About The Old Registry
A personal approach to mental healthcare — serving Chesterfield and the wider Derbyshire area since 1989.
A personal approach to mental healthcare — serving Chesterfield and the wider Derbyshire area since 1989.
We began life in 1989 as Derwent Rural Counselling Service, originally providing counselling for agricultural workers in Derbyshire during the foot-and-mouth disease crisis — a time of devastating financial loss and emotional strain for farming communities.
For over three decades we have grown and adapted, helping thousands of children, young people, adults, and organisations across Derbyshire.
Our team of qualified, experienced therapists offers evidence-based therapies — face to face, online, and by telephone — alongside workshops, training, and supervision for organisations.
In 2026, we made the strategic decision to focus our work around our Chesterfield home and rename ourselves The Old Registry — after the historic building we now occupy.
For generations, the Old Registry building on New Beetwell Street was Chesterfield's register office — a place where the town marked its most significant life events: births, marriages, and deaths. It held the stories of countless Derbyshire families.
We are proud to continue that legacy of supporting people through life's defining moments. Where the register office recorded the beginnings and endings, we now walk alongside people through the chapters in between — helping them navigate grief, change, challenge, and growth.
Our mission remains the same: to provide accessible, compassionate mental health support to the people of Chesterfield and the wider Derbyshire area. Only now we do so under one roof, in a building that has always belonged to the community.
Our guiding principle: meeting you wherever you are in your journey — emotionally, practically, and geographically.
We break down barriers and offer guidance, support, and a friendly face. No judgement, no criticism.
Appointments available now. When you're ready for help, you shouldn't have to wait.
Organisational accreditation since 2003. All therapists hold professional membership.
Our priority is your wellbeing — not profit. Every penny supports our community.
BACP Accredited Service (since 2003), Registered Derbyshire Safe Place, registered charity.
Derwent Rural Counselling Service, trading as The Old Registry · Company Reg No. 06081874 · Charity No. 1124775
Your donation helps us provide therapy to those who need it most across Chesterfield and Derbyshire.
Donate to The Old RegistryWe're always looking for talented therapists, dedicated volunteers, and passionate trustees. Contact admin@drcs.org.uk or call 01246 232891.