Published on: 11 August 2026
A community mental health programme in the Derbyshire Dales is helping patients take positive steps towards recovery using nature, practical activity and peer support.
The Active Confidence group is a nine-week occupational therapy-led programme delivered by Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust’s Derbyshire Dales Community Mental Health Team, in partnership with High Lea Farm in Matlock.
Now in its third year, the group supports people to build confidence, develop communication skills, reconnect with others and take part in meaningful activities in a safe and supportive environment.
The 2026 programme has now been completed, with participants taking part in therapeutic learning as well as hands-on activities at High Lea Farm, including work in the sensory garden, forest walks, creative projects and time with animals.
Each session combines therapeutic learning with practical experiences. Mornings are led by the occupational therapy team and cover topics such as communication, self-talk, managing change, emotional awareness, setting boundaries and handling criticism.
In the afternoons, participants are encouraged to put this learning into practice through activities on the farm, giving them the chance to try new things, join in with group tasks and experience progress in a practical way.
Before the programme begins, people are offered one-to-one sessions so they can meet the team, learn more about the farm environment and talk through any worries or goals.
Active Confidence is delivered through a partnership between the Trust’s Derbyshire Dales occupational therapy team, High Lea Farm facilitators and peer support workers. This year, the group also strengthened links with the teams Individual Placement and Support team, which supports
people to explore employment.
Feedback from previous programmes has shown positive changes for participants, including improved confidence, reduced social anxiety and increased engagement with community activities and support networks. One participant said: “Confidence isn’t simply something learned - it’s something experienced, developed and carried forward.”
This year’s group has also led to encouraging next steps. One participant is beginning to explore future job opportunities, while several others have chosen to continue volunteering at High Lea Farm over the summer, helping them to maintain routines, stay connected and continue building confidence.
Amy-Louise Wilson, Occupational Therapist at Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Active Confidence shows the true difference occupational therapy can make when people are given the right environment, encouragement and opportunities to try things at their own pace.
“We have seen people grow in confidence, build connections, friendships and routine as well as helps them begin to think differently about what they are capable of. For some people, the group has been a starting point. It has helped them reconnect with themselves, feel part of something and discover new possibilities for the future.”
The Derbyshire Dales Community Mental Health Team hopes to continue delivering Active Confidence with High Lea Farm, as capacity allows, and to build on the learning from previous groups.
The programme highlights how occupational therapy within community mental health services can support recovery through activity, connection and a sense of purpose.
