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Last Days Matter Workshops
End of life care teams at organisations across Derby and Derbyshire are now offering free, supportive, compassionate sessions to support those with loved ones who are approaching their final days.
The ‘Last Days Matter’ workshops cover a range of topics to help prepare you for what to expect when caring for someone, but also how to manage your own emotions and grief and how to plan for what comes after the death of a loved one.
The sessions are open to anyone, including carers and healthcare professionals to support a richness in conversation, and help support everyone in their personal and professional lives to ensure conversations about end of life care and what comes after across Derbyshire are more meaningful for all involved.
After originally starting at Blythe House Hospice in Chapel-en-le-Frith, sessions are now being made more widely available at providers across Derby and Derbyshire, including Ashgate Hospice in Chesterfield, Treetops Hospice in Risley and University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust in Derby.
Derbyshire Carers Association, the care support agency for unpaid carers, is also offering sessions to adult carers. These tailored sessions aim to give attendees with the skills and confidence to support carers in managing the practical, physical, and emotional impact of caregiving.
Each session is led by a trained facilitator who will guide a small group through a three-hour session which will feature some short films followed by a facilitated discussion, covering topics including:
- Planning for the future
- To care and accompany
- Saying goodbye
- Understanding and recognising that someone is dying
- The ‘new normal’
For more information see below:
Walk round of the Dementia wards at the Royal Derby Hospital
Royal Derby Hospital Facilities Management have arranged a meeting with the Dementia team to have a walk round and gain insight in any requirements they may be able to improve.
They are looking to complete the walk on 23 January 2026 at 13:00-15:00 and are offering Derby and Derbyshire residents affected by dementia an opportunity to be involved. You would not need to stay for the full time if you didn’t want to.
If you are living with dementia or caring for someone with dementia and would be interested in this opportunity to give your perspective, please contact:
Derby Royal Hospital Facilities Management Team on 01332 783564.
Please note: they are unable to offer reimbursement for travel expenses.
Beware of scam messages about winter fuel payments
Derbyshire Council are warning people not to click on any links about winter fuel payments, including text messages, it will be a scam.
Winter fuel payments will happen automatically, you don’t need to make a claim.
Derbyshire Council’s Trading Standards team are also backing a campaign to reduce scam mail that arrives through people’s letterboxes – see Derbyshire Council’s webpage for further information.
Consultation: An Adult Social Care Direct Payments Policy for Derby
Derby City Council is consulting on a proposed Adult Social Care Direct Payments Policy.
The reason for the proposed Policy is to make it simpler to understand and manage direct payments. The proposed Policy builds upon Derby’s current approach to direct payments, with some additional steps, in line with the Care Act 2014.
To learn more about the proposed Direct Payments Policy and how you can have your say, please visit “Let’s Talk Derby”, the Council’s consultation webpage: https://letstalk.derby.gov.uk/direct-payments
If you would like to receive information on the consultation in a different format or language, please contact Derby City Council on tel. 01332 640000 (deaf people can text: 07774 333412), or email: Consultation.proposals@derby.gov.uk
Please provide your feedback by the closing date of Monday 6 April 2026.
Keeping safe and well
Derbyshire Mental Health Helpline and Support Service
Feeling distressed, anxious, or unable to cope? – click here to go to Derbyshire Mental Health and Support Service website for more information about what the helpline and support service offer. Their website also gives details of how the service is made accessible to people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Their freephone service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – phone 0800 028 0077.
Talking Therapies
Offered by the NHS, Talking Therapies can help people with things like stress, anxiety, persistent low mood, or depression. There are a range of therapy options, including one-to-one sessions – if you’d like to find out more, have a look at the NHS’s Derby and Derbyshire Talking Therapies webpages if you choose to, you can ask your GP to refer you, or you can self-refer online, or call 03330 417 262 (Mon to Thurs 8am–7:45pm; Fri 8am 4:30pm).
If you need more urgent help, Derbyshire Mental Health Helpline and Support Service 0800 028 0077 is a 24/7 freephone service for people of all ages.
Drive Safer for Longer
Derbyshire Council are offering:
‘Driving Safer for Longer’ classes to the over 50s – see Derbyshire Council’s website for more information Driving safer for longer – Derbyshire County Council.
‘Mature driver assessments’ for the over 65s – for more information, see Derbyshire Council’s website Mature driving assessments – Derbyshire County Council.
