Derbyshire Family Health Service

Derbyshire Family Health Service Supporting Derbyshire children, young people and families with health, wellbeing and NHS advice. To speak to our team tel. Closed bank holidays. Thank you

no. 01246 515100 (Mon-Fri, 9am - 4.30pm). If you need urgent medical advice please contact your own GP, out of hours service - NHS 111, or in an emergency, call an ambulance or attend your local Emergency Department. House rules:

We ask everyone to remember this is a family page and to abide by social media rules. We welcome all comments and opinions, but ask everyone to be polite and respectful

to one another. Comments that include content deemed to be abusive, offensive, sexist, racist, trolling or contain bad language will be removed. Anyone who persistently posts such content will be blocked from the page. We sincerely hope this will never happen so we can be an open, honest and respectful online community.

Do you, or your young person have worries or question about going back to school? Our team are here to help. ChatHealth ...
02/09/2026

Do you, or your young person have worries or question about going back to school? Our team are here to help. ChatHealth is a confidential text messaging service providing advice and support from one of our healthcare professionals from Monday to Friday, 9am – 4.30pm, excluding bank holidays.

For parents and carers of 0-5 year olds: Text 07507 327769.
For parents and carers of 5-19 year olds: Text 07312 263744.
Young people (11-19 year olds): Text a Derbyshire public health nurse on 07507 330025.

[Image description: Text graphic titled “ChatHealth” displays contact numbers for parents and carers of children aged 0–5, 5–19, as well as young people aged 11–19. Features the Derbyshire Teen Health and Derbyshire Family Health Service logos.]

01/09/2026

Feeding your baby is not just about nutrition, it's also about connection, comfort and supporting healthy brain development.

When you breastfeed, your baby experiences much more than milk. They are held close, comforted by your warmth, soothed by your voice, reassured by your smell, and connected through eye contact and touch. These moments help build a strong, loving relationship while supporting your baby's developing brain.

Close physical contact encourages the release of oxytocin (sometimes called the 'love hormone') in both you and your baby. Oxytocin helps you feel calm and connected, supports bonding and reduces stress, creating an environment where babies feel safe and secure.

Research shows that babies' brains develop through loving, responsive relationships. Every cuddle, every kiss, every time you respond to your baby's cries, hold them close, smile, talk or sing to them, you are helping to build the neural pathways that support emotional regulation, language, learning and resilience. You cannot spoil a baby by responding with love, comfort, and closeness. These responsive interactions also help your baby develop a secure attachment; this sense of security provides a strong foundation for healthy development.

While breastfeeding offers unique benefits for both parent and baby, these loving, responsive interactions are important however you feed your baby. Whether you're breastfeeding, expressing breastmilk, combination feeding or formula feeding, holding your baby close during feeds, making eye contact, talking, and responding to their cues all helps them feel safe, loved, and supported as their brain grows.

Every feed is an opportunity to nurture your baby's body, their brain, and your relationship together. 💜

You can read more about attachment here: https://derbyshirefamilyhealthservice.nhs.uk/our-services/0-5-years/your-babys-first-year/what-attachment

[Reel description: A baby breastfeeding looking up at their mother and the mother making eye contact with baby, a brain illustration with neurones glowing and a baby on their tummy smiling. End slide directs to the service website.]

31/08/2026

Play doesn't need to be expensive or complicated. Simple activities using everyday household items can help children build important skills while having lots of fun.

This week's Positive Play idea is a shape treasure hunt; a simple game that gets your pre-schooler moving, searching and thinking as they try to find the pieces and put the shape back together.

What you'll need:
• A piece of card or a paper plate
• Scissors
• A little space to hide the pieces

How to play:
Cut the card into a circle (or you could use a paper plate), then cut into quarters. Hide the pieces around the room, garden or another safe space for your child to find.

Once they've found all the pieces, challenge them to put the circle back together like a puzzle. You can make the treasure hunt easier or harder by changing how well you hide the pieces or how many pieces you use.

This simple game helps develop:
• Shape recognition
• Problem-solving skills
• Visual and spatial awareness
• Hand-eye coordination
• Concentration and focus
• Memory and recall
• Listening and following directions

You can talk about the shape as you play, using words such as circle, quarter, edge and corner. if they are finding it tricky, help by giving verbal directions or clues too, as this can help listening and direction following skills. You could also try making different shapes or cutting the circle into more pieces as your child becomes more confident.

It's a great activity for indoors or outdoors and can be adapted to suit different ages and abilities.

Keep an eye out for more Positive Play ideas that are low-cost, easy to set up and packed with opportunities to learn through play. We'd love to hear which games and activities your family enjoys most!

[Reel description: Shows card circle being cut and then child searching in their house, and finding the quarters then when they have all the pieces, putting them back together into a circle like a jigsaw puzzle. End slide with text: "Positive Play, simple and quick ideas to keep your little one playing and learning this summer!"]

