly Club, you help: Reduce stigma Encourage early support Strengthen your club culture Protect the wellbeing of members and volunteers.

Who Can Join? The programme is open to all sports and physical activity clubs across Derbyshire, regardless of size or discipline. If your club wants to build a positive, inclusive culture and show your community that mental health matters — now is the time to get involved.