Reading Well for Dementia - books
Blue Badge Schemes
The Blue Badge Scheme helps disabled people with mobility problems to access goods and services by allowing them to park close to their destination. The Blue Badge Scheme is administered for residents of Derbyshire on behalf of, and in line with, the Department for Transport’s regulations. If where you live comes under the administration of Derby City Council then your application should be made to them.
Blue Badge scheme – Derbyshire County Council
For information on the Derby City blue badge scheme, who is eligible and how you can apply, please click the link Blue Badge scheme – Derby City Council
Priority services register
You are eligible to register on the gas, electric, and water priority services registers in certain circumstances, including if you have reached state pension age, or if you are disabled/have a long term medical condition. Registering is free.
- National Grid (electricity) 0800 096 3080 (Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm) or visit the National Grid website
- Cadent (gas) 0800 389 8000 or visit the Cadent website
- Severn Trent (water) website
Sometimes, when you register with one provider’s priority service register, they may offer to sign you up for the other two provider’s priority service registers, however it can be useful to have a look at their websites, so you know what additional support you can request if needed.
Assistive technology
‘Assistive Technology’ is a term that refers to devices or systems that help with everyday tasks/issues, from electronic pill boxes that remind you to take your medication, to falls pendants, to ‘smart home’ systems that you can instruct to turn up the heating or add an item to your shopping list.
To read more about ‘assistive technology’, you can visit Alzheimer’s Society’s website or Derbyshire Council’s webpage.
For Derby City, please click the link to find out more about Carelink and how they can help you maintain independence whilst knowing help is available if needed Carelink – Derby City Council.
Herbert Protocol and Police advice
The Police recognise that some people living with dementia may be more at risk of going missing in certain circumstances, and offer advice on what to do if this happens; they also have a form called the ‘Herbert Protocol’, which can be completed in advance and kept in a safe place, as it contains information that would be helpful to the Police if someone goes missing.
Read what the Police advise, and download the ‘Herbert Protocol’ form from Derbyshire Constabulary’s website.
Fire Service safe, well checks and Cadent gas safety advice
To help prevent accidents involving fire in the home, the fire service provides a free safe and well visit to the most vulnerable people in the community – for more information, see Derbyshire Fire Service website or contact the appropriate office to request a safe and well check:
- North East Derbyshire, Chesterfield, Bolsover, and Amber Valley 01246 223500
- Derby City, South Derbyshire, Erewash 01332 777850
- High Peak, Derbyshire Dales 01298 608720
Cadent gas safety advice
- A locking cooker valve gives the carer control over when the gas can/cannot be used, which can give peace of mind if your loved one with dementia sometimes forgets when they’ve put something on the hob while you’re not there. This can be fitted free of charge – see the Cadent website for further details or phone 0800 389 8000
- Cadent may also be able to offer a free annual gas safety check to people on the priority service register
- The Cadent website also has advice about Carbon Monoxide
Adult Continence team
Your GP is the first port of call for all health issues, however some people with dementia may develop persistent continence issues, and may benefit from an assessment by the Adult Continence team, who in some circumstances can prescribe pads depending on clinical need. A health professional can refer people into this service, or you can self-refer by phoning 01773 546868 (Mon-Fri, 8am-3pm). Please see the NHS website’s Continence Services page for more information.
If your needs wouldn’t meet the criteria for support from the Continence Team, there are products that can be bought in supermarkets, and a much wider range of products online (e.g. more choice of size and absorbancy).
Helpful Products
Some equipment may be available on long term loan, e.g. via an Occupational Therapist for people who need walking frames etc. to keep them safe walking around their home (you can ask your GP to make a referral for you). There may also be equipment for people with hearing loss (see Hearing Help UK’s website if you live in Derbyshire and Sight Support Derbyshire may be able to advise on useful products for people who are blind or partially sighted, for more details see the Sight Support Derbyshire website.
Nowadays with internet shopping there is also a wide range of useful products available to buy to make life a little bit easier and more enjoyable, from XXL sized jigsaws with between 13 and 200 pieces, to easy to use remote controls, to motion sensor lights, to easy-close clothing.
Reducing your risk of dementia
There are lifestyle choices we can adopt to help reduce our risk of developing dementia, just as our lifestyle choices may affect other aspects of our health. There are 14 modifiable risk factors for dementia, which added together could help prevent or delay 45% of all dementia cases. Visit Derbyshire Council’s website to learn more about these modifiable risk factors, and the services that can offer support.
