Derbyshire County Council invest £45,000 to make Chesterfield more mental health friendly

The pilot project delivered by mental health support network, Fuzzy Ducklings, will join with the existing Safe Places scheme run by the council’s public health department.

If successful, the trial in Chesterfield to create more safe spaces for people with mental health problems will be rolled out across Derbyshire.

Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Communities Councillor Carol Hart said: “For many people who suffer with anxiety, stress or depression a trip outside the home can be a difficult experience.

“COVID-19 has exacerbated existing symptoms for many people and has also increased the number of people feeling anxious about trips out.

“In providing some security and assurance, safe places and friendly faces may help people to overcome some of their anxieties.”

The local authority hopes to extend the number of safe spaces into private businesses and retailers, to increase the number of residents it reaches.

Chesterfield was chosen as the location for the pilot mental health scheme, where work has already taken place to extend safe spaces.

Founder of Fuzzy Ducklings Lee Waterhouse shared how his experience of mental health issues spurred him onto to help others.

“I began to form the idea of making Chesterfield a mental health friendly place”, he commented.

"I decided to create a mobile app where we bring together all the mental health services into one easy to find application.

“I also wanted to offer mental health awareness training to every business in the town centre.

“My passion for mental health awareness, and personal experience with mental health issues, puts Fuzzy Ducklings in the perfect position of providing a service that is of value to people throughout Chesterfield and Derbyshire."

The scheme will also develop a digital resource to help people find safe spaces that they can access if they feel unwell and encourage local businesses to train their staff on mental health awareness.

Chesterfield Mental Health Network will oversee the initial scheme in the town, as part of a multi-agency partnership with representatives from the community and voluntary sector, health and social care and the business industry.

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