DRCS News
10th July 2025 - DRCS Attending The Chesterfield Pride Event On 19th July 2025
Derwent Rural Counselling Service are attending with a stall at this year's Chesterfield Pride event located at Stand Road Recreation Ground, Chesterfield, S41 8SW. July 19th 2025 between 12:00 and 21:00. DRCS is a local and friendly Counselling Therapy service in the centre of Chesterfield.
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30th April 2025 - ‘Lead With Love’… Some Reflections For Recognising And Managing Stress In 2025
April 2025 is UK Stress Awareness Month which aims to foreground the enormous importance of recognising and managing stress in daily life, in all its manifestations, both in the workplace and in the personal domains of people’s lives. Given the pace of twenty first century existence, it is probably true to say that exposure to stress is unavoidable and that persons of all ages are likely to encounter it. This is not necessarily a bad thing and as any athlete will tell us, a certain level of stimulation and adrenalin-rush is necessary to generate a winning performance. However, when a critical level of stimulation is surpassed then productivity rapidly falls away and the individual becomes vulnerable mental and physical harm. Evidence supports this in that in the UK during 2023-24:
Read More22nd April 2025 - A Walk in the Woods: Pleasant Stroll Or a Step Too Far?
Health professionals are increasingly recognising the benefits of simply getting out into nature – a walk in the park, a wander through a wood, a stroll by a lake or river. Feel the breeze in your hair, let the April showers refresh you, lap up the sunshine! At this time of year every day is different! Doctors now do something called ‘social prescribing’. Instead of writing a prescription for medicine, they may write one for a social, practical or physical activity that connects you with nature or with community activities. It’s amazing the impact some regular physical exercise in the fresh air can have. It doesn’t have to be strenuous, in fact it can be especially helpful to take things gently, drinking in the detail and perhaps the beauty of our surroundings. So much of our time can be spent inside or rushing from place to place without noticing much beyond what is in our own heads.
Read More17th April 2025 - Five Years On From COVID
Five years ago we were in the middle of the first COVID lockdown. It’s quite common now to hear people say, ‘It all seems like a bad dream’. But for many of us the effects of that ‘bad dream’ are still with us. We suffered losses that will be with us for ever and yet daily life has returned to a new ‘normal’ because it’s had to. We’ve put on our coping faces and got on with things. Sometimes it feels as though what we went through has been forgotten or pushed under the carpet by those around us – or even by us. Yet we can suddenly be caught unawares, overwhelmed by a memory. People all over the place are holding in grief, resentment, despair, regrets. Some are just feeling that we haven’t really recovered but we don’t know why.
Read More11th April 2025 - Free Initial Assessment Now Offered
We are pleased to offer a free initial assessment for a limited amount of time, where our experienced therapists will take the time to understand your needs and recommend the best course of action. Following the assessment, you will receive six therapy sessions completely free of charge, giving you the opportunity to begin your journey toward improved well-being without any financial commitment.
Read More24th March 2025 - Exploring Strategies In Work With Children, Teenagers & Young Adults
A participatory workshop on Thursday, 8th May 2025: 4.30pm-7pm at Serenity House, New Beetwell Street, Chesterfield with Dr Max Biddulph, University of Nottingham. Rationale: In the twentieth century, scholars John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth proposed and refined a theory of attachment that revolutionised our understanding of emotional development, emphasising that the bonds formed in infancy shape our capacity for trust, intimacy, and emotional regulation throughout life.
Read More19th March 2025 - New Student Counsellor Placement Scheme
We are looking to recruit volunteer student counsellors who meet the following criteria: You must be in the second year of a Level 4 Diploma, Degree or Higher-level course and have your own indemnity insurance of £5,000,000. You must have membership of a professional body such as BACP, UKCP, NCPS or similar. We would like you to provide a minimum of 4 client sessions per week initially and commit to a one year placement.
Read More17th March 2025 - Free 2-Hour Wellbeing Workshop In April
Have you ever wondered "where can I find a wellbeing workshop?" The answer is "at Derwent Rural Counselling Service." Free 2-hour wellbeing workshop where we will cover: anxiety, depression and stress. We will discuss ways you can help yourself to stay well. The first date is Wednesday 2nd April 12.30 -2.30pm. Venue- Serenity House, New Beetwell Street, Chesterfield. S40 1QR. Serenity House is an Accessible Building. Call 0800 047 6861 or email admin@drcs.org.uk to book a place or for more information.
