Mental health support for young people
This page tells you about help for young people and children in East Sussex. These are not emergency services. If it is an emergency, call 999.
For information about what to do in a mental health crisis, see: Help! I’m in crisis (NHS) or contact the Sussex Mental Health Crisis line (NHS) by calling 111 and choosing the ‘mental health' option. It is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Anyone worried about their mental health, or someone else's, can call.
East Sussex 1Space directory
1Space is the Council's directory of local care and support. It includes a category that lists mental health services for:
- children
- young people, and
- their families.
East Sussex residents can access all services listed. They are accessed in-person, online, or by phone call.
I-Rock (Hastings, Eastbourne and Newhaven)
Young people (aged 14 to 25 years) can get advice and help with emotional and mental wellbeing. There is a virtual drop-in service by video or audio call. To book an in-person appointment, contact the service:
- Email: irockeastsussex@spft.nhs.uk
- Live audio call/video drop-in: i-Rock drop-in for young people
Open daily, 11 am to 6 pm.
Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)
CAMHS is an NHS service that helps children and young people. This includes their parents and carers.
Referral is through the Single Point of Advice (SPoA)
- Website: Sussex CAMHS
Pre-recorded webinars for parents and carers
These NHS-made videos may be helpful while you are waiting for CAMHS treatment, or instead of CAMHS:
Webinars for parents and carers (sussexcamhs.nhs.uk)
Holding Space (Eastbourne)
A small charity. It helps families going through mental ill health. It offers free, friendly online or phone help sessions for parents and carers.
- email: contact@holdingspace.org.uk
- website: Holding Space
E-motion (free online counselling)
A free counselling service for 12 to 18-year-olds in East Sussex. It offers a virtual space to talk about your problems and feelings. Visit the website to sign up:
E-wellbeing (YMCA)
An East Sussex digital wellbeing and mental health service. It is for 13 to 25-year-olds. It is made by young people, for young people.
YoungMinds
YoungMinds is a registered charity. They give help and information for children and young people:
There are areas on the website for parents and carers. There is a free parents helpline:
- Young minds (for parents)
- Parents helpline: 0808 802 5544
(Monday to Friday, 9.30 am to 4 pm)
