Your Choices Matter, UK

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 💜

02/04/2026

𝗔 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆

In life, the only constant is change, yet there are moments when shifting direction feels less like a detour and more like a home-coming. Since the first of April, we have entered a fresh era of service. We are still the same team dedicated 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 team, but we have evolved to ensure those choices are better supported than ever before.

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗯𝗲𝗮𝘁 🌐
Through extensive research, we discovered a vital truth: more people than ever are looking for their first spark of hope - and the strength to sustain it - through the digital world.

Recovery is a deeply personal path, and having the right tools available at your fingertips can make all the difference.

To meet this need, we have launched a brand-new website designed with you in mind. It features public resources for anyone seeking a start, alongside private, secure areas for more tailored support. This is not just a static page on the internet; it is a living platform that will grow, adapt, and 𝗲𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗲 alongside the community it serves.

𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗴𝗲𝘀, 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗣𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀 🤝
While our original Your Chices Matter website continues to be a busy hub for many, this new platform is specifically geared towards the diverse and unique requirements of those facing different life challenges. We aren’t leaving our history behind; we are simply building a stronger bridge to the future.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗮𝗺𝗲 🚶‍♂️🍎
Though our digital presence has transformed, our heart remains on the ground. Our duty of care and commitment to you is unwavering, and our core services continue exactly as before:

🔹 Personalised 𝗼𝗻𝗲-𝘁𝗼-𝗼𝗻𝗲 support.
🔹 Our vibrant group activities, including 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗪𝗮𝗹𝗸𝘀 and 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗡𝘂𝘁𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 sessions.
🔹 The 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯𝘀, both online and in person.

We are deeply grateful for the trust you place in us. This new era is about making sure that whenever you reach out, we are there with the best possible tools to help you succeed.

𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗼𝘄.

23/03/2026

🌳 Join Us for a Refreshing Saturday Stroll! 🌳

Need a break from the usual weekend hustle? Trade it for some calm productivity and fresh morning air!

Derbyshire Wellness Walks is heading to the historic Chesterfield Canal for a 5-mile trek that's all about motion, breath, and community.

Here’s the plan:

🗓️ DATE: Saturday, 25 April

⏰ START TIME: 08:30 AM

📍 MEETING POINT: Staveley Morrisons car park (near the supermarket)

🥾 TERRAIN: Flat, firm, and usually not muddy. Sturdy trainers or walking boots will do just fine!

🐶 FURRY FRIENDS: Socialised dogs are welcome, but please be aware the towpath can get narrow.

☕ SOCIAL STOP: We’ll find time for coffee! Options include a café on the route and the Morrisons café at the end.

This is a mild-paced, non-competitive walk designed to give you a great start to your weekend. We expect to be back by 10:45 AM, leaving your Saturday free to continue as planned!

What to Bring:

💧 Water supply

🧥 Weather-appropriate clothing

No booking is needed. Just a willingness to walk and connect with your local landscape.

Let's reclaim those early hours together! We can't wait to see you.

21/03/2026

A super initiative for our local veterans in Derbyshire 🙏

The Derbyshire Addictions Advice Service's Project: Veteran-Led Recovery Connections - STAND TO are hosting a (slightly more strenuous) walk around Black Rocks this upcoming Wednesday!

To get involved, call the Veterans Hub on 01246 959333 and speak to the team! 📞

📅 25 March 2026 ⌚ 9:00 hrs to 15:00 hrs

STAND TO is a support service dedicated to Derbyshire’s veteran community and their recovery from drug or alcohol use, operating across the county. More on our Derbyshire Recovery Projects: https://www.growingrecoveryinderbyshire.co.uk/recovery-support/recovery-projects/

Link to article: https://www.growingrecoveryinderbyshire.co.uk/news/stand-to-black-rocks-walk-this-wednesday/