New Ambition Derby Partnership Expands Recovery and Behaviour Change Support Across the City
A new partnership between Intuitive Thinking Skills (ITS) and Cranstoun is helping people across Derby affected by substance use and other complex life challenges access a wider range of support through Ambition Derby, a new recovery and behaviour change hub in the city centre.
The service brings together recovery programmes, education, employment support, wellbeing activities and practical guidance designed to help people make lasting positive changes in their lives.
Ambition Derby builds on ITS’s established approach to attitude and behaviour change while benefitting from Cranstoun’s clinical expertise and intervention services. Together, the organisations have created a service that addresses not only substance use, but also the wider issues that can affect long-term recovery, including unemployment, poor mental wellbeing, housing difficulties and social isolation.
The launch comes at a time when demand for support services remains significant across Derby and Derbyshire. Local estimates suggest more than 11,800 people across the county are dependent on alcohol, while over 5,170 people use he
roin and crack cocaine. More than 6,300 adults were engaged in treatment services across Derby and Derbyshire during 2024.
Against this backdrop, Ambition Derby is already seeing strong engagement from local residents. In a recent week alone, 169 people accessed the service, taking part in activities ranging from recovery programmes and peer support groups to employment advice, wellbeing sessions and creative workshops.
Neil Roscoe, Operations Manager at Intuitive Thinking Skills, said:
“We are proud to support local people to make positive changes in their lives. Through our partnership with Cranstoun, we can offer a broader range of support that combines recovery, behaviour change, education, wellbeing and clinical expertise. Our aim is to create opportunities for people to build confidence, develop new skills and move towards healthier, more independent futures.”
Unlike traditional service environments, Ambition Derby has been designed to feel welcoming and community-focused. The team has intentionally created a space that encourages conversation, learning and personal growth, helping people engage with support in a way that feels positive and accessible.
Alongside specialist recovery support, learners can access employment guidance through IPS, volunteering opportunities through the Ambassador Programme, CBT wellbeing groups, SMART Recovery, Recovery Dharma, music lessons, arts activities, gardening projects and peer-led community groups.
The partnership also enables additional health-focused interventions through the hub’s CQC-registered facility, creating opportunities to further expand the support available to local communities in the future.
While recovery remains central to the service, Ambition Derby’s approach is based on the belief that sustainable change comes from helping people build stronger foundations in every area of life. By combining practical support, education and community connection, the service is helping people take meaningful steps towards long-term recovery and independence.
For more information or to make a referral, contact ambitionderby@intuitivethinkingskills.com.
