Swadlincote residents can help redesign the county’s mental health support through an eight-week consultation now open on the Derbyshire County Council website. The council launched the review recently to gather views on services for people with mild to moderate needs who do not require crisis care or hospital admission.
Three separate services currently cover low-level mental health support across Derbyshire. One is run directly by the council and two are commissioned from external providers, with both commissioned contracts due to end in March 2027. Councillor Joss Barnes, cabinet member for adult care, said getting help at an early stage can make a significant difference, and the goal is to ensure people feel supported before their needs become more complex.
The services developed at different times in response to various government policies, and the review will identify any gaps or duplication. A major recent advance has been Living Well Derbyshire, a partnership between the council, Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, and voluntary sector organisations. The programme embeds wellbeing coaches and peer support workers with lived experience alongside traditional mental health teams, an integrated model that has been singled out nationally as a leading example of community mental health transformation.
Residents have until Sunday 23 August to complete the online questionnaire. Two online events are also planned: Thursday 30 July from 2.30pm to 3.30pm and Monday 3 August from noon to 1pm. Telephone support and alternative formats are available on request.
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