Published on: 19 January 2024
Derbyshire Mind has partnered with the NHS to open two new mental health crisis support drop-in services in Derbyshire that will offer out-of-hours support for those in crisis or experiencing distress.
The two drop-in centres have opened in Ripley and Swadlincote, and will take the same approach as the first drop-in centre which opened in Buxton in August: offering a friendly and welcoming space on Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons to anyone 18 and over experiencing a mental health crisis or emotional distress.
The Ripley service is at The Croft, Slack Lane (just off Ripley Market Place), DE5 3HF, while the Swadlincote service is at 12-14 West Street (opposite the old Empire Cinema), DE11 9DE. They are open on Fridays and Saturdays from 6pm to 11pm, and Sundays from 2.30pm to 5.30pm.
The drop-in services are being funded by the NHS in Derby and Derbyshire as part of an expansion of the crisis support services available in the community, which also includes the safe havens in Derby and Chesterfield - open every evening from 4.30pm to 12.30am – and the 24/7 Derbyshire Mental Health Helpline and Support Service, 0800 028 0077.
Derbyshire Mind, a local independent mental health charity within the national Mind network focuses on improving mental health and wellbeing for people, is working in partnership with local organisations to ensure they meet the community’s needs.
Jenny Appleby, Head of Adult Mental Health Commissioning at NHS Derby and Derbyshire Integrated Care Board, said: "Local people have told us that when they need immediate mental health support, a listening ear and a safe place to go is really important – particularly out of usual office hours. These new drop-in services are a fantastic opportunity to provide exactly this kind of support. They are the result of a lot of hard work and collaboration between local people, local voluntary sector and statutory sector partners working together.
"A team of experienced staff and volunteers from Derbyshire Mind are on hand to listen, talk through needs, and consider services and support that might help. No appointment is needed so access to support is immediate."
Jenny Hotchkiss, Chief Executive at Derbyshire Mind, is delighted to announce the launch of the Ripley and Swadlincote crisis support drop-in services. She said: “Joining our successful High Peak service in Buxton are Ripley and Swadlincote, which will extend our offer of support to more people. All three provide safe and welcoming non-clinical alternatives to attending A&E to adults across Derbyshire. Simply drop in to see us.”
Anyone seeking more information on the Crisis Support Drop-In Services please visit the Derbyshire Mind website.
