MindSpace
Struggling with how you're feeling? Need someone to just listen and not try to 'fix'? MindSpace is here to listen to you - come and walk with us.
Sometimes we all need someone to talk to – someone that’s not our therapist or our doctor or our family member – but someone who is impartial and isn’t going to try and give advice. We are here for you.
Derbyshire Mind’s MindSpace Walk-and-Talk groups are supportive community groups that create space for us to get together, get some fresh air, meet some new people, in a friendly and inclusive group. But, most importantly, they provide a valuable space to talk and be listened to by our compassionate Peer Support Volunteers who are trained to listen and empathise with your situation, but not try to ‘fix’.
Come join us for a chat and a gentle walk at one of our local MindSpace groups. The walk might help you think things through, and we are really good at listening.
When and Where?
The group meet every fortnight at the same location and time – our current MindSpace locations are listed below:
Friday Mornings (fortnightly) – Markeaton Park
Meet at 10.30am, at the Model Railway Building by the Main Car Park (DE22 3BG)
Monday Afternoons (fortnightly) – Sinfin Moor Park Â
Meet at 1pm, at Sinfin Moor Car park (DE24 9HW)
Thursday Mornings (fortnightly) – Queens Park ChesterfieldÂ
Meet at 10.30am, at the Band Stand opposite the football courts (S40 2ND)
Wednesday Evenings (fortnightly) – Starts on the 5 June till the 11 September for Summer) – Markeaton Park
Meet at 6pm, at the Model Railway Building by the Main Car Park (DE22 3BG)
Tuesday Afternoons (fortnightly) Swadlincote Woodlands MindSpace Walk – Starts on Tuesday 9th July 2024
Meet at 1pm, at Swadlincote Woodlands Nature Reserve Car Park, (DE11 8LP)
Click here to keep in the loop with our What’s on Calendar
We meet whatever the weather, you can rely on us to be there for you. If it is raining, we just pop on a rain coat. If it is sunny, we just pop on some sun cream!
If the weather is extreme however, such as thick ice or snow for instance, then we will try to move the group to our ‘Plan B café’ location for safety reasons. We will inform you by posting this on our social media pages and by contacting everyone that is registered to that walk location.
What is MindSpace?
MindSpace community walk-and-talk groups are informal community groups that take place in local parks. They are perfectly unstructured so that they can flex to suit whatever the group needs or wants on the walk that week. Sometimes we will just walk and talk, sometimes we might stop for a coffee in the local café, sometimes the conversation will be centred around a particular topic that someone has raised.
All MindSpace walks are supported by our fantastic Derbyshire Mind volunteers who are friendly, inclusive, welcoming and really great listeners. We listen without judgement and without trying to ‘fix’ or give advice. You can rely on us to be here every other Friday, same time same place, no matter the weather, and ready to listen to whatever you are feeling or having trouble with.
How to Book a Place on an Upcoming MindSpace MeetUp:
If you are thinking of joining us on a MindSpace group in your local park we ask that you register your attendance on the day at the walk. You only need to do this once. This is so that we have your contact details needed to add you to our MindSpace database and we can contact you if the walk has to be moved to a café due to weather.
After that first registration you are very welcome to just turn up at the park each fortnight or whenever suits you.
This is not required though. If you would prefer not to register you are very welcome to still turn up on the day.
You can find all of our upcoming walks and groups on our Activities Calendar page.
Could you be a Volunteer MindSpace group leader?
Do you have a local park near you that would be fab as a MindSpace meet up location? Could you lead one of our friendly and informal MindSpace groups? Would you love to be part of our Derbyshire Mind Volunteers Network?
We are always looking to expand our MindSpace community network and we are always looking out for reliable and friendly local people who are passionate about supporting their community.
As a valued Derbyshire Mind volunteer, we would provide you with all the necessary training and support to help make a real difference to people in your local community experiencing mental health challenges.
Volunteer MindSpace Expressions of Interest:
If this sounds like something you are interested in please contact us at community@derbyshiremind.org.uk detailing what park you would be interested in supporting a group at, and what days and times you could do. We will then hold your details on file and be in touch in due course to discuss your kind offer!
From time to time we also advertise for volunteer walk leaders as we are setting up a new walk. If we have any roles currently available they will be advertised here:
Paid and Volunteering Opportunities Page