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.

Attuned relationships are great for babies’ brains and their overall development. These relationships help them develop ...
09/06/2026

Attuned relationships are great for babies’ brains and their overall development. These relationships help them develop social and emotional skills and to shape how they see people and the world around them. Attunement helps babies feel safe, build trust and gain confidence to explore.

You can learn more about baby brain development in our series of baby brain development video series:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9qqCk50UP5PkS4rr4dKahrcwNOVKmtxt&si=gv1XJvpD2S6PebSN



[Image description: A smiling adult interacts with a laughing baby. Text: “Attunement supports good infant mental health and helps babies feel safe and loved. Infant Mental Health Awareness Week 2026.”]

Healthy Eating Week is here! 🥦🍌🍎🥕 This week is all about helping children build healthy habits for life through balanced...
08/06/2026

Healthy Eating Week is here! 🥦🍌🍎🥕

This week is all about helping children build healthy habits for life through balanced meals, staying active, drinking plenty of water and trying new foods together as a family.

Twinkl have gathered some brilliant activities, games and resources to make healthy eating fun at home - from meal planning ideas and food sorting games to healthy recipes and wellbeing activities.

Take a look here: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/event/healthy-eating-week-2026

Why not try:
• A new fruit or vegetable challenge
• Creating a healthy lunch together
• A family walk or active game
• Planning healthy meals for the week

Small changes can make a big difference! 🌟



[Image description: A colourful plate of sliced fruit—pineapple, mango, grapes, orange, kiwi, and strawberries—above text promoting Healthy Eating Week with tips for building healthy habits in children.]

As we come to the end of National Smile month next week, just a reminder about the importance of fluoride toothpaste.As ...
05/06/2026

As we come to the end of National Smile month next week, just a reminder about the importance of fluoride toothpaste.

As adult teeth start appearing around age six, toothbrushing habits matter more than ever and fluoride is essential. It strengthens enamel and protects against decay:
• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste (1350-1500ppm)
• Use a pea sized amount for 2 minutes
• Spit, do not rinse - rinsing washes away the fluoride protection
• Supervise brushing until at least 7 years of age

Celebrate National Smile Month by giving children the fluoride protection they need for strong teeth.

[Image description: A toothpaste tube, with blue, white and green paste shaped as a smiling face on blue background; Derbyshire Family Health Service logo visible.]

Behind our breastfeeding support sessions across the county is an incredible team of award-winning Breastfeeding Network...
04/06/2026

Behind our breastfeeding support sessions across the county is an incredible team of award-winning Breastfeeding Network Derbyshire volunteers making a real difference to local families:

- 73 dedicated volunteers 💜
- Support sessions running from 22 venues across the county 💜
- Over 480 sessions delivered in the last year 💜
- Almost 2,500 families supported 💜
- More than 1,600 volunteer hours given 💜

Organising and running sessions, supporting families week after week, responding to queries on their social media pages and running antenatal Zoom sessions - all made possible by volunteers.

Their kindness, experience and commitment help create welcoming spaces where parents can access support, reassurance and community when they need it most.

They recently won the 'Lots for Tots Derbyshire' award for Charity of the Year, proving just how valuable and appreciated the support they provide is 🏆

Thank you to every single volunteer who gives their time to support families across Derbyshire - this impact would not be possible without you. 💜



[Image description: Volunteers’ Week celebration with Derbyshire Breastfeeding Network and Derbyshire Family Health Service logos, photos of volunteers, and “Thank you to the wonderful volunteers!” at the top.]

Child Safety Week is a reminder that everyday spaces can hold hidden risks for little ones.From trailing cables and hot ...
03/06/2026

Child Safety Week is a reminder that everyday spaces can hold hidden risks for little ones.

From trailing cables and hot drinks to unsecured furniture and small objects within reach, many dangers are hiding in plain sight around the home, especially once babies start rolling, crawling and exploring.

Take a closer look at each image in our carousel and see how many potential hazards you can spot and pop them in the comments 👀

It is a great idea to take a regular look around your home for potential hazards, getting down to your child's level (yep, crawling on your hands and knees!) can help you see risks that you might not spot as an adult.

For more safety advice visit Child Accident Prevention Trust



[Image description 1: Title page for child safety hazards quiz, directions to swipe and spot the dangers; Derbyshire Family Health Service logo.
Image description carousel 2,3,4: Images around a family home showing 3 common child safety risks on each. Derbyshire Family Health Service logo.
Image description 5: Graphic with arrows and text reads "Swipe to reveal the answers" Derbyshire Family Health Service logo.
Image description 6,7,8: Same 3 images around the family home with red circles around each hazard and text next to each explaining the hazard, such as burn risk, poisoning or fall risks. Derbyshire Family Health Service logo.
Image description 9: End page Text reads: "Did you spot them? For lots more child safety advice visit the Child Accident Prevention Trust website" Derbyshire Family Health Service logo.]

Tomorrow, Wednesday 3 June, our Single Point of Access helpline will be closed from 10am - 2pm for staff training, it wi...
02/06/2026

Tomorrow, Wednesday 3 June, our Single Point of Access helpline will be closed from 10am - 2pm for staff training, it will reopen after this time. During this time, the 0-5 parents and carers ChatHealth text messaging service will also be closed. If you text us during this time, a member of the team will respond once we have reopened.

The 5-19 parent/carer and the 11-19 young people ChatHealth text messaging services will remain open as usual.

