Published on: 25 September 2023
Derbyshire Mind have partnered with the NHS to open a new mental health crisis support drop-in service in Derbyshire for immediate out-of-hours support for those with mental health concerns.
The first of the three drop-in centres to open is Buxton, which opened on 4 August 2023 and a further two sites are set to open their doors in December 2023 at Ripley and Swadlincote town centres.
Derbyshire Mind, a local independent mental health charity within the national Mind network focused on improving mental health and wellbeing for people, will lead the Buxton service in partnership with Zink, a local charity based in Buxton which provides similar support to communities to aid wellbeing.
The three crisis support drop-in services will be open out of hours based on local needs on Friday and Saturday nights as well as Sunday afternoons. They are part of a wider programme of partnership activity led by NHS Derby and Derbyshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) and Joined Up Care Derbyshire which aims to improve outcomes for people with immediate mental health needs and reduce the need for people to attend hospital Emergency Departments when they are experiencing immediate mental health needs.
Mick Burrows, Director of Commissioning for Mental Health at NHS Derby and Derbyshire Integrated Care Board, said: “This is a fantastic new addition to our local offer for people with immediate mental health needs.
“We are so pleased that this is up and running and it really responds to the needs expressed by people in Derby and Derbyshire. This is the result of a lot of hard work and engagement by local people and local providers.
“It is a genuine collaboration between community and voluntary sector and statutory organisations. A huge thank you to everyone that has been involved in making this happen."
Jenny Ryan, Head of Business and Operations at Derbyshire Mind, is pleased to announce the launch of the new service. She said: “We are really pleased to offer adults across the High Peak a non-clinical local alternative to A&E when they are experiencing symptoms of emotional distress or mental health crisis.
“The development of this new service in Buxton has received such positive comments and messages of support, and we are keen to build on that.
“Our small friendly team of Support Workers and Volunteers offer a welcoming community-based space in which attendees can receive help to reduce their feelings of distress, feel listened to, are supported to identify positive coping and wellbeing strategies, and can receive useful information about local groups and services tailored to their needs.
“We are here every weekend for anyone that needs us. Our opening hours are Fridays 6-11pm, Saturdays 6-11pm, and Sundays 2.30-5.30pm. No need to call ahead or get a referral, just drop in.”
Paul Bohan, Chief Executive at Zink, is pleased with this joint venture at Buxton, he said: “Zink is delighted to partner with Derbyshire Mind to deliver mental health crisis support.
“Both organisations are experienced in supporting people to manage and improve their mental health so working together will bring a lot of benefits to High Peak residents."
For more information on the Crisis Drop-In service as well as role opportunities for the service please visit the Derbyshire Mind website.