Hospital Admissions
Being admitted to hospital can be a daunting and even a scary time for people living with Dementia but hospital staff aim to be compassionate, caring and understand the individual and sometimes complex needs that you may have.
To help the staff achieve this, if possible, please bring a completed person-centred document like Alzheimer’s Society’s ‘This is me’ document (or obtain one on arrival at Chesterfield Hospital, or the ‘Getting to Know Me’ document at Derby Hospital)
If you have any advance wishes, make these known to staff, bring any RESPECT documentation or Lasting power of attorney documents with you if admitted to the hospital.
Ensure you have your normal mobility aids, hearing aids and glasses and please take your normal medication with you to ensure the continuity of its administration.
A small amount of clothing and any personal items are always welcomed to aid comfort and familiarity (for peace of mind, some people have a ‘hospital bag’ prepared with these items and documents in case of emergency; for some people with dementia, taking a favourite ‘cuddly’ or photo with them can give them some comfort)
Useful to know:
Some hospitals have bedside TV; some wards have day lounges, or relative rooms might be available to be used for any quiet times. The hospital library may stock activities, reminiscence aids, music and books that staff can access for inpatients, and some wards keep activities on their individual wards for patients to access.
Transport home is assessed on an individual need: hospitals encourage patients are collected by family / carers where possible if safe and appropriate. Where other transport is arranged, arrival times cannot be guaranteed as the journey may be lengthy if there are multiple drop offs etc. – if you are using one of these services, please make sure you understand the arrangements.
You are encouraged to discuss care / discharge plans with the ward team and the senior nurse on the ward if needed, however, if needed, any further help may be sought from:
Chesterfield Royal Hospital: phone the switchboard 01246 512563 and ask to be put through to the Admiral Nurse or the Dementia Lead nurse
Royal Derby Hospital, and Queen’s Hospital Burton: phone the switchboard 01332 783247 and ask for the Dementia Team
You might also find it useful to read further information about leaving hospital, see
Respite and Care
Derbyshire P.A. Register
Whether you are receiving Direct Payments and are looking for a Personal Assistant, or you are offering your services as a personal assistant, you might be interested in having a look at Derbyshire P.A.Register.
Direct Payments
If you are eligible for a contribution from Derbyshire Council towards your care, you may be able to request a direct payment which is an alternative way of arranging care support.
If you are in Derby City, please see Derby City Council’s website.
Adult Social Care
Adult Social Care services are aimed at helping people to stay independent in their own home for as long as possible
Derbyshire
There is a list of ‘prevention services’ on Derbyshire Council’s webpage, or if you need more care or support, such as visits from a care agency or a respite break for a carer, phone Call Derbyshire 01629 533190 to ask for a needs assessment – there is more information about how to do this and what to expect on Derbyshire Council’s Adult Social Care webpage.
Derby City
There’s a range of information on Derby City’s Adult Social Care webpages, including information for carers, and information about paying for care.
Care Choices Derbyshire
Derbyshire
In association with Care Choices, Derbyshire Council have a directory of care providers – you can request a copy of the directory, or use the online version which is searchable by type of care needed, condition, and location.
Derby City
The ‘My Care Directory’ is Derby City Council’s directory of care providers, and lists home care organisations, residential care homes, and other local care services.
Carers UK
Carers UK have a wealth of information for carers, including a guide called ‘Being Heard – a self advocacy guide for carers’ – for more information, visit their website https://www.carersuk.org/
Worried about falls?
Derbyshire Council’s website has some useful information about reducing the risk of falls, and its falls support services – visit Preventing falls – Derbyshire Council’s webpage for further information.
Finances
Cost of Living
The cost of living is rising and this could have a big impact on all aspects of your finances including energy bills, the cost of your weekly shop and your take home pay.
We’ve put together lots of information and advice, designed to ensure that you’re getting all the help that you are entitled to.
Cost of living – Derbyshire County Council.
Derby City – cost of living https://www.derby.gov.uk/advice-and-benefits/cost-of-living/
Stay warm and well in Derby City
Each year Derby City Council work with partners to deliver the Stay Warm and Well in Derby program to try and help vulnerable people to keep warm, safe and well at home through the cold winter months.
Click on the link to find out about the type of support and assistance we offer. Cold weather guidance – Derby City Council
Are you pension age? Have you checked if you’re entitled to Pension Credit?
