Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health
Helping children and young people to have good emotional wellbeing and mental health is just as important as helping them to be well physically.
In Derbyshire, services in Education, Health, and Social Care are working together to ensure children and young people get the right help, in the right way, at the right time. This aims to stop small problems turning into big ones.
We want our children and young people to flourish and THRIVE, to have good wellbeing, strong relationships and supportive environments.
However, we all need different types of support at different times in our life. Sometimes it might just be about getting a bit of advice or finding self-help approaches for self-care which can prevent problems from getting worse. At other times professional help from a specialist service may be required. We use the THRIVE Framework to describe how to get the right support for each child or young person's needs. For more information about the THRIVE Framework, please view the 'Related Documents' section of this page, or view the following video.
To help find the right service or support offer, we have listed Derby and Derbyshire services and support available under the THRIVE areas:
- Getting Advice
- Getting Help
- Getting More Help and
- Getting Risk Support
We have also indicated which support is available for young adults aged 18 to 25 years.
More support for young adults can be found under the 'Mental Health' heading within:
Joined Up Care Derbyshire - Self-referral Services
You can also find more information by visiting:
Joined Up Care Derbyshire - Self harm and suicide prevention
A note about using AI
We know that parents, carers, children and young people may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools or chatbots to look for information or comfort about how they are feeling. However, using AI tools for friendship and support in times of worry is not a replacement for real support. Many AI tools are not designed for children and cannot keep people safe, spot serious risks, or help in a crisis. It is advised that children and families should use trusted, human‑led support, such as school staff, GPs, NHS services, or recognised helplines.
The support outlined on this page has been commissioned and approved by the NHS, Local Authority or public health.
Getting advice and sign-posting
This information helps children and young people understand their feelings and learn simple ways to feel better. It includes helpful advice, information about wellbeing, online resources, short‑term support, and guidance on where to find extra help in the community or at school.
Kooth Online Support Service (11 to 25 Years Old)
Kooth is for all young people aged 11 to 25 years old and provides online information and support, including the option of 1:1 online chat with a trained counsellor. This service is regulated and is not AI. No referral is needed. The services provide access to text-based counselling with accredited counsellors from 12 noon until 10pm on weekdays and 6pm until 10pm on weekends as well as 24/7 access to online forums where concerns and relevant articles can be shared and discussed. Please visit to sign up and create an account for free.
Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust - Mental Health Helplines and Support Services (All Ages)
Dial 111 and select 'mental health' (option 2) to reach the Derbyshire Mental Health Helpline or any NHS helpline wherever you are across the country.
This is an NHS freephone service for people of any age, including parents, carers or loved ones. It is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for anyone experiencing distress or anxiety, people feeling that they cannot cope, or who require advice about mental health. The response is tailored to each caller's situation. When indicated, calls may be passed to a clinician for triage, and children and young people may be referred to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) urgent care services.
ChatHealth (11 to 19 Years Old)
ChatHealth is an NHS confidential text messaging service that allows young people aged 11 to 19 years old to get advice and support from a school nurse or health professional in a way that feels safe and discreet. It can be used to ask questions about mental health, relationships, and general wellbeing, making it easier to get help without needing to speak face to face. A separate ChatHealth service is also available for parents and carers in Derbyshire, offering support and guidance from a public health nurse on a range of child health and wellbeing topics.
NHS Mental Health Services
A range of NHS approved offers including national charities and support for parents and carers can be found by visiting NHS - Mental Health Services.
Care and Support Services Directory
A wider selection of local and national support offers can also be found in our Care and Support Services directory.
Getting Help
The following support offerings are for children and young people who are finding things harder in everyday life, such as managing big feelings or coping when things go wrong. It offers clear goals and practical help, using proven approaches, and is provided in schools or local community services.
Compass Changing Lives (5 to 18 years old, up to 25 years old in certain circumstances)
Compass Changing Lives provides early and preventative emotional wellbeing and mental health support for Children, Young People aged 5 to 18 years old and up to 25 years old for those leaving care or with Special Education Needs or Disability, and their parents/carers.
