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.

Talking about secrets and surprises with your child might feel simple, but it’s one of the most powerful ways to help ke...
22/09/2025

Talking about secrets and surprises with your child might feel simple, but it’s one of the most powerful ways to help keep them safe.

A surprise is something fun like a birthday party or a special gift that we share later to make someone happy, surprises are not kept hidden indefinitely.

A secret, on the other hand, is something we’re told never to tell. Secrets can make children feel worried, unsafe, or trapped.

Helping children understand this difference gives them the confidence to speak up if someone asks them to keep a secret. Remind your child: “We don’t keep secrets in our family, but surprises are different - they’re meant to be shared when the time is right!”

Clear, open conversations now build trust and protect children.

[Image description: Top: Older woman whispering a secret in the ear of a young girl who looks socked and has her hand over her mouth. Bottom: Smiling child hands present to a smiling older woman. “Secrets Vs Surprises” text in the centre and Derbyshire Family Health Service logo in top right.]

Happy National Fitness Day 💪Parents, we see you juggling everything and still trying to stay healthy! Today’s a great re...
18/09/2025

Happy National Fitness Day 💪

Parents, we see you juggling everything and still trying to stay healthy! Today’s a great reminder that fitness doesn’t have to mean the gym or running marathons - just getting outside with the pram, walking to the park or doing a short home workout while the kids nap all count.

Here are a few easy ways to move more today:
- Pram walks - fresh air and cardio 👶
- Dance party in the living room (bonus points if the kids join in!)🎶
- 10-minute strength sessions during screen time 🏋️‍♀️
- Walk to school or the shops instead of driving 🚶‍♂️

Every step counts. Your health matters too. 💚

[Image description: Orange background with zigzag pattern. Bold navy text states "POWERED BY YOU", with "YOU" boxed. Below: NFD logo and " ".]

Young people are growing up chronically online. Social media, AI and algorithms are shaping how they learn about s*x, re...
17/09/2025

Young people are growing up chronically online. Social media, AI and algorithms are shaping how they learn about s*x, relationships and consent. Sadly it is not always safely.

Deepfakes and AI-generated content can create s*xualised images without consent, while algorithms often push misleading or harmful material to unsuspecting viewers. Many young people are seeing content that pressures or confuses them before they ever speak to a trusted adult.

Parents and carers can make a difference:
• Talk openly about online risks and consent
• Encourage critical thinking about what they see
• Share reliable s*xual health resources

Your support helps young people build healthy, informed relationships.

Find expert advice and resources at Your Sexual Health Matters and BrookCharity

[Image description: A silhouette of a person holding up a mobile phone against a colourful, gradient background, with a Derbyshire Family Health Service logo in the top right corner.]

September is the most common month for births in the UK. Most children are born without teeth, they start to erupt (teet...
15/09/2025

September is the most common month for births in the UK.

Most children are born without teeth, they start to erupt (teethe) from the age of 4-6 months. Keep an eye out for your baby’s first tooth and start to introduce the toothbrushing routine as soon as you see that first tooth. Use an age-appropriate toothbrush and just a smear of toothpaste (containing 1000 - 1500ppm of fluoride)

[Image description: An orange toothbrush with a smear of toothpaste is placed vertically on a grey surface. The Derbyshire Family Health Service logo is in the top right corner on an orange and white background.]

Do you have a family fire evacuation plan?Fires can start suddenly and spread quickly, leaving very little time to react...
12/09/2025

Do you have a family fire evacuation plan?

Fires can start suddenly and spread quickly, leaving very little time to react. Having a clear plan can make all the difference in keeping your loved ones safe.

Talk it through – Make sure everyone in your household knows what to do if the smoke alarm sounds. How will you and your family escape if a fire breaks out? Having a well-rehearsed escape plan can save vital minutes and can literally be a matter of life or death for your family.

Teach children - Talk to young children about what they should do if a fire breaks out. They will be scared and may be tempted to hide which means it takes longer to find and rescue them. It can feel difficult having the conversation, and you don’t want to frighten them so focus on the message of keeping everyone safe.

Plan your exits – Identify routes out of every room and ensure windows and doors open easily. Keep keys to any doors on your escape route in one place so you all know where they are in an emergency.

Choose a meeting point – Pick a safe spot outside, away from the house, where everyone can meet.

Practise regularly – A fire drill at home might seem unnecessary, but in an emergency, it could save lives.

Test your smoke alarms – Check them once a month and let your children hear the sound so they know what it means.

Take five minutes today to create your plan. It’s a small step that could make a big difference.

For more fire safety at home advice, visit the Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service website: https://www.derbys-fire.gov.uk/safety/at-home/escape-plans

[Image description: A family sits on a sofa, looking at an evacuation plan. A clipboard above shows a floor plan marked "Evacuation Plan." The Derbyshire Family Health Service logo appears in the bottom corner.]

Today is World Su***de Prevention Day. Help   and   today. Everyday conversations can save lives.For more information vi...
10/09/2025

Today is World Su***de Prevention Day. Help and today.

Everyday conversations can save lives.

For more information visit: www.bit.ly/derbyshirewspd

Derbyshire Mental Health & Su***de Prevention

[Image description: A poster with a megaphone, umbrella logo, and the text: "Change The Narrative. . This World Su***de Prevention Day 10th September 2025." Blue background with colourful accents.]