It’s thought that thousands of Derbyshire pensioners may be missing out on this benefit – see Derbyshire Council’s webpage, which explains that you may be entitled to the benefit even if you own your home, or you’ve got significant savings. For more information click here to go to Derbyshire Council’s webpage – click here
Keep warm in winter
Energy costs are rising and the number of people in Derbyshire struggling with heating their homes will increase. There are many households who will need additional help to reduce their fuel bills and increase the energy efficiency of their homes.
See Derbyshire Council’s page for links and tips https://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/social-health/health-and-wellbeing/your-health/keeping-warm-in-winter/keep-warm-in-winter.aspx
Council Tax Reduction Scheme
A Council Tax Reduction Scheme is there to help those on low incomes towards the cost of their Council Tax. If you are already receiving help towards your Council Tax, this will be shown on your bill as Council Tax Support. The Council Tax Reduction Scheme is independent of other discounts, exemptions and relief, which you may also be able to apply for. Anyone with a low income may apply for Council Tax Reduction. The amount of Council Tax reduction you can receive depends on your family circumstances, income, capital and savings.
Derbyshire Council – Help with Council Tax.
Ways to Reduce Your Bill https://www.derby.gov.uk/advice-and-benefits/council-tax/ways-reduce-your-bill/
If you have dementia it may affect how much council tax you pay. If you would like to know more about this, you can
– read the information on Alzheimer’s Society’s website.
– ask to speak with one of our Dementia Advisers by phoning Derbyshire 01332 208845 or Derby City 01332 497640
– speak to your Council Tax department
Benefits
If you’re unsure whether you are getting all the benefits that you are entitled to, you may want to use an online calculator such as on the Turn2Us website or on the Entitledto website.
Derbyshire
Alternatively, you could ask Citizen’s Advice 0808 278 7954 or Derbyshire Welfare benefit’s team to support with a benefits check.
Derby City
If you’re in Derby City, Citizen’s Advice number is 01332 228745 and Derby City Council’s Benefit’s Advice team’s number is 01332 643394.
Legal
Driving
When you receive a diagnosis of dementia, whether you’ve been told that you can continue to drive / need to take a driving assessment / must stop driving, you MUST inform the DVLA and your insurance company about your diagnosis – please see the government’s website for the form that you need to send to DVLA.
You can read more about dementia and driving on the Alzheimer’s Society’s website.
Lasting Power of Attorney
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) gives someone the legal authority to make decisions on your behalf if/when you don’t have capacity to make decisions for yourself. Although an LPA might not be used until you no longer have capacity, as it is a legal document, it would need to be put in place while you still have mental capacity. It is advised that you consider making a Lasting Power of Attorney if you have been diagnosed with, or think you might develop, an illness such as dementia which might prevent you from being able to make decisions for yourself in the future.
There are two types of LPA:
- property and financial affairs
- health and welfare
You can choose to make one type or both.
You can fill in the forms yourself (either online, or in paper format), or engage a solicitor to help you. The completed forms need to be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian, which costs £82 (from 17 November 2025, it will cost £92). More information, including links to the forms, are available on the government website.
Alzheimer’s Society’s website also has information about Lasting Power of attorney for people with dementia.
You might also be interested to read about Advanced Decisions, and Advanced Statements, on the Alzheimer’s Society’s website.
You might also be interested to learn about the ReSPECT form – see the Resuscitation Council UK’s website for more information.
Wills
Alzheimer’s Society’s website has useful advice and information for anyone considering making a will after they have been diagnosed with dementia.
Accessible Resources
Information in different formats
Our nationally produced resources are available in a range of formats, including translations into different languages, Easy Read, British Sign Language, audio versions and online videos. Whilst these aren’t specifically linked to services in Derbyshire, they’re a great resource that can be used to help to provide the right services across more communities and for people living in the county. We are keen to ensure anyone affected by Dementia is able to seek out the right information and support where needed.
Accessible resources: information in different formats | Alzheimer’s Society (alzheimers.org.uk)
Healthwatch
Healthwatch Derbyshire
Do you have a story to share about your experiences with local health and social care providers? Are you passionate about improving health and care services in Derbyshire? Healthwatch Derbyshire wants to hear from you! Good or bad, your feedback plays a crucial role in shaping and improving the services that matter most to you and your community.
Share your experiences today, it only takes five minutes: healthwatchderbyshire.co.uk/have-your-say
Derby City – Healthwatch
Healthwatch is your health and social care champion. If you use GPs and hospitals, dentists, pharmacies, care homes or other support services, we want to hear about your experiences. Healthwatch Derby.