East Sussex mental health directory
Section 1: Crisis and suicide prevention
Are you feeling unable to cope, worried you may hurt yourself or somebody else. Or having suicidal feelings?
Getting help when in crisis
For help straight away
If your life or someone else's life is in immediate danger, call 999 or go to A&E. A mental health emergency can be as serious as a physical one.
For same or next day help
Phone the NHS on 111 and select mental health (free phone 24/7)
If your first language is not English you can ask for an interpreter.
During busy periods, you may need to wait for someone to answer your call.
Visit a Staying Well service
Staying Well is a service for adults who are in distress but are not a high risk to themselves or others.
It is open at evenings and weekends.
Freephone 0800 023 6475 and choose option 1 for Eastbourne, or 2 for Hastings St Leonards. There is also phone support for those who can’t visit in person.
You can use the Staying Well website for further info on opening times.
Text Shout Sussex service
Text the word SUSSEX to 85258 for a free, confidential, 24/7 service. You can have a chat by text with a mental health worker. It can help if you feel anxious, stressed, depressed, suicidal or overwhelmed. They can also signpost to other services. You may prefer this to speaking on the phone.
Call the Samaritans
Freephone 116 123 (24/7) or visit the Samaritans website.
Call Childline
If you are under 19 you might prefer to speak with one of Childline's counsellors.
Freephone (24/7) 0800 1111 or visit the Childline website.
Download the Stay Alive App
Useful info and tools to help you stay safe in crisis.
For urgent mental health support
Two East Sussex hospitals have an A&E department.
- Conquest Hospital, The Ridge, St Leonards-on-Sea, TN37 7RD
- Eastbourne District General Hospital, Kings Drive, Eastbourne, BN21 2UD
For those living on the edge of the county:
- Royal Sussex County Hospital, Eastern Rd, Brighton BN2 5BE
- Princess Royal Hospital, Lewes Rd, Haywards Heath RH16 4EX
Before travelling to A&E, please consider other options. This could be your GP, other support services or NHS 111 Mental Health.
If you get treatment from mental health services you may have a safety plan. You may need to contact your community team (9am to 5pm Monday to Friday). Ask for your care coordinator or the person on duty.
Other suicide prevention services
Sussex Partnership NHS Trust Urgent Help Advice
- Website: SPFT Urgent help in a crisis
Preventing suicide in Sussex
Advice for people who may be thinking about suicide and their friends and family. Warning signs and how to seek help.
- Website: Warning Signs campaign
Grassroots Suicide Prevention
Grassroots prepares communities, services and individuals to support someone at risk of suicide.
Available in Brighton and Hove with advice for all.
- Email: office@prevent-suicide.org.uk
- Website: Grassroots Suicide Prevention
Support for Survivors of Suicide (SSOS)
For those who are struggling with suicidal thoughts or who have attempted suicide. Assessments and counselling services are by phone or video call. Support is also provided if you have lost someone to suicide.
- Phone: 01273 519108
- Email: counselling@sussexcommunity.org.uk
- Website: Sussex Community Development Association – SSOS
Mankind
Mankind helps support men who have mental health worries, or need to talk. Weekly groups in Eastbourne and Heathfield. Weekly groups in Eastbourne, Heathfield and Hailsham.
- Website: Mankind
RunningSpace
Based in Sidley Bexhill, but with other free running groups in Hastings Ore. RunningSpace promotes life and good mental health through small friendly groups. No running experience needed, all faiths / no faith welcome.
- Website: RunningSpace
National services
- Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) App and helpline 0800 58 58 58. Open 5pm to midnight
- Papyrus suicide prevention service for under 35s. Free confidential support and a 24/7 Hopeline 0800 068 4141. Also chat line and practical advice.
- Zero Suicide Alliance for free training and resources.
A significant change in your mental health
If you are not getting care from mental health services and experience the following:
- Hearing or seeing things that others don't, for example hearing voices
- Having strong beliefs that are not shared by others. For example believing there is a secret plan against you
- Having large amounts of energy or movements, sleeping very little
- Behaving in a bizarre and out of character way
- Changes like wanting to avoid people, lack of basic self-care
You should get advice from NHS 111 or use NHS 111 online. These can be normal but can also be signs of something more serious.
