Derbyshire Family Health Service

09/04/2026

Talking and singing with children from an early age can make a big difference to their speech and language development.

When you chat, sing or read with a child, you’re helping them hear new words, learn how conversations work and build confidence using their own voice. Everyday moments like getting dressed, walking to nursery or tidying up toys are great opportunities to talk together.

Singing is especially helpful because the rhythm, repetition and actions help children remember words and sounds. Nursery rhymes and simple songs can support listening skills and encourage children to join in, even before they can say all the words clearly.

A few simple ideas to try:
• Narrate what you’re doing during everyday activities
• Pause in songs or rhymes to let children fill in the missing word
• Repeat favourite songs and stories
• Encourage children to copy sounds, actions and words

Most importantly, enjoy the time together. When children see that communication is fun and valued, they’re more likely to join in and develop their speech and language skills.

[Video description: A parent with a toddler sat on their lap reading and enjoying a story book. Derbyshire Family Health Service logo is in the top right hand corner.].

08/04/2026

The UK government is proposing new plans to protect children and young people from the harms of va**ng. This includes proposals to make more places smoke and v**e-free, especially near schools, playgrounds and in cars with children present. The aim is to reduce exposure to second-hand vapour and discourage young people from picking up the habit in the first place.

These changes are part of the wider To***co and Vapes Bill, which also looks at how va**ng products are sold, displayed and advertised - all with the view to appeal less to under-18s.

We’ll share updates as the guidance is finalised, but the focus right now is clear: protecting children and young people by creating healthier environments for everyone.

Let us know what you think?

[Image description: A man in a car exhales vapour while holding a v**e. Text at the top reads, “Vaping around children?” Derbyshire Family Health Service logo in top right.]

07/04/2026

Derbyshire County Council's new Healthier Pregnancy service can help you eat well, exercise and stay healthy.

https://www.livelifebetterderbyshire.org.uk/services/healthier-pregnancy/healthier-pregnancy.aspx

[Image description: Illustration of broccoli. Inset photo of smiling woman eating salad. Healthy Beginnings logo.]

06/04/2026

Now spring is here, you and your baby might be getting out and about more and you could be feeling unsure about breastfeeding in public - but breastfeeding isn’t something you need to hide. We know it’s important you feel comfortable when feeding and our website has tips about ways to build your confidence. It is important to remember that you are protected by law to breastfeed in public.

To make things even more comfortable, over 400 venues across Derbyshire have signed up to the Derbyshire County Council Breastfeeding Welcome Here scheme. These venues offer a supportive environment and baby-friendly facilities, helping you feel more confident to feed when you’re out and about.

You can use the Breastfeeding Welcome Here venue map to filter venues by area and venue type, see if they have baby changing facilities, free drinking water facilities or an additional more private area should you prefer one.

Heading out? Look for a venue now: https://derbyshirefamilyhealthservice.nhs.uk/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-welcome-here-venue-finder

[Image description: Map showing breastfeeding-friendly venues in Derbyshire, with coloured markers, filters, a key, and service logo.]

03/04/2026

Easter brings plenty of sweet treats and young people love them, but having sugary snacks throughout the day can be tough on their teeth.

A simple way to help protect their smile is to encourage them to enjoy treats at mealtimes rather than eating sweets on and off all day. This reduces how long sugar stays on their teeth, giving enamel a better chance to stay strong and fight decay.

A little support now helps your young person maintain a healthier, happier smile.

Let them enjoy their chocolate and keep their teeth happy too!

[Image description: A selection of milk chocolate Easter eggs and colourful sweet eggs scattered on a surface. Derbyshire Teen Health logo is in the top right corner.]

02/04/2026

Derbyshire County Council have launched their new healthy pregnancy campaign - Healthy Beginnings - packed full of support and advice for parents to be. Whether this is your first baby, or not, there's always new things to learn!

https://joinedupcarederbyshire.co.uk/healthybeginnings/

[Image description: Illustration of a parent cradling a baby. Inset photo of a smiling couple with a baby. Healthy Beginnings logo.]

01/04/2026

Easter is almost here! A reminder of our service closure over the bank holiday weekend.

Our information and advice (Single point of access) line and the 0-5, 5-19 and 11-19 ChatHealth text services will close at 4.30pm on Thursday 2nd April and will reopen at 9am on Tuesday 7th April.

If you need medical advice during this time please call 111 or go online to 111.nhs.uk

For common questions you can also visit our website: https://derbyshirefamilyhealthservice.nhs.uk/

[Image description: Colourful speckled eggs border a white wooden background. Centre text: "Easter bank holiday service closure information." The Derbyshire Family Health Service logo is in the top right corner.]