As we approach the next bank holiday, please note that our ChatHealth text services and advice and information support l...
28/08/2026

As we approach the next bank holiday, please note that our ChatHealth text services and advice and information support line will be closed from 4.30pm today, Friday 28 August, and will re-open at 9am on Tuesday 1 September.

There are answers to lots of frequently asked questions on our website: https://derbyshirefamilyhealthservice.nhs.uk/

If you need medical attention this bank holiday, remember that you can access pharmacy services for some minor ailments at https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy/ or contact NHS 111, which is available 24/7. Simply call 111 or visit https://111.nhs.uk/.

In case of an emergency, always call 999.

[Image description: A handwritten note taped to a yellow background reads, “We are closed August Bank Holiday!” The Derbyshire Family Health Service logo is visible in the corner.]

Is your child or young person starting a new school this September, but not in the traditional 'new' year groups? Joinin...
27/08/2026

Is your child or young person starting a new school this September, but not in the traditional 'new' year groups?

Joining an established school community can feel daunting. Existing friendship groups have already formed, routines are familiar to everyone else, and your child may feel like they're "catching up."

If your child is starting a new school this September, here are some ways you can support them:

- Recognise that this transition may feel different. They may worry about fitting in or being "the new one." Let them know these feelings are understandable.
- Listen more than you reassure. Rather than saying, "You'll be fine," try asking, "What's worrying you the most?" Feeling heard can be just as important as finding solutions.
- Remind them that friendships take time. They don't need to find their best friend on day one. Even one friendly face or conversation is a positive step.
- Encourage them to ask for help. Knowing who they can speak to, a form tutor, pastoral lead or another trusted adult, can help them feel more confident if they're struggling.
- Focus on what they can control. Being prepared, arriving on time, knowing where key places are and showing kindness to others can all help build confidence.
- Celebrate small successes. Whether it's finding their classroom, joining in during a lesson or chatting to someone at lunch, every achievement deserves recognition.
- Be patient. Settling into a new school where everyone else already has established friendships can take weeks or even months. Progress isn't always linear, and that's okay.

A school move at any age can feel like a big step, but with understanding, encouragement and the right support, children and young people can build confidence, develop new friendships and find where they belong.

[Image description: Colourful poster featuring school-themed illustrations such as rucksacks, books, apples, a sun, and a laptop. The poster provides tips for children starting a new school in September, produced by Derbyshire Family Health Service.]

Autumn is coming, and with late September and October being popular months for new arrivals, perhaps you'll be meeting y...
26/08/2026

Autumn is coming, and with late September and October being popular months for new arrivals, perhaps you'll be meeting your own little pumpkin very soon. If you are pregnant and due in the next couple of months, now is the time to attend one of our antenatal feeding sessions. The sessions, run by our infant feeding practitioners, are here to help you feel confident from the start, they cover different feeding options, practical tips for those early days, and the support available once your baby arrives.

Sessions are held across the county, and you can book onto whichever date and location suits you best, no need to stick to the nearest one. You’re also welcome to bring a partner, family member or friend along for extra support.

September sessions are:
• Buxton - Tuesday 1st September 9.30am - 11.15am
• Long Eaton - Tuesday 1st September 10am - 12midday
• Repton - Wednesday 9th September 10am -12.30pm
• Ilkeston - Thursday 10th September 10am -12midday
• Matlock - Monday 14th September 10am - 11.30am
• Bolsover - Monday 14th September 12midday - 2.00pm
• Alfreton - Wednesday 16th September 10.30am to 12midday
• Chesterfield - Thursday 17th September 9.15am to 10.30am
• Dronfield - Friday 18th September 9.30am to 11am
• Bakewell - Friday 18th September 10am to 11.30am
• New Mills - Wednesday 23rd September 10am to 12midday
• Woodville - Wednesday 24th September 10am to 12.30pm

To find full details for these free sessions, head to the ‘What’s on’ section of our website and use the drop-down category filter to select Antenatal Feeding sessions:

https://derbyshirefamilyhealthservice.nhs.uk/about-us/news-and-events/whats-on

[Image description: A pregnant bump is painted with a cheerful pumpkin face and autumn leaves. A calendar displays a due date of October 2026. The Derbyshire Family Health Service logo appears in the top right corner.]

25/08/2026

Play doesn't need to be expensive or complicated. Simple activities using everyday household items can help children build important skills while having lots of fun.

This week's Positive Play idea is a game of bowling using empty plastic bottles as the pins. It's easy to set up, can be played indoors or out and is a great way to get children moving!

What you'll need:
• Empty plastic bottles
• Water to weigh them down (you could use sand or pebbles)
• A large ball

How to play:
Fill with enough water to weigh the bottles down, tighten the lids, and then set up your bottles in rows like bowling pins. You can use 10 bottles for a full game of bowling, or fewer if your child is younger. Don't worry if the bottles are all the same or different sizes, it can make the game more fun and challenging.

