Your Choices Matter, UK

04/09/2026

𝐖𝐀𝐋𝐊𝐒 𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐔𝐌𝐄 𝐒𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐀𝐘 𝟏𝟑𝐓𝐇 𝐒𝐄𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

We paused Derbyshire Wellness Walks during the peak of the heatwave in August, as we were not willing to gamble with anyone's wellbeing when the temperatures reached extreme heights and broke British records.

August also brought the familiar rhythm of the school holidays and family getaways, making it a natural moment to draw breath.

Now, the crisper, distinct promise of autumn is beginning to drift into the air, with more manageable temperatures, we are ready to lace our boots once more.

Here are the essential details for our return walk:

Date: Sunday the 13th of September

Time: Setting off early at 8:15 a.m. to catch the morning at its absolute best

Route: A peaceful, flat out-and-back walk along the canal path from Morrisons in Staveley towards Renishaw and back

Distance: Approximately 5 to 5.5 miles in total for the complete return journey, following a very manageable and scenic stretch of the local towpath

Terrain: Safe underfoot with easy gradients, making it an ideal choice to blow away the cobwebs and ease back into our stride

Social: An open invitation to gather for a well-earned brew in the Morrisons café once we return

While more adventurous hikes across our stunning county are waiting in the wings for later in the calendar, this felt like the most sensible path to get our community moving together again.

We look forward to seeing familiar faces and welcoming new ones as we take our first steps back.

Thank you

22/07/2026

PATHWAYS OF CHESTERFIELD NEEDS YOUR HELP 🤳💻

Their original page was deleted 3 months ago, taking with it over 4,000 followers. That's 4,000 people who shared their appeals, donated food and essentials, and helped them support those who needed them most.

They have lost more than a page. They've lost the incredible network people that made their work possible.

Now they're starting again from scratch, and need your help, so please:

❤️ Follow their new page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61592146830237
❤️ Share this post
❤️ Invite your friends to follow them

One share could reconnect Pathways of Chesterfield with hundreds of people.

One share could help someone in our community get their life back.

Help them to rebuild the community that changes lives every single day.

Thank you 🙏

Pathways of Chesterfield is a service for the homeless, and those at risk of homelessness, in Chesterfield, North East Derbyshire and Bolsover. We are Chesterfield’s primary centre for those experiencing a housing crisis.

20/05/2026

Derbyshire Wellness Walks - a welcoming free walking club. Details of the next walk

20/05/2026

Join Us for Our Next Walk: Pleasley Colliery to Teversal Loop

We are looking forward to our next gathering, and we would love for you to join us as we explore a beautiful, historic route together. Our next walk takes us from the landmark Pleasley Colliery Mining Museum on a scenic loop over to Teversal.

This is a wonderful opportunity to challenge yourself, enjoy the fresh air, and connect with a fantastic community of like-minded people.

Here is everything you need to know to prepare for the day:

The Key Details

Date:Sunday 31st May 2026
Arrival & Briefing* Please arrive between 8:15 AM and 8:20 AM for a quick safety and route briefing.
Start Time: We will commence walking promptly at 8:30 AM.
Start/End Point: Pleasley Colliery Mining Museum car park.
Distance:Approximately 6.8 miles (Full Loop).
Cost: Tickets are completely free

Is This Walk Right for You?

This specific route is classified as a 'medium difficulty trail'. While the walking surface is comfortable and there is no real climbing involved, the distance means you will need a relative level of fitness to enjoy the journey comfortably. We will be maintaining a steady, consistent pace, and there are several places to sit and rest along the route.

What to Bring and Wear

Footwear: Because of the trail length, sturdy walking boots or specialised walking trainers are highly recommended to keep your feet protected and comfortable.

Weather & Hydration: Please bring plenty of water and appropriate weather protection (such as a waterproof jacket or sun cream, depending on the British weather).