31/03/2026

31/03/2026

Exam season is here, with mocks and revision starting for many. Helping your young person plan how to revise can really help make the most of the time ahead and can be the best way to help them overcome any stress or anxiety.

Try these ideas:
- Make a realistic revision schedule
- Find a revision style that suits them
- Customise notes to make them more personal
- Make sure they understand what they are revising - if they come across something they do not understand, find a new source of information that could help them to understand it or speak to their subject teacher for advice
- Encourage them to look at past exam papers
- Remind them to take regular short breaks
- Reward them, run them a relaxing bath or put a film on
- Get them to do something physical, a walk in the fresh air can take their mind off their studies
- Remind them to ask for help, from you or other family, a friend or teacher.

For more advice on helping your teen manage exam stress: https://derbyshireteenhealth.nhs.uk/youremotions/examstress

[Video description: A young person uses a higlighter to mark up a text book and then writes notes in a notebook. The Derbyshire teen health logo is in the top right corner.]

30/03/2026

It’s that time of year again when small chocolate eggs are lining the supermarket shelves. Did you know that they are the perfect size to block a small child’s airway and choke them? And, their hard shell can make it difficult to dislodge with standard first aid techniques.

That’s why they aren’t recommended for children under 4 years of age, but even older children could choke due to their shape.

So, when you’re stocking up for the Easter Bunny please stay safe and choose another treat for your little one, or if they do receive some, crushing them up with a rolling pin so they are no longer whole can reduce the risk.

For a guide on how to reduce choking risks and what to do if your child is choking you can read this guide from the Child Accident Prevention Trust:
https://capt.org.uk/choking-prevention/

[Image description: Two clear bowls—one with whole pastel-coloured chocolate eggs, the other with them crushed. Turquoise border; Derbyshire Family Health Service logo top right.]

27/03/2026

If you are planning a farm visit to see all the new spring arrivals in the Easter holidays following the simple rules listed below will help to keep you and your children safe from infections that may be found on open farms. Pregnant women need to take particular care as infections acquired from animals can be harmful to them and their unborn baby.🐑🐣

Things you should do when visiting a farm:
• wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after you have touched animals, fences or other surfaces in animal areas
• wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before eating or drinking
• supervise children closely to ensure that they wash their hands thoroughly
• only eat and drink in picnic areas or cafes
• remove and clean your boots or shoes if they have become dirty or muddy and clean pushchair wheels. Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water afterwards
• follow instructions and signage provided on farm sites

Things you should not do when visiting a farm:
• do not touch your face or put your fingers in your mouth while petting animals or walking around the farm
• do not allow children to put their faces close to animals
• do not pick up lambs - avoid holding, cuddling, or kissing them.
• do not eat or drink while touching animals or walking round the farm. This includes not eating sweets, crisps or chewing gum
• do not eat anything that has fallen on the floor
• do not use gels or wipes instead of washing hands with soap and water. Gels and wipes do not remove all germs you could catch from animals

Read more here: https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2024/05/02/how-to-stay-safe-from-infections-carried-by-animals-when-visiting-a-farm/

[Image description: A family with two children pet goats in a barn. Text: "Farms are great for a family day out. Animals can spread infections, so always follow the guidance at the farm." UK Health Security Agency logo in corner.].

26/03/2026

Expecting more than just chocolate eggs this Easter? If you’re pregnant, or know someone who is, here is an opportunity to learn more about feeding and comforting a newborn.

Whether this is a first baby or you are having a second, third or beyond and want to know more about infant feeding, our antenatal feeding sessions cover feeding methods, tips for getting off to a positive start and the support available once your baby arrives.

Sessions take place across the county, and you’re free to join whichever date and location works best for you - it doesn’t have to be the closest one. You’re more than welcome to bring along a partner, family member or friend for a bit of extra support.

April sessions are:
• Buxton - Tuesday 7th April 9.45am - 11.15am
• Long Eaton - Tuesday 7th April 10am - 12midday
• Repton - Wednesday 8th April 10am - 12.30pm
• Ilkeston - Thursday 9th April 10am - 12midday
• Matlock - Monday 13th April 10am - 11.30am
• Chesterfield - Thursday 16th April 9.15am - 10.45am
• Dronfield - Friday 17th April 9.30am - 11am
• Bakewell - Friday 17th April 10am -11.30am
• Shirebrook - Friday 17th April 12midday - 2.00pm
• New Mills - Wednesday 22nd April 10am - 12midday
• Woodville - Thursday 23rd April 10am - 12midday

To find full details, including venues, 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 woman and a young child in bunny ears sit on a bed, playing with colourful Easter eggs. The child watches as the woman holds up a blue egg. Derbyshire Family Health Service logo appears in the top right corner.]