Read More8th March 2025 - International Women's Day 2025 Spotlights Female Mental Health
International Women's Day (IWD) is a global celebration of women's social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The theme for 2025 is to "Accelerate Action".
Read More3rd March 2025 - It's Okay To Talk Period - Endometriosis Awareness Week
5-10% of women suffer from endometriosis and its sister adenomyosis. These little-talked-about conditions can cause severe pain during periods and at other times. They often take years to get diagnosed and treatments are not always very effective. Sufferers report being ‘dismissed, ignored or belittled’ when they seek medical advice, or told ‘it’s just period cramps’.
Read More18th February 2025 - February 2025 Is LGBT+ History Month
This month marks the twentieth anniversary of UK LGBT+ History Month, initiated by the Education charity ‘School’s Out’ in 2005 as a way of profiling all the incredible things that LGBT+ people have achieved throughout history in all areas of life.
Read More17th February 2025 - DRCS Launch New CPD Programme
We are pleased to announce the launch of DRCS's new CPD programme. Details of the first event are listed in this article with more interesting and diverse topics to come. CPD for psychological therapists, support workers and others with an interest in DISSOCIATION.
Read More13th February 2025 - Mind Your Head Week 3-9 February 2025
The Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies) marks this week (10th-14th February) with its 8th Mind Your Head campaign drawing attention to farmers’ mental health and well-being. From outbreaks of disease to unpredictable markets, from changes in inheritance tax to the good old British weather, farmers and their families can find themselves under intolerable pressure, sometimes very suddenly.
Read More31st January 2025 - Know yourself - Grow yourself - Children's Mental Health Week 3-9 February, 2025
Children's Mental Health Week 2025 will take place from 3-9 February 2025. This annual event shines a spotlight on the importance of children and young people's mental health. This year the focus will be the theme ‘Know Yourself, Grow Yourself’, with the aim to equip and empower children and young people across the UK to embrace self-awareness and explore what it means to them.
Read More17th January 2025 - January Blues
It’s January and this month doesn’t have a great reputation as a ‘feel-good’ time of year. A few searches online soon reveal some of the reasons for this, with the month containing ‘the most depressing day of the year’ - Blue Monday 20th January. A combination of environmental and social conditions goes to the heart of this, such as the weather conditions, money worries, a long time until the next holiday, broken new year's resolutions which lead to low levels of motivation within people.
Read More31st December 2024 - New Year New Me
So as a new year dawns and the Christmas decorations come down, we find ourselves presented with a fresh start and blank canvas to enable us to grow into ‘a new me’. Whilst at first the commitment is there in the form of new year’s resolutions, sadly evidence suggests that by the beginning of February, 88% of people will have abandoned their goals set on 1st January and reverted to their old ways of being.
Read More23rd December 2024 - How Christmas May Affect Mental Health
While Christmas and New Year are often associated with excitement and joy, they can also bring challenges that strain our mental, emotional, physical, and financial well-being. For many, the festive season can feel overwhelming for a variety of reasons. It’s okay if you’re not feeling joyful at this time of year. Below, you’ll find advice and resources to help navigate these challenges.
Read More20th December 2024 - Christmas Ho Ho Ho Or Help Help Help
"Tis the season to be Merry" and the great Christmas machine is sweeping into action. Whilst for some people it may be ‘the most wonderful time of the year’ for other people it becomes a stressful time, when time and money get pressured. It’s hardly surprising Christmas becomes a ‘critical event’ shining a light on everything that is going on in life, the good and the bad.
Read More8th November 2024 - Trustees Week 4-8 November 2024
In UK National Trustees’ Week (4-8 November 2024), DRCS embraces the theme of ‘celebrating, supporting and inspiring trustees’ by announcing the appointment of two new members of its board of trustees. In joining DRCS, Janet Henderson and Menna Yarwood become part of a national trustee workforce comprising an estimated one million people, who voluntarily play an essential role in governing charities across the UK, engaging in teamwork to make effective decisions.
Read More7th November 2024 - Trustees Week At DRCS
We are celebrating trustees week here at DRCS. Trustees are volunteers who oversee the governance of the charity. You may think that sounds boring; however, meetings are lively, with good humour as well as addressing business matters. The commitment of the Trustees is vital, they may not all be practicing psychological therapists, however they make a real difference by keeping our charity running safely.
