Derby County Community Trust are pleased to announce a new partnership with the East Midlands Ambulance Service to promote mental health support in the region.

Team Talk is our men’s mental health project which provides males with a safe space to talk for those experiencing feelings of anxiety or sadness. It is not a medical pathway, but aims to provide a peer-led support network for those who need its help.

Nine members of the East Midlands Ambulance Service crews from Raynesway, Willow Row and Mickleover have been trained as champions to help circulate the message across each branch and around the area.

Luke Wilkinson, who heads up the project at the Trust, said:

“We are delighted to be working with the crews at East Midlands Ambulance Service. While Team Talk cannot offer medical support that may be required in circumstances that the crews are called out to, the sessions provide a safe space for any male.

“This could be the brother, father or friend of someone that the paramedics are supporting who need some support themselves, it could be a passer-by in A and E.

“The important thing is getting the word out there that it’s fine to speak up when you are feeling low, and the more people who know about the initiative the better.”

Team Talk runs various sessions across Derby, online and in person as restrictions continue to ease. For more information please see our programme page and full timetable.

Team Talk