As groups start up again after the summer holidays, you might be thinking about what you can attend with your little one...
08/09/2025

As groups start up again after the summer holidays, you might be thinking about what you can attend with your little one.

If you’re currently breastfeeding or giving any breastmilk, our Breastfeeding Network Derbyshire groups can be a great way to meet other breastfeeding parents and get support.

If you’re pregnant, now might be a good time to think about joining an antenatal feeding session.

You can find details of all our groups on our website: https://derbyshirefamilyhealthservice.nhs.uk/about-us/news-and-events/whats-on

Your local library may also run regular rhyme time sessions - a lovely way to bond and enjoy songs and stories together: https://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/leisure/libraries/events/story-and-rhyme/story-and-rhyme-times.aspx

[Image description: Two women sit cross-legged, holding their babies, one is breastfeeding her baby. Colourful decorations and toys are visible in the background. The Derbyshire Family Health Service logo is in the top right corner.]

Whether it’s your child’s first day or a new class, school transitions can be tough. 😓ChatHealth connects you with real ...
05/09/2025

Whether it’s your child’s first day or a new class, school transitions can be tough. 😓

ChatHealth connects you with real NHS professionals who can help you support your child’s emotional wellbeing.

Text us in Derbyshire on: 07312 263744 or find help near you by visiting chathealth.nhs.uk/start-a-chat

[Image description: Purple background with ChatHealth and NHS logos. Text: 'Back to school worries? Message ChatHealth for confidential support and advice that parents can trust.' A blue backpack with school supplies is shown.]

Sepsis can affect anyone of any age. It’s often treatable if caught quickly… which is why we need everyone to know to ‘J...
03/09/2025

Sepsis can affect anyone of any age. It’s often treatable if caught quickly… which is why we need everyone to know to ‘Just ask: Could it be sepsis?’

It takes less than five minutes to watch The UK Sepsis Trust video and learn the signs of : https://youtu.be/_CpG_9iG2tk

[Image description 1: Illustration of a worried person surrounded by symptoms of sepsis, including slurred speech or confusion, mottled skin, extreme shivering or muscle pain, feeling like you’re going to die, severe breathlessness, and no urine. The UK Sepsis Trust logo is also present.

Image description 2: A mobile phone displays a video titled "What is sepsis?" against a red background. Bold text reads "LIFE-SAVING INFORMATION IN YOUR POCKET." The UK Sepsis Trust logo appears in the bottom right corner.]

September - we are almost through the school holidays! Time to remind yourselves of that school ready routine. Don’t for...
01/09/2025

September - we are almost through the school holidays! Time to remind yourselves of that school ready routine.

Don’t forget to brush teeth twice a day for 2 minutes. Remember, spitting out the bubbles and NOT rinsing will allow the fluoride to continue to protect and strengthen the tooth enamel. “Spit, don’t rinse with water” is a really simple message to feed your families smiles. 😁

[Image description: A photo of a green background of a young girl with curly hair is brushing her teeth in a bathroom. She is wearing a unicorn shirt and smiling happily. The Derbyshire Family Health Service logo appears in the top right corner.]

Supporting your child with the move to secondary school (or up into their next school year)? September can feel like a b...
28/08/2025

Supporting your child with the move to secondary school (or up into their next school year)?

September can feel like a big milestone.

Whether your child is starting secondary school for the first time or just moving up into a new school year, it’s normal for young people (and parents!) to feel a mixture of excitement and nerves.

Here are a few ways you can help:

- Talk openly. Give your child space to share how they’re feeling. Listening without judgement can help them feel more confident to open up.
- Get prepared together. Involve them in choosing school supplies, planning the journey to school or organising routines. It can help them feel more in control.
- Ease into routine. Starting a regular bedtime and wake-up time before term begins can make mornings less stressful once school starts.
- Remind them it’s OK not to know everything straight away. Settling in takes time, and every child does it at their own pace.

If your child is feeling anxious about the change, or if you’re worried about how they’re coping, you can contact our team for advice and support. For parents and carers of 5-19 year olds, text 07312 263744 to text with a Derbyshire public health nurse. It is available Monday to Friday, 9am – 4.30pm, excluding bank holidays. We are here to listen.

[Image description: A woman hugs a smiling girl from behind. The woman wears a green hoodie, and the girl wears a purple tracksuit. The Derbyshire Family Health Service logo appears in the top right corner.]

Struggling for snack ideas as we come to the end of the school summer holidays?If it feels like your children are consta...
26/08/2025

Struggling for snack ideas as we come to the end of the school summer holidays?

If it feels like your children are constantly asking for snacks, you're not alone! With routines still a bit relaxed, now’s a great time to keep things simple, tasty and healthy.

Try veggie sticks with hummus, yoghurt, fruit or rice cakes - all easy options that are better for them than crisps or sweets.

Looking for more inspiration? The NHS has plenty of quick, healthier snack ideas for children: https://www.nhs.uk/healthier-families/food-facts/healthier-snacks/

[Image description: Two young children, a boy and a girl, sit at a table opening lunchboxes containing healthy snacks. The boy is peeling an orange, whilst the girl, who is wearing a pink bow in her hair, holds an apple. In the corner of the image is the Derbyshire Family Health Service logo.]

Address

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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