Derbyshire Parent Carer Voice (DPCV) is a registered charity run by volunteers who are parent carers for children and young people who are disabled and /or have special educational needs.
The members are all deeply passionate about what they do. We are independent of the Local Authority, but work together with services across, health, education and social care to ensure the parent carer voice is heard.
- We do this to improve services to ensure all young people get to have an equitable opportunity to realise their potential.
- Our aim is to empower parent carers, by networking and sharing knowledge
- We do this so parent carers do not feel they are alone.
To contact DPCV, please email: info@derbyshireparentcarervoice.org or take part in one of the events.
Live Q&A Sessions with the Pathalogical Demand Avoidance (PDA) Society
Following the fantastic feedback we received from parent carers last year, we’re delighted to be working with the PDA Society again to offer two live Q&A sessions this autumn. These informal, interactive sessions are designed to deepen understanding and offer practical support around PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance).
Session 1: Understanding Distressed Behaviours in those with Pathalogical Demand Avoidance (PDA)
Distressed behaviours in those with PDA are often misunderstood, yet they are powerful expressions of unmet needs, anxiety, or sensory overwhelm. This session will explore the underlying causes and offer compassionate, practical strategies for support at home.
Note: This is not a formal training session, but an informal opportunity to ask questions and gain helpful insights.
What to Expect:
- Live answers to your questions from experienced PDA trainers
- Insights into the drivers behind distressed behaviours
- Practical approaches for support
- A relaxed, supportive space for discussion and shared understanding
Date: Monday 13 October 2025, 1:30pm–2:30pm
Location: Online
Book your place via Eventbrite
Session 2: Helpful Approaches for Supporting those with Pathalogical Demand Avoidance (PDA)
This session will focus on what actually helps, from reducing anxiety and building trust to using collaborative, flexible strategies tailored to the individual’s needs and autonomy.
Note: This is not a formal training session, but an informal opportunity to ask questions and gain helpful insights.
What to Expect:
- Live answers to your questions from experienced PDA trainers
- Discussion of supportive, low-demand, relationship-based approaches
- Practical tips for everyday situations in home, education, or care settings
- A welcoming space to share ideas and build confidence
Date: Friday 17 October 2025, 10am–11am
Location: Online
Book your place via Eventbrite
Self-Care and Its Importance
Following the feedback from DPCV's previous wellbeing sessions, DPCV are excited to invite you to another gentle and supportive session – this time focused on the vital role of self-care in our everyday lives.
In this session, you'll reflect on:
- Why self-care matters and how it supports your overall wellbeing,
- Simple ways to nurture yourself, even in small moments,
- How to make space for self-care amidst the demands of daily life.
We’ll end the session with a calming relaxation experience, giving you a chance to unwind, reset, and reconnect with yourself. Feel free to bring a cozy blanket, a warm drink, and settle in for some well-deserved “you time.”
This session will be led by Nicole Woodcock from Hummingbird Hypnotherapy, a compassionate practitioner dedicated to supporting the wellbeing of parents and carers.
Whether you’ve joined us before or this is your first time, we’d love to welcome you. These sessions are here to support, uplift, and remind you that your wellbeing matters too.
Date: Wednesday 22 October 2025, 12–1:30pm
Location: Online
Book your place via Eventbrite
Local Support Group Survey
One of DPCV's current initiatives is to build a comprehensive network of support groups available to parents and carers across Derbyshire. As you may know, DPCV's new website is under construction, and they plan to feature an interactive map highlighting the various support groups in the region.
To make this happen, they need your help! They've created a short survey and would appreciate it if you could take a few moments to complete it. By sharing details about any support groups you are aware of, whether it's a local coffee meet-up, or something more structured, you'll be helping us connect parents and carers in need of vital peer support.
Complete the Survey
Newsletters
View the latest DPCV Newsletters or download a copy to share with friends and relatives.
Information
We provide support and information which we share with you via the DPCV website, face-to-face meetings, our newsletter which we distribute to parent and carers school's and other partners, and via social media.
Peer-to-Peer Support
Some of the best support and ideas come from talking with others in a similar situation who can empathise and share what works for them.
Events - Workshops and Specialist speakers
Information is power - we aim to keep you up to date with speakers on education, health and social care related matters.
View all DPCV Events