Supporting Student Mental Health in Derbyshire: A Guide to Wellbeing and Resources

In Derbyshire, there is a growing network of support designed to help young people feel heard, supported, and empowered to take care of their emotional wellbeing.

🌱 Why Mental Health Matters

Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by schoolwork, struggling with anxiety, or just having a tough day, it's important to know that you're not alone. Mental health challenges can affect anyone, and seeking help is a sign of strength — not weakness.

🧠 Local Support Services for Students

Derbyshire offers a wide range of mental health resources tailored to young people:

1. Derbyshire Mental Health Helpline

Available 24/7, this free service provides emotional support, practical advice, and access to clinical help if needed. Just dial 111 and select the mental health option. Link here

2. Kooth

A free, anonymous online platform offering counselling, peer support forums, and helpful articles. Accessible 365 days a year, Kooth is ideal for students who prefer digital support. Mental Health Services Derbyshire

3. Compass Changing Lives

This service offers early intervention and targeted support for children and young people aged 5–18 (and up to 25 for care leavers or those with SEND). Support includes one-on-one sessions, group work, and help with anxiety, low mood, and emotional regulation. Compass

4. Derby & Derbyshire Emotional Health & Wellbeing Website

A one-stop hub for local and national mental health resources, including support for neuro-diverse students, suicide prevention, and wellbeing campaigns. [Derby & De...Wellbeing]

5. School-Based Support

Many Derbyshire schools now have trained mental health leads and offer drop-in sessions with school nurses. Initiatives like the Five Ways to Wellbeing and the SMILERS programme help students build resilience and emotional awareness from a young age. Five Ways Derbyshire

💬 What You Can Do

• Talk to someone: A trusted teacher, school nurse, or parent can help you find the right support.
• Use School Platforms to access wellbeing resources.
• Practice self-care: Sleep well, eat healthily, stay active, and take breaks from screens.
• Reach out early: Don’t wait for things to get worse — small problems are easier to manage when addressed early.

🧡 Final Thoughts

Mental health is a journey, and every student deserves to feel safe, supported, and understood. Whether you're in Year 7 or Year 13, help is available — and there’s no shame in asking for it.

If you're struggling, please reach out. You matter, and support is just a call, click, or conversation away.