Read More10th October 2024 - Mental Health Day - It is time to Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace
Employed adults spend more of their waking hours working than engaging in any other activity. At its best, work offers not only a livelihood but also meaning, purpose, an opportunity to create friendships and enjoyment. Unfortunately, for many, work falls short of this potential, often diminishing well-being and negatively impacting mental health, leading to heightened stress and mental health challenges.
Read More2nd October 2024 - Room Hire Facilities AT DRCS
At DRCS, we can offer out some of our consultation/meeting rooms for hire across our Derbyshire based sites. At our different locations we have 35 rooms available for hire. These are either consultation rooms for use by a psychotherapist and client or a meeting room, suitable for up to 20 people.
Read More12th August 2024 - Board Meeting Minute Taker Required
DRCS are seeking a volunteer to join them in Board Meetings as a minute taker. The commitment would be to join the Board and Senior Management Team face to face quarterly ( not monthly), at our central Chesterfield base. We expect the commitment will be 2 hours attendance at the meeting and approximately 1 hour admin between meetings. We are a friendly group and would support the successful applicant to settle in and feel part of the team.
Read More1st July 2024 - DRCS Celebrates 35 Years Supporting The Community
The Eighties is remembered for some awful fashion trends and really unforgettable tunes. The likes of U2 and Queen were making themselves global stars. Live Aid brought together 2 billion people around the world to help make a meaningful change to the lives of millions of people in need.
Read More20th June 2024 - New Bakewell Base For Talking Therapies Centre
Derbyshire charity Derwent Rural Counselling Service (DRCS) has relocated to a new base in Bakewell. The service has been a registered charity since 1989 and first started providing counselling for agricultural workers in Derbyshire suffering from mental health issues, brought on by the massive financial losses they faced during the foot and mouth disease crisis.
Read More7th June 2024 - Accessing NHS Talking Therapies Services
DRCS is a non-profit organisation providing specialist mental health services and NHS Talking Therapies. Our therapy service is based in and operate across the Derbyshire region, offering year-round support and benefits to the local community. Our team of therapists also provides a waiting list support service for other therapy providers across the UK. The NHS Talking Therapies, for anxiety and depression programme aims to support as many people as possible, through providing assessment and for those who are likely to benefit, a course of treatment.
Read More17th May 2024 - Why Dancing Is A Great Way To Enhance Your Fitness & Your Brain
Dancing isn't just about having a good time, it is also a powerful tool for connecting with others and boosting your mood. Recent research delves into its profound effects on health and well-being. Beyond its obvious benefits for mental health and memory, dancing can also alleviate pain and outperform traditional exercise in brain and fitness enhancement.
Read More19th April 2024 - DRCS Open Evening at Serenity House on New Beetwell Street in Chesterfield
Would you like to learn more about our charity and the different roles including employed, self-employed and volunteers? This varies from counsellors and trustees to administrators and senior managers. DRCS are holding an open evening at Serenity House in Chesterfield on Thursday 25th April 2024 from 3pm - 7pm.
Read More18th April 2024 - Self-employed Accredited and Pre-accredited Counsellors
DRCS are recruiting self-employed Accredited and Pre-accredited Counsellors across Derbyshire, due to the sustained high demand for our services.
Read More17th April 2024 - Polyvagal Theory Delivered to Group Training Session
Derwent Rural Counselling Service continued its programme of in-house training with a group session on Polyvagal Theory.
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25th January 2024 - New Programme Supports Parents and Carers of Children With Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
Parents of children with additional needs or disabilities in the county can access a free eight-week skills-based programme with therapy and online peer support.
Read More23rd January 2024 - Group Therapy – Is It For You?
Group therapy can be beneficial for people with a wide range of mental health difficulties, including anxiety, depression, and relationship issues.
Read More11th January 2024 - Missed Appointments – Cancelling is Better Than Not Showing Up
Missed appointments – cancelling is better than not showing up.
Read More15th December 2023 - Six Strategies for Managing Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
As we enter the winter months, concerns about mental health and well-being may arise. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that some people experience during the winter, possibly due to factors such as reduced daylight hours. Not everyone is affected by SAD, but if you are, here are some self-help tips to navigate the upcoming months.