Section 2: Mental health and wellbeing
This section lists services to help with mental health and wellbeing.
Talking Therapies for anxiety and depression
Feeling stressed, anxious, low or experiencing panic attacks?
Adults living in East Sussex can get free confidential support from Health in Mind. This is our NHS Talking Therapies service.
Services include courses, online programmes and one-to-one sessions. They can help you manage your symptoms and improve your mental health.
This service can't give urgent support to people having serious mental health problems. Instead, please see a GP who can refer you to the correct service.
- Phone: 0300 003 0130
- Email: spnt.healthinmind@nhs.net
- Website: Health in Mind
- Mental health support for refugees and asylum seekers
East Sussex community services
Local organisations work as partners with the Council and NHS. They offer free community mental health support services. These are for adults living in East Sussex who have mental health challenges.
East Sussex UOK (Southdown)
- Website: UOK
- Call UOK East Sussex on: 0808 196 1768
Lines are open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm (excluding bank holidays). Or you can arrange a call back by visiting Talk to us | UOK
Qwell digital support
Adults living in East Sussex can use our free digital wellbeing service. You can use Qwell 24 hours a day. You don't have to give your personal details. Trained mental health workers can give you a range of support.
- Website: Qwell
UOK Wellbeing service
There are Wellbeing Centres in Hastings, Bexhill, Eastbourne, Hailsham, Lewes, Uckfield and Newhaven. They offer daytime mental health and wellbeing support. The aim is to help adults to get well and stay well.
- Phone: 0808 196 1768
- Website: Southdown Wellbeing Centres
Community Connectors
Community Navigators work in some GP surgeries in East Sussex. They support people to improve their own health and wellbeing using social prescribing. Ask your GP if they have a Social Prescribing service.
- Website: Southdown Community Connectors
Thinking Well
Specialist day support for adults living in East Sussex. The service helps people who have Complex Emotional Needs (CEN). They may have received a diagnosis of personality disorder.
- Phone: 01323 405334
- Email: thinkingwell@southdown.org
- Website: Southdown Thinking Well
The service made a film for people with CEN and family, friends, and workforce. This short animation may also be helpful.
Seaview
Seaview is an open access wellbeing centre in St Leonards. It helps people who have problems such as being homeless and having poor mental health.
- Phone: 01424 717 981
- Email: admin@seaviewproject.org.uk
- Website: Seaview
Health and Wellbeing Service
Supports people with severe mental illness to improve their physical health.
- Website: Health and Wellbeing Service
- Health Checks news item: ITV Meridian July 2024
Arts on Prescription
Charity in Hastings. Creative activities and confidence building workshops. Aim to enhance mental health and wellbeing and promote social engagement.
- Website: Arts on Prescription
Compass Arts Eastbourne
A safe space. For anyone who is lonely or has lived trauma, mental illness or hidden disability. Free weekly drop ins include creative workshops and walks. Opportunities for young people, queer and trans artists, volunteering and lived experience research. For more info fill out A New Members Form on the Join Us page.
- Website: Compass Arts
Info from our Mental Health Trust
Our NHS service is the Sussex Partnership Foundation NHS Foundation Trust (SPFT). It supports people with serious mental health problems. You can find further info and an A to Z of conditions on their webpages.
- Website: SPFT
Adult Social Care and Health
Contact us if you or someone you know needs social care support.
- Phone: 0345 60 80 191
- Website: Contact Adult Social Care
- Leaflet: A guide to Adult Social Care and Health
Helping to improve services and advocacy
Mental Health Lived Experience Advisory Group
You can use your life experience to help shape future services. For people who have used mental health services, or those who support them.
- Website: Mental Health Lived Experience
- Email: inclusion@possabilitypeople.org.uk
- Phone: Ricky at Possability People 07795905740
SWAN advocacy
For people with mental health challenges who need advocacy support and advice.
For anyone living in East Sussex.