You can find answers to lots of common questions on our website: https://derbyshirefamilyhealthservice.nhs.uk/

If you phone when we are closed, please leave a message and one of the team will reply to your enquiry when we return. If your child becomes unwell at any time please seek further medical advice by either contacting your GP or NHS 111. In an emergency dial 999 or visit A&E.

[Image description: Derbyshire Family Health Service notice - on 3rd June, advice/support phoneline and 0-5 ChatHealth closed 10am-2pm for staff training; other ChatHealth services open.]

Visiting family or friends with a new baby? Here are a few ways to be the guests they'll be happy to see.• Don’t visit i...
01/06/2026

Visiting family or friends with a new baby? Here are a few ways to be the guests they'll be happy to see.
• Don’t visit if you have been unwell or have been around anyone who is/has been unwell. Remember hygiene measures such as hand washing, not smoking before a visit, not wearing strong smelling fragrances as these can contain chemicals that are toxic to babies, and never ever kiss the baby.
• Don't arrive unannounced - check if they are ready for visitors and, if so, when works best for them. If they say "not yet", don't take it personally. Rest and recovery come first.
• Bring something useful; a meal, snacks, coffee or even an offer to pick up essentials on the way.
• Respect any boundaries parents have in place.
• Don't expect to hold the baby or be hosted. New parents are running on very little sleep and a lot of love.
• Offer practical help. Emptying the dishwasher, running a hoover around or entertaining any siblings is often so valuable.
• Avoid comments about parenting choices, unsolicited advice or comments on postnatal recovery. Support beats opinions every time.
• Keep visits short unless you're specifically invited to stay longer.
The best visitors don't just come to meet the baby – they come to support the whole family.
What would you add to the list?


[Image description 1: Infographic with tips for visiting a newborn: Only visit if well; ask before visiting; offer help with food or shopping. Features heart, checklist, shopping bag, and food icons. Derbyshire Family Health Service logo.].
[Image description2: Infographic with tips for visiting a newborn: avoid strong scents, don’t hold baby unless invited, wash hands, never kiss the baby, offer help, avoid unsolicited advice, and keep visits short. Derbyshire Family Health Service logo.].

If you’re worried about someone’s mental health, it can be hard to know how to help.One amazing resource you might want ...
29/05/2026

If you’re worried about someone’s mental health, it can be hard to know how to help.

One amazing resource you might want to share is Reasons to Stay, a su***de prevention project built on human connection and kindness.

It’s a simple but powerful idea. When someone visits the site, they receive an anonymous letter written by a real person somewhere in the world. Each message is filled with warmth, hope and reassurance - a reminder that even in the hardest moments, we’re not as alone as we might feel.

The project was created by Ben West, in memory of his younger brother Sam, to bring people together through shared compassion.

You can also get involved by writing your own letter to a stranger. Your words could be exactly what someone needs to hear on a difficult day.

If someone you know is struggling, there is also information on how and where to get help - reminding them they can talk to someone they trust or reach out to a support service can make a real difference.

Sometimes, just knowing someone cares is enough to help someone stay 🤍

https://www.reasonstostay.org

[Image description: Centred black text on a light background reads "Reasons to Stay." with a small black heart to the left of the words.]

Rinsing after brushing might seem like the right thing to do, but it washes away the fluoride that protects your young p...
28/05/2026

Rinsing after brushing might seem like the right thing to do, but it washes away the fluoride that protects your young person's teeth.

Encourage them to spit, not rinse. Leaving the fluoride on their teeth keeps them stronger and better protected.

Healthy habits also make a significant difference to their health:
• Regular meals instead of constant snacking
• Water or milk between meals
• Fewer fizzy drinks and juices
• Wait an hour before brushing after acidic drinks.

Smoking, va**ng, alcohol, and drugs also harm teeth and gums.

Help protect their smile, keep the fluoride working.

[Image description: A teenage boy brushes his teeth with a blue toothbrush. The Derbyshire Teen Health logo appears in the top right-hand corner.]

Getting portion sizes right in the early years can help build healthy eating habits as children grow.It’s normal for chi...
27/05/2026

Getting portion sizes right in the early years can help build healthy eating habits as children grow.

It’s normal for children to eat different amounts from one meal to the next. Some days they’ll be hungrier than others, and that’s okay. Try to follow their lead and trust their appetite.

If your child asks for more, it’s fine to offer extra healthy food. At the same time, look out for signs they’re full and let them decide when they’ve had enough.

If your child often leaves food on their plate but is growing well, it could be that the portions are a bit too big. Large portions can feel overwhelming and may put them off eating. A simple guide is that a portion is about the size of your child’s palm.

Some helpful tips
• Let your child decide when they’ve finished
• Try not to pressure them to clear their plate
• Notice how much they usually eat and adjust portions over time
• Keep offering a range of healthy foods

For children aged 1 to 4, a simple way to think about balance across the day is 5 5 3 2
• 5 portions of starchy foods
• 5 portions of fruit and vegetables
• 3 portions of dairy
• 2 portions of protein (or 3 if vegetarian or vegan)

Information such as the Eatwell Guide can help you plan balanced meals for your child: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/food-guidelines-and-food-labels/the-eatwell-guide/

Small steps can make a big difference over time.

[Image description: A child at a table eats a blueberry from a lunchbox of fruit and snacks; other children eating from lunchboxes are in the background. Derbyshire Family Health Service logo in top right.]

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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