Read More14th December 2023 - Why is There an Increase in Domestic Violence During the Christmas Season?
The Christmas period typically sees a rise in police responses to domestic abuse incidents.
Read More23rd November 2023 - Carers Rights Day & Mental Health Support
Today is Carers Rights Day, an annual event dedicated to raising awareness about the rights and challenges faced by unpaid family carers. It serves as a valuable resource for carers, providing information and support to help them understand their rights, access resources, and navigate the complexities of caregiving.
Read More14th November 2023 - 20th Year for Industry Accreditation for DRCS
(Left to right) Celebrating 20 years’ accredited – DRCS clinical lead Kim Heappey and CEO Janette Smeeton.
Read More9th November 2023 - Lest We Forget - Veterans and Mental Health Issues
Remembrance Day, also known as Armistice Day, is observed annually on November 11 and this year will be no different. It serves as a solemn occasion to honour and remember those who have died in wars and pay tribute to armed forces members who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
Read More7th November 2023 - Have You Ever Considered Helping to Run a Charity?
Today is the start of Trustees’ Week which celebrates the achievements of nearly one million trustees across the UK.
Read More1st November 2023 - Feeling Like You Have an Empty Nest?
The departure of children from the nest to go to university, move into a new home or relocate because of a job, can lead to various adjustments in parents' lives. Many parents take it in their stride, enjoying the new found freedom after years of nurturing their loved ones, but for some it can mean unexpected changes in routines, a loss of purpose and difficulties in accepting the alterations.
Read More27th September 2023 - Mayor Officially Opens DRCS Chesterfield Centre for Talking Therapies
DRCS' new mental health centre to increase the support available in the community has been officially opened by the Mayor of Chesterfield. Councillor Mick Brady and Mayoress Suzie Perkins met DRCS leaders, trustees and staff and toured the charity's new base for talking therapies in the town, formerly the Register Office on New Beetwell Street.
Read More23rd August 2023 - Feeling Anxious About Going on Holiday?
Kim Heappey, Clinical Lead at DRCS, the largest third sector provider of counselling services including talking therapies and well being programmes in Derbyshire and the Peak District, looks at the issue. “For most people, a holiday means relaxing, spending time with loved ones, seeing some new sights and attractions, and making some new memories. But it's not like that for everyone, especially those prone to anxiety. Holidays can be a trigger time. Many people worry about things going wrong on the first day of their holiday, the concept of travelling far away, especially if air travel is involved, and dealing with new experiences while away from normal routines, can all be too much to cope with."
Read More17th August 2023 - Trustees Tour Chesterfield’s New Centre For Talking Therapies
DRCS' trustees viewed extensive refurbishment work at Chesterfield’s new centre for talking therapies.
Read More17th July 2023 - Charity Partnership With Breeze Corporate Finance Ltd Raises £7,606 For DRCS
Breeze, an independent and discreet M&A boutique with a focus on entrepreneurs and owner managers, and the delivery of lower mid-market sized assignments, is committed to making an impact within local communities across the East Midlands.
Read More16th June 2023 - DRCS Joins Biggest ThinkFest! Yet
Derwent Rural Counselling Service (DRCS) joined ThinkFest! as it returned to Chesterfield for 2023 bigger and better than ever.
Read More1st June 2023 - Work Progresses on Chesterfield’s New Centre for Talking Therapies
Beighton Construction is nine weeks into the refurbishment of the former Register Office on Beetwell Street for charity Derwent Rural Counselling Service.
Read More19th May 2023 - Mental Health Problems Play Role in New Increased Long-term Sickness Figures
Latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) for January to March 2023 show that, since the Covid pandemic, there are now well over 400,000 more people outside of the labour market as a result of ill health.
Read More26th April 2023 - Monitoring Your Own Construction Project but What About Yourself
Janette Smeeton, chief executive at DRCS, the largest provider of counselling services in Derbyshire, looks at this sector and mental health, and how DRCS can help. "Mental health and well-being are high priorities for many organisations across all industries. This was true before COVID-19, however, is even more so now. Growing mental health concerns also exist in the construction industry, as these suicide rates show."