- Website: SWAN East Sussex
- Phone: 0800 862 0995 (public) or 03333 447928 (professionals)
Rethink Mental Illness
Rethink improve the lives of people with diagnosed mental illness. They offer expert guidance and successful campaigning. The advice and information service is open from 9.30am to 4pm Monday to Friday.
- Advice line: 0300 5000 927
- Web form: Contact Rethink
- Website: Rethink
Low cost or free counselling
Sussex Community Counselling
Low-cost counselling by a BACP-accredited service. In person in Newhaven, Lewes, Hailsham and Eastbourne, or by phone or video call.
- Phone: 01273 519 108
- Email: counselling@sussexcommunity.org.uk
- Website: Sussex Community Counselling
Counselling Plus Community
A charity which offers confidential affordable counselling to people aged 16 plus. Available face to face in Hastings and also through phone, Zoom or Skype.
- Phone: 01424 428 300
- Email: admin@counsellingplus.org
- Website: Counselling Plus Community
Breakeven counselling
Breakeven offer free counselling for people who have gambling problems. This can be in person in Eastbourne or St Leonards. It can also be by video call or phone.
- Phone: 01273 833722
- Email: info@breakeven.org.uk
- Website: Breakeven
The Pelham Counselling service
Low cost counselling for people aged 11 and over in Bexhill.
- Phone: 07907 403663
- Email: office@thepelham
- Website: The Pelham Counselling Service
The Old Bank Wellbeing Trust
A charity based in Eastbourne. It has bursaries to support those in financial hardship.
- Phone: 01323 502827
- Email: info@theoldbankwellbeing.org.uk
- Website: The Old Bank
Black Minds Matter UK
Free talking therapy delivered by qualified Black therapists.
- Website: Black Minds Matter
Counselling directory (may not be low cost)
Bereavement support
East Sussex 1Space directory lists local and national support:
If a suicide has affected you
Help is at Hand is for people bereaved by suicide or other sudden, traumatic death.
Suicide&Co
Supports people bereaved by suicide, with a helpline run by bereavement counsellors.
- Helpline Mon-Fri 9am to 5pm: 0800 054 8400
- Website: Suicide&Co
- hub of resources
Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS)
Peer-led support for adults affected by suicide loss. See website for resources and local online groups.
-
Phone support: 0300 111 5065 open everyday 9am to 7pm
- Email: email.support@uksobs.org
- Website: SOBS
Sussex bereaved by suicide support
Cruse gives support for people who have lost someone due to suicide.
- Phone: 07376 616628 (calls returned within 48 working hrs excluding Bank Holidays)
- Email: sussexbereavedbysuicide@cruse.org.uk
- Website: Cruse (other helpful info)
East Sussex support for people bereaved by suicide
A service which offers practical and emotional support following a suicide.
- Phone: 01273 519108
- Website: Bereaved by Suicide Support
People who have witnessed a suicide
If someone you don't know died by suicide, Firsthand can support you.
- Website: Firsthand
Section 3: Help for everyone
This sections lists services for particular groups of people.
Neurodiversity
Autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are not mental health conditions. Although people who are neurodiverse can have poor mental health. Sources of possible support are below:
LGBTQ+ support
Brighton and Hove LGBT Switchboard
Support and signposting for lesbian, gay, bi, trans, and queer people.
- Helpline: 01273 204050 (7 to 9.30pm Monday to Thursday only)
- Website: Switchboard
MindOut
Providing specialist mental health and wellbeing support for LGBTQ+ people, including:
- mental health advocacy
- peer support group work and peer mentoring
- counselling
- phone befriending
- online support (Mon-Wed 3-5pm)
- suicide prevention
- trans and non-binary specific and specialist support
- volunteering
- Phone: 0300 7729855
- Website: MindOut
Allsorts Youth Project
For children and young people under 26 and their families. If you are lesbian, gay, bi, trans or exploring your sexuality or gender preferences (LGBTQ+).
- Phone: 01273 721100
- Website: Allsorts Youth Project
The Clare Project
Provides support options for people who are trans, non-binary and intersex. Most groups are in the Brighton area. East Sussex residents are welcome to attend and some online groups are also offered.
