A new Mental Health Service for Derby launched last Monday (1st October). The service, named Derby City Life Links is a peer support and recovery service that brings together those currently receiving mental health support and those with lived experience of mental ill health to support others with similar needs.
Derby City Life Links will provide a range of support tailored to each individual’s personal goals around their mental health and wellbeing, such as achieving stability; pursuing voluntary work or employment; or managing their wellbeing. A key element of the service is peer support, connecting people with lived experience of mental ill health to support others with similar needs.
A dedicated website and information line will help those looking for resources and local groups, helping people to identify the types of support available to help them with mental health needs and general wellbeing, including sport and leisure activities.
The service, jointly funded by Derby City Council and Derbyshire’s Clinical Commissioning Group has awarded the operation of the service to a national mental health charity, Richmond Fellowship. The charity already has a local and national presence, supporting those with mental ill health.
Richmond Fellowship will work with local organisations, such as Derbyshire Healthcare Foundation Trust, to offer support and provide information to enable people to learn more about mental health conditions, manage their own mental health, and identify what works for them.
Councillor Roy Webb, Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Housing said:
“It is great news that we have been able to launch a new community support service for mental health in Derby. It is great that residents will be empowered to play an active role in delivering support to others and maintain their own wellbeing. This service forms an important part of the Council and NHS’s plans to promote the independence, safety and wellbeing of people with mental health needs.”
Joe Redmond, Managing Director of Richmond Fellowship (North) said:
“This is a fantastic opportunity for us to expand our mental health support in Derby, and we’re delighted to offer a space for peer support and building links across Derby. The new Life Links service will complement the other Richmond Fellowship services already operating in the local area and ensure we can reach out to even more people in the community as possible.”
David Gardner, Head of Mental Health Commissioning at Derbyshire’s NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups commented:
“The CCG is pleased to support this joint initiative which recognises the importance of peer support to recovery and stabilty. The service will be valuable for people who have had mental health problems for a long time, as well as people who have had experienced more recent episodes of mental health difficulty. The service gives GPs more support options to offer people who present at our practices in Derby. The scheme supports our Strategic Plan to promote ways in which people can participate in managing their health problems and reduces reliance on community psychiatric services”.
Richmond Fellowship is a national charity whose mission is to make mental health recovery a reality, working with more than 9,000 people every year across more than 120 localised services. Richmond Fellowship is one of the largest voluntary sector providers of mental health support across England, providing services including housing, care, employment, crisis and community support for people living with mental ill health.
For more information visit the Derby City Life Links website or call 0800 032 2202.