Ambition Derby

Ambition Derby is a service delivered by Intuitive Thinking Skills, based in the heart of Derby city Centre. Intuitive Thinking Skills works alongside Cranstoun providing support that helps people rebuild their lives through education and skills development 

The service supports people affected by addiction and other complex life challenges. Ambition Derby takes a nonclinical, holistic approach towards people improving the quality of their lives.  The service is proud to offer a wide variety of courses and activities, tailored to meet individual needs and goals. 

 

Based in Derby city centre, Ambition Derby brings together support for substance use, employment, housing, finances, wellbeing and personal development under one roof, helping people address the wider issues that can often affect long-term recovery and positive behaviour change. 

Ambition Derby presents an environment in which a person can gain independence through education, empowerment and connection. 

 

 

Did You Know? 

169 people accessed Ambition Derby in a single week, demonstrating the growing demand for accessible community-based support across Derby. 

 

Why Ambition Derby Matters 

Substance use continues to have a significant impact on communities across Derby and Derbyshire. 

• More than 11,800 people across Derbyshire are estimated to be dependent on alcohol. 

• More than 5,170 people are estimated to use heroin and crack cocaine. 

• Over 6,300 adults were engaged in treatment services across Derby and Derbyshire during 2024.* 

These figures highlight the importance of services that not only support recovery, but also help people build the skills, confidence and resilience needed to move forward with their lives. 

 

More Than Recovery 

While recovery is at the heart of Ambition Derby, the service recognises that lasting change often requires support in other areas of life. 

Learners can access: 

✓ Recovery programmes and peer support groups 

✓ Employment and careers support through IPS 

✓ Housing, benefits and financial guidance 

✓ Mental health and wellbeing support 

✓ Creative arts, music and community activities 

✓ Volunteering and skills development opportunities 

✓ Physical health and lifestyle support 

 

“We don’t want services to feel clinical. We want people to feel welcomed, valued and able to explore a different way forward.” 

 

The Power of Partnership 

Ambition Derby combines the strengths of ITS and Cranstoun to create a broader support offer for local communities. 

ITS brings expertise in behaviour change, recovery, education and employability support, while Cranstoun contributes additional clinical knowledge and intervention services. 

Operating from a CQC-registered facility also creates opportunities for expanded health and wellbeing support, including plans to introduce additional health screening initiatives in the future. 

 

Courses and Activities 

Ambition Derby offers a wide range of opportunities including: 

• SMART Recovery 

• Recovery Dharma 

• CBT Wellbeing Groups 

• Ambassador Programme 

• IPS Employment Support 

• Grow, Eat, Learn 

• Arts and Crafts 

• Creative Writing 

• One-to-One Music Lessons 

• Brave Voices Choir 

• Drumming Circle 

• Over 55s Men’s Group 

• Pre-Rehab Support 

Each programme is designed to help people develop practical skills, strengthen recovery, improve wellbeing and build positive connections within their community. 

 

A Service Built Around People 

Since opening in April, the team has worked to create a welcoming environment where learners feel comfortable, respected and able to contribute to the development of the service itself. 

From learner-designed artwork displayed throughout the building to activities shaped by participant feedback, Ambition Derby is helping people take ownership of their recovery and their future. 

Because recovery isn’t just about overcoming challenges – it’s about creating opportunities. 

 

* Statistics are based on Derby and Derbyshire Substance Misuse Needs Assessment and Public Health estimates. Figures represent estimated prevalence across Derbyshire and are intended to indicate the scale of local need rather than the number of people currently accessing services.