Post-Walk Refreshments We will be finishing back at the start point, where the excellent Pleasley Colliery Cafe will be open. We'd love for you to join us there for a hot drink, a bite to eat, and a friendly chat at the end of the loop.

Free ticket - just bring your sturdy shoes, your water bottle, and your good vibes.

If you have any questions at all, please drop them in the comments below. We cannot wait to see you there and share this journey with you. Let’s enjoy the beautiful Derbyshire landscape together!

07/05/2026

𝐏𝐎𝐃𝐂𝐀𝐒𝐓 - 𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐓𝐇 𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐇𝐀𝐃𝐎𝐖𝐒: 𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐑𝐄𝐖'𝐒 𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘 𝐎𝐅 𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐘

What happens when the life you present to the world is a carefully crafted mask, while behind the scenes, everything is falling apart?

In this latest episode of the Your Choices Matter podcast, we sit down with Andrew, who spent twenty years navigating a world of addiction. He speaks with incredible candour about the "fraudulent" feeling of trying to fit in, the chaos of "hand-to-mouth" living, and the heavy weight of seeking acceptance from everyone but himself.

This isn't just a story about the darkness of addiction; it's a powerful lesson in the strength found in surrender. Andrew shares the pivotal moment he stopped fighting and started listening, eventually finding his way to a life of stability, purpose, and genuine self-love.

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐞𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐭-𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧:

• The Power of Structure: Discover why Andrew believes that life didn't change when he left rehab, but he did - and how a structured path made that possible.
• Finding Your Values: Learn how identifying what truly matters can shift your mindset from survival to growth.
• Lived Experience: Andrew now works to support others on their journey, proving that our greatest struggles can become our most meaningful contributions.

Whether you are on your own journey of recovery, supporting a loved one, or simply looking for a story of profound human resilience, this conversation offers a wealth of insight and hope.

“To believe in myself is all that matters.”

Listen now on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1f5WN1VbF5qs6aRqAeraiP?si=9Ei4_1DnTPe_8PRauHhdxQ

🔗 Not on Spotify? Find the full list of Podcasts online here:
https://www.yourchoicesmatter.uk/podcast

To access the Your Choices Matter Programme, you can contact us using the details below:

📧 [email protected]
☎️ 01246 886497
🛜 www.yourchoicesmatter.uk

DISCLAIMER: A NOTE ON ADDICTION & RECOVERY

This podcast episode includes descriptions of alcohol and drug dependence, specifically regarding high-level usage and substance misuse. For individuals using substances at these levels, professional intervention to reduce intake is typically necessary. Attempting to stop drinking or using certain drugs without clinical supervision can be life-threatening. Dependence often involves daily usage, and individuals may experience severe withdrawal symptoms if they delay, reduce, or abruptly stop their intake.

There are dedicated services that offer expert advice and specialist detox support. The Derbyshire Recovery Partnership is the local service providing this type of help, including access to medical detox in both community and inpatient settings. They are easy to reach and can be contacted at 01246 206514.

Your Choices Matter · Episode

25/04/2026

A lovely 5 mile walk this morning. Thank you for your support 💜🙏

24/04/2026

A Morning on the Chesterfield Canal

Join us for our next Derbyshire Wellness Walks outing TOMORROW Saturday, 25 April 2026. To help you find us easily, we have put together this short video showing the exact meeting point in Staveley.

Where to Meet
We are gathering near Morrisons to begin our walk along the Chesterfield Canal. We recommend arriving between 08:15 and 08:20 so we can all set off together.

Parking Options
There are two main areas where you can park:

The Morrisons Car Park:
Many of us will be heading here after the walk to enjoy a coffee and a bit of breakfast together.

The Small Car Park:
Located just ahead of the canal access point, as shown in the video.

We look forward to seeing you there for a refreshing start to the weekend!

21/04/2026

This Saturday

The weather is looking good for this Saturday mornings walk along the canal from Staveley, just down the road from Morrisons.

Watch out on a Thursday for a little video to show people where to find the start point.

Looking forward to seeing you 💜