It’s almost time to say goodbye to a space that has become so much more than walls and rooms. We’ve transformed this space into a sanctuary where children and adults could find comfort and safety. We designed it to soothe the nervous system the moment you walk in, to be a place where you feel safe before you even begin to lean about, explore and process your thoughts and feelings. Our time at Friar Gate wasn’t just about providing a service; it was about creating opportunities. Early on, we were able to offer jobs to passionate individuals who shared our vision of supporting children and families which created opportunities for children to access early support.
By focusing on emotional literacy and linking our work to what we know supports healthy child development, we’ve proven that early intervention leads to significantly better outcomes. The earlier we can support a child, the greater the impact we can have.
In 2020 we began our 'premises journey', I was so nervous about the commitment. The rent of £400 per month felt like a huge financial leap for us. When I called Nikki, she said, "Let's just do it!" That simple mantra of hers, "Let's just do it", has carried us through many challenges and helped us take the risks needed to grow.
Moving to Friar Gate was another one of those leaps. This space has witnessed so much love, care, and community building. But as we prepare to leave, I can’t help but feel the weight of this ending.
Yet, with every ending comes a new beginning. Just as we created a welcoming environment here, we’ll do the same in our new space. It’s twice the size of what we have now, with room for so much more—a café, more group sessions, more community events, and even a sensory room to help children who live in a world that can often feel overwhelming.
We want to create a space where parents can come with concerns for their child's mental health or wellbeing, with or without their children, to feel heard without the need for an appointment. We believe in the power of connection and belonging, and we’re building a space that embodies that belief.
When we walk into a space that feels safe and calming, our bodies naturally begin to relax and our minds are better equipped to process and engage. This is why creating a soothing, non-clinical atmosphere has always been at the heart of what we do.
As we prepare to welcome you into our new space, we do so with hearts full of gratitude and excitement. We promise to continue fighting for the funding we need to sustain this service and keep making a difference in the lives of children. Because Derby Cares isn’t just an event—it’s a feeling we want every young person in our city to have.
We did it, Nikki Webster. We have our café, our community space, and in it, we’ll help children know that they matter, that they are loved, and that they are not alone ♥️🌈💚
#DerbyCares #ChildMentalHealth
Marketing Specialist for Educational Services
4dInspiring! Congratulations on your success, Victoria. Such a strong display of strength and dedication.