Take turns bowling the ball towards the bottles and see how many you can knock down. Count the bottles together and reset them for the next turn.

This simple game helps develop:
• Aim and accuracy
• Hand-eye coordination
• Gross motor skills
• Balance and body control
• Strength and movement
• Counting and number recognition

You can make the game easier or harder depending on your child's age and ability. Move the bottles closer for younger children or further away to add a challenge.

It's a great activity for getting children active while practising important physical skills and you don't need a bowling alley to have fun!

Keep an eye on our stories for more Positive Play ideas that are free/low-cost, easy to set up and packed with opportunities to learn through play. We'd love to hear which games and activities your family enjoys most!

[Reel description: Set up of the bowling with water bottles game shown with an empty water bottle being filled, then being set up in a garden, and in a hall by a door. A football is used to bowl at the bottles to knock them down. End slide with text: "Positive Play, simple and quick ideas to keep your little one playing and learning this summer!"]

Has a member of our staff made a difference or delivered extraordinary care?The Recognition of Staff Excellence, or ROSE...
24/08/2026

Has a member of our staff made a difference or delivered extraordinary care?

The Recognition of Staff Excellence, or ROSE award, is a local recognition scheme that honours and celebrates the exceptional care and dedication shown by our staff and volunteers. Whether that’s a health visitor, our infant feeding team, public health nurse, community nursery nurse, our continence team, our oral health team or a member of our admin team - this award enables you to say thank you to someone who made a difference to you at a moment when you needed it.

As a member of the public, you can nominate one of our team for a ROSE award to say thank you for making a difference or delivering an extraordinary level of care.

You can read more, and nominate, here: https://dchs.nhs.uk/about-us/quality-heart-our-care/patient-experience/recognition-staff-excellence-rose-awards

[Image description: A poster featuring three roses, promoting the ROSE Recognition of Staff Excellence Award and encouraging people to thank staff who have made a difference. The poster displays the Derbyshire Community Health Services, Derbyshire Teen Health and Derbyshire Family Health Service logos.]

Is your child starting secondary school this September? You may be wondering whether now is the right time to buy them t...
21/08/2026

Is your child starting secondary school this September? You may be wondering whether now is the right time to buy them their first mobile phone, or, if they already have one, what the move towards 'phone-free from bell to bell' school policies could mean for them.

Alongside this, the Government has announced plans to strengthen online safety for children and young people, including proposals to raise the age to access many social media platforms to over 16.

Together, these developments are prompting many families to think about when or if a child is ready for (or even needs) a smartphone and how to help them use any mobile device safely.

While the details are still being developed, the announcements give a good opportunity to think about whether your child needs a smartphone straight away, or whether a basic phone for calls and texts could meet their needs for now. have a really easy quiz for looking at options: https://www.smartphonefreechildhood.org/alternatives

If you do decide your child is ready for a smartphone, remember that getting the device is just the beginning. Take time to:
• Set up parental controls and privacy settings together.
• Talk about how to stay safe online and who they can speak to if something worries them.
• Agree family rules around screen time, apps, messaging and where phones are used at home.
• Keep checking in regularly as your child grows and their online world changes.

If you're looking for impartial advice, Internet Matters has practical guidance to help families understand the new safety measures, along with tips on setting up devices safely and managing online safety: https://www.internetmatters.org/resources/uk-social-media-ban-and-new-online-safety-measures

[Image description: A mobile phone shows the text, “Is now the right time to get my child a mobile device?” against a teal background. The Derbyshire Family Health Service logo appears in the top right corner.]

GCSE Results Day is here! 🎉Wishing all students across Derbyshire the very best of luck today.For those who have achieve...
20/08/2026

GCSE Results Day is here! 🎉

Wishing all students across Derbyshire the very best of luck today.

For those who have achieved the grades they've worked towards – Congratulations!

If today hasn't quite gone as planned, remember that there are still plenty of opportunities ahead. GCSE results don't define a young person's potential, and there are many different routes to success.

Parents and carers, your support and encouragement can make a huge difference today. Listen, reassure and remind your young person that there isn't just one path to a bright future.

Today isn't just about results – it's about looking ahead with confidence. Celebrate how far they've come, support them with whatever comes next, and remember that every journey is different.



[Image description: Image with text: “GCSE Results Day. Good luck to all our Derbyshire students!” The Derbyshire Teen Health logo appears at the bottom. There is a wavy orange border on a yellow gradient background.]

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Headquarters, Newholme Hospital, Baslow Road
Bakewell
DE451AD

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 9am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 9am - 4:30pm
Thursday 9am - 4:30pm
Friday 9am - 4:30pm

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