Changing Lives offers confidential one-to-one support and group work to help children and young people with a range of mild to moderate emotional wellbeing and mental health needs such as learning how to deal with feeling sad, not wanting to do things, feeling worried, scared or frustrated, having trouble with family and friends, handling changes, and controlling emotions.
Changing Lives comprises 2 distinct services, Mental Health Support Teams (MHST) working in education settings and an Early Intervention and Targeted Support Service (EITSS), working collaboratively to provide a comparable offer across Derby and Derbyshire.
First Steps Eating Disorder: Early Intervention and Prevention Support (All Ages)
The 'Derby and Derbyshire All-age Early Intervention and Prevention Service for Eating Disorders' provided by First Steps supports children aged 5 and above, young people and adults who are having difficulties with eating, food or body image, including early signs of an eating disorder. The service offers early, non-judgemental support to help people understand what they are experiencing, build coping strategies and access the right help at the right time. Support may include information and guidance, practical advice, support for families and carers, therapeutic evidence-led one-to-one sessions, groups and workshops.
Derby and Derbyshire Talking Therapies (16 Years and above)
Derby and Derbyshire Talking Therapies offers confidential mental health support for young people and adults age 16 years old and over. Funded by the NHS and delivered by Vita Health Group and Everyturn Mental Health, the service provides compassionate, accessible help for common issues such as anxiety, low mood, stress and depression. With over 40 years’ combined experience in effective talking therapies, they’re here to support you when reaching out feels difficult. For young people living in Glossop, please contact Pennine Care Talking Therapies.
Getting More Help
Child Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) (0 to 18 years old)
Child Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) is an NHS service that supports children and young people with more serious mental health difficulties. They provide assessments and interventions for children and young people with moderate to severe mental health presentations. CAMHS have different specialist services to support specific mental health needs. The service accepts referrals for children and young people up to their 18th birthday. Non-urgent referrals are accepted from any involved professionals such as social workers, school nurses, school professionals, doctors, and educational psychologists.
Please visit one of the following links most suitable for your location:
South Derbyshire, Erewash, Amber Valley, South Dales and Derby City
Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust - Children's Mental Health Services
North Derbyshire, Chesterfield and High Peak
Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust - Child & Adolescent Mental Health
Glossop
Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust - Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)
Learning Disability CAMHS (0 to 19 years old)
The Learning Disability CAMHS team helps children and families in Derbyshire who have moderate to severe learning disabilities, mental health issues or behaviours that may be considered challenging or distressing. They work with children and teens from 0 to 18 years old. The team takes referrals from schools, doctors, social workers, or other health professionals. The team aims to reduce mental health problems and/or reduce behaviours and increase quality of life for young people and their families.
Please visit one of the following links most suitable for your location:
South Derbyshire, Erewash, Amber Valley and South Dales
Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust - Intellectual Disabilities (ID) CAMHS
North Derbyshire
Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust - Learning Disability (LD) CAMHS Team
Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust - Helpful Videos for Parents and Carers
Glossop
Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust - Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services
Derbyshire Early Intervention in Psychosis (DEIPS) for people over 14 years, helps people who are experiencing symptoms of psychosis for the first time, offering personalised support for up to 3 years. The team can help with understanding and managing symptoms, talking therapies, medication choices, staying in or returning to work or education, and looking after your physical health. They also work closely with families and are experienced in supporting people with autism and those with learning disabilities who may need extra adjustments.
For more information about psychosis and its symptoms, please view the Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust - Derbyshire Early Intervention in Psychosis Service leaflet.
Derby & Derbyshire Emotional Health & Wellbeing Service for Children In Care (DECC) - Action For Children (0 to 24 years old)
The Derby and Derbyshire Emotional Health and Wellbeing Service for Children in Care (DECC) is a trauma and attachment informed therapeutic support service for children in care, care leavers and the systems that support them. Providing a range of interventions and psychological approaches, designed to be both flexible and systemic. This allows us to tailor the next steps for each child or young person’s unique journey towards therapeutic recovery.