Read More23rd March 2023 - Work Starts on New DRCS Chesterfield Home for Talking Therapies
Redevelopment work has started on DRCS' new home for talking therapies in Chesterfield. Beighton Construction are overseeing the 14-week refurbishment of the former Register Office on Beetwell Street for DRCS which will include roof works, internal strip out, new damp proofing system and new electrics. Inside the refurbishment project will include plastering, internal walls, decoration and floors plus new toilets and a lift with a view to the building opening this summer, and an official launch event in September.
Read More15th March 2023 - Students Learn Exam Stress Strategies From DRCS
Cognitive Behavioural Therapist Dan Palmer gave a talk on exam stress while DRCS offered advice on how students can access its accredited talking therapies and well-being programmes for help. Dan Palmer said: “Exam stress can be one of the biggest pressures on students as well as adapting to a new environment, meeting new people, keeping on top of work, making ends meet with limited money and getting through college without dropping out.
Read More1st March 2023 - Construction Firm Appointed for New DRCS Chesterfield Mental Health Hub
DRCS' new mental health hub for Chesterfield has taken a step forward with the appointment of a construction firm to lead the redevelopment of the building. Local firm Beighton Construction will oversee the refurbishment of the former Register Office on Beetwell Street for charity Derwent Rural Counselling Service. The new centre is set to open in summer 2023. Grand plans for the three storey premises include office space, treatment and consulting rooms, meeting rooms and relaxation space to help cope with an increased demand for DRCS services in the area plus tenanted options including rooms and floorspace.
Read More20th February 2023 - Duo Join Board of Derbyshire Counselling Service
Glinys Capewell brings 45 years experience managing various teams in Logistics and Customs Compliance within the steel industry. Mark Serby, chair of trustees for the charity, said: “I am delighted to welcome Jill and Glinys onto the DRCS board as the organisation seeks to further our essential work and delivery of services across the county as mental health issues continue to dominate the headlines. They have a wealth of experience and skills which complement that of the current six other DRCS trustees.”
Read More20th September 2022 - Artist Gifts Artwork to Derbyshire Counselling Service
Derbyshire artist Kelly Herrick is hoping her artwork will provide inspiration to those with mental health conditions across the county. The contemporary landscape artist, based in Ripley, has gifted an original painting Harbour View to Derbyshire counselling provider Derwent Rural Counselling Service (DRCS).
Read More23rd March 2022 - New Clinical Lead for DRCS
Derwent Rural Counselling Service has appointed a new clinical lead to its senior management team.
Read More4th January 2022 - Golfers Support Charity With Biggest Donation in Eight Years
GENEROUS players and friends at Matlock Golf Club have raised more than £6,700 for DRCS with the biggest donation in nearly a decade.
Read More13th December 2021 - New Trustees For DRCS
Dr Max Biddulph is an Associate Professor at the University of Nottingham’s School of Education and has held positions including Director of Postgraduate Taught Programmes and course Leader for the Postgraduate Certificate of International Student Advice and Support.
Read More25th November 2021 - Menna Retires After 25 Years With Derbyshire Counselling Service
DRCS’s clinical lead Menna Yarwood has retired after 25 years with the Derbyshire counselling service.
Read More13th April 2021 - What does stress look like? How do I know if I am experiencing it?
If you are feeling depressed or generally unhappy; feeling anxious or agitated then you may be experiencing stress.
Read More13th April 2021 - Mental health charity kicks off football club partnership
DERBYSHIRE’S biggest provider of mental health counselling services has kicked off a new partnership with a Chesterfield grass roots football club.
Read More16th March 2021 - Exercise your right to feel good
Now March is here many of us may have already abandoned our new year’s resolutions to be more active.
Read More24th February 2021 - Derbyshire primary school supports DRCS
Youngsters at a Chesterfield primary school have raised £300 for DRCS as part of an awareness campaign on physical and mental health.
Pupils at Dunston Primary School collected the cash for DRCS through a variety of fundraising events.
Read More8th February 2021 - COVID-19 and mental health – supporting someone during the pandemic
Checking in on your family, friends and colleagues has never been more important.
Read More20th January 2021 - Has technology improved access to therapy services?
Janette Smeeton, CEO at DRCS, looks at how the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has meant mental health support has taken new routes to deliver help to those who need it.
Read More16th June 2020 - Worries about returning to work after lockdown?
As the restrictions begin to be lifted, many people will look forward at the prospect of going back to work and seeing colleagues again.
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