Brilliant Derby wellbeing initiative launches

Derby City Council has launched a new city-wide wellbeing programme to help combat the rising tide of mental ill-health.

It has teamed up with respected wellbeing and happiness expert, Dr Andy Cope, for the initiative called Brilliant Derby.

Launched yesterday, which was Blue Monday, the scheme will be officially rolled out across the city in the spring, with a ‘wellbeing workout’ beamed live on YouTube, followed by the creation of a network of Wellbeing Champions, six further webinars and a schools project.

The idea is for those who take part in the sessions, volunteer champions and people from across the city, is to continue to develop Brilliant Derby to spread the word through local communities, businesses and schools.

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The long-term aim is to build individual and collective resilience, make a stand against the rising tide of mental ill-health and to introduce a series of simple principles that will help people take charge of their own wellbeing.

In the same way that people might go to the gym to improve their physical fitness, Brilliant Derby is designed to look after mental health.

Dr Cope said: “2020 was a year that will be remembered for all the wrong reasons.

“We want to help Derby rise stronger. In 2021, we’re asking you to join Brilliant Derby, a wellbeing revolution that raises the bar from mental health to mental wealth.

“Quite simply, we want you to sign up to be your best self, consistently. And while that might not change the world, it will certainly shape yours.

“A city-wide outbreak of wellbeing has to start somewhere and we’re suggesting the best place is in Derby.

“This revolution starts in the hearts and heads of the citizens of our magnificent city, which shows up in our behaviours and ripples out into our communities and beyond.”

Backed by the Derby City Partnership, Brilliant Derby is part of the city’s efforts to bounce back stronger from the coronavirus pandemic.

Councillor Roy Webb, the city council’s cabinet member for adults, health and housing, said: “Our 12-month plan is both unique and bold.

“As part of Derby’s ‘building back better ‘ from the impact of Covid-19, a series of ‘wellbeing workouts’ will be available to businesses, schools and residents of Derby on the themes of positivity, resilience, purpose, gratitude, altruism, strengths, happiness, mindfulness, mental health, physical health, mindset and self-esteem.

“We want to train and empower volunteers to take these lessons into community venues and spread the word so we can really bring out the best in Brilliant Derby.”