Young Adult Service Derbyshire Federation for Mental Health (17.5 to 25 years old)
The Young Adult service (YAS) is a psychosocial, therapeutically informed service that supports young adults from age 17.5, up to the age of 25 years following discharge from CAMHS or requiring additional support while under the care of Adult Mental Health Services. The service has 3 parts: Peer support (up to 2 years after discharge), a Wellbeing worker offering up to 12 sessions and an Engagement worker offering up to 12 practical community sessions. YAS has a focus on 4 high priority groups of young adults with the following needs:
- Mental health needs and mild learning difficulties (those not eligible for adult services)
- Autism with social anxiety and/or other mental health needs
- Safeguarding concerns (not eligible for adult services)
- Medication that needs regular review (including ADHD medications, age 18 years old +)
Getting Risk Support
Sometimes children, young people and families need urgent help. This includes safety planning, crisis response and risk management, alongside therapeutic support where appropriate for those at significant risk of harm to themselves or others.
When there is immediate danger or there is a serious risk to life or safety, call 999. Deaf British Sign Language (BSL) users can contact emergency services through the free 999 BSL app or website, which connects you to a live interpreter 24/7. Both services are suitable for people with SEND, offering clear, accessible guidance.
When someone is experiencing a mental health crisis and needs urgent support, dial 111 and select mental health (option 2) and you will be connected to the Derbyshire Mental Health Helpline.
NHS 111 - Check your mental health symptoms
NHS 111 - Check your mental health symptoms is an NHS freephone service for people of any age, including parents, carers or loved ones. It is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for anyone experiencing distress or anxiety, people feeling that they cannot cope, or who require advice about mental health. The response is tailored to each caller's situation. When indicated calls may be transferred to a clinician for triage, and children and young people may be referred to CAMHS urgent care services.
Childline
Childline offers online advice and resources to support when coping with self-harm or suicidal thoughts. You can call 0800 1111 to talk to a Childline counsellor at any time. They're there to help you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The Samaritans (All Ages)
The Samaritans provide non-judgemental emotional support for those experiencing feelings of distress, despair or suicidal thoughts. You can telephone The Samaritans on 116 123. Calls are free any time, from any phone. Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Child Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) Urgent Care Teams (0 to 18 years old)
Children and young people known to CAMHS will be provided with a duty phone number to contact CAMHS should there be an increase in risks or a deterioration in presentation.
Professionals seeking urgent mental health advice or with a referral for urgent mental health assessment and involvement can contact:
South Derbyshire, Erewash, Amber Valley, South Dales and Derby City
Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust - CAMHS Liaison Team
Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust - CAMHS Crisis & Home Treatment Team
North Derbyshire
Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust - Children's Urgent Care Team
Glossop
Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust - CAMHS Urgent Help
Urgent Mental Health Crisis Care Services (18 years old +)
The NHS provides several urgent mental health crisis support options, including community crisis drop-in centres and Safe Havens in Derby and Chesterfield. These services offer calm, supportive spaces where people aged 18 years old and over can talk to trained staff, get emotional help and discuss next steps for their wellbeing. They are also suitable for people with SEND, with staff able to adapt communication, accessibility and support approaches. BSL users can watch a signed video about the service.
Information for Professionals and Schools
Derby and Derbyshire Mental Health Pathway Guidance July 2023
Finding the right help at the right time to support children and young people (CYP) with their mental health and wellbeing can be confusing. Schools and education settings are placed in different localities that have different support structures or services around them. The Derby and Derbyshire Mental Health Pathway guidance has been developed with this in mind, to assist those who work with CYP in Derbyshire and Derby City. Schools and settings can add their own information to make it bespoke to them.
CAMHS Specialist Community Advisors (SCAs)
CAMHS Specialist Community Advisors provide consultations to all professionals from statutory, community and voluntary organisations, about the mental health and wellbeing being of children and young people. Consultations involve the SCA providing evidence based specialist mental health advice, appropriate ongoing support options, guidance, signposting or support to make onward referrals. If you already have established links then please continue to contact your SCA directly.
North Derbyshire
Localities: Chesterfield, North East Derbyshire and Bolsover, High Peak, North Derbyshire Dales
Please visit: CAMHS North Derbyshire - Specialist Community Advisors
Southern Derbyshire and Derby City
Localities: Derby City, Erewash, Amber Valley, South Derbyshire and South Derbyshire Dales
Please visit: Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust - CAMHS Specialist Community Advisor (SCA)