- Website: The Clare Project
Other information
A directory of free support (Sussex and UK) lists local services and social groups. Run by and for people who are LGBTQ+.
Also search ESCIS for both adult and youth LGBTQ+ support groups and organisations.
Other people in minority groups
The Links Project
Support and advice drop in. For asylum seekers, refugees and new migrants living in East Sussex.
- Phone Marc Turczanski (Project Coordinator) on 01424 444 010, 07752 495 508 or
- Email: marc@hastingsvoluntaryaction.org.uk.
- Website: The Links Project
Bad Nerves, Mental Health
Confidential mental health support for Gypsies and Travellers. Provided by Friends Families and Travellers (FFT).
- Phone: 01273 234 777 for the Sussex area helpline
- Website: Bad Nerves, Mental Health
Young people and parents
Find local info in our Children and families and Local Offer pages.
Parenting Smart
Place2Be offers mental health support in some of our East Sussex schools. Parenting Smart offers practical advice for parents and carers of children aged 5 to 11.
- Website: Parenting Smart
The Mix
National support for young people under 25, with online community. Also a text service, free counselling and other support.
- Website: The Mix
- Text service: Crisis Messenger Text THEMIX to 85258, seven days a week
FSN (St Leonards and Bexhill)
FSN supports families and children with a number of projects.
- Website: FSN
Support for new parents
New parents can experience changes to their mental health during pregnancy and beyond. Your GP or midwife can help if you have concerns.
The Sussex Local Maternity and Neonatal System (LMNS) are also here to support parents.
- Website: Mental health and pregnancy
Parents in Mind support women and partners. This can help during pregnancy and within the first two years after birth.
- Website: Parents in Mind
Muma Nurture
Eastbourne-based charity helping people affected by fertility, pregnancy and related loss. Offering low cost online and in person counselling and support.
- Phone: 01323 32 55 58
- Website: Muma Nurture
Support for carers
If you look after someone with a mental health problem you are a carer. By offering them support, you’ll play a vital role in their wellbeing and recovery.
There is specific support for you in your caring role.
East Sussex Care for the Carers
Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Supporting someone with a mental health problem
East Sussex County Council
Support groups for carers
Local services run by charities.
Carers O’Clock
Monthly sessions in East Sussex for unpaid carers with food and activity.
- More info and how to join: Carers O’Clock
Mobilise Cuppa
Join other carers for a virtual cuppa and supportive chats. There is also lots of helpful info on their resources page.
- Register to join here: Mobilise
Holding Space
Support for parents, children and families in the Eastbourne area. For people who have worries about mental health.
Carer’s directory
Eating disorders
People of any age or gender can have eating disorders. It's best to get help as soon as possible. The first place to go is your GP. They should refer you for further assessment by a specialist eating disorder service.
Sussex eating disorder services
There is a team to support children and families and a team to support adults.
- Website: Sussex NHS Eating Disorder services
Beat
The UK's leading eating disorder charity. You can talk with an adviser and find more info and resources.
- Website: Beat
Domestic abuse service
The East Sussex service is for people aged 16 years and over affected by domestic abuse and violence.
Website: Domestic abuse
Armed Forces services
Local mental health support for veterans
The Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service offer free NHS mental health services. These are for ex-serving and UK Armed Forces staff living in Sussex.
- Website: Operation Courage
Combat Stress
A national charity to support veterans’ mental health, with a 24/7 helpline
- Phone: 0800 138 1619 (for veterans and families)
- Phone: 0800 323 4444 (for serving and families)
- Website: Combat Stress
Armed Forces Network
Help for local veterans, serving personnel and their families. Available across East Sussex
- Phone: 01273 403 693
- Email: afn.admin@nhs.net
- Website: Armed Forces Network
SSAFA the Armed Forces Charity
Practical, financial and emotional support for service personnel, veterans and their families. They offer a free and confidential support line 9am to 5pm Mon to Fri.
- Phone: 0800 260 6767 (Forcesline)
- Website: SSAFA
East Sussex Veterans' Hub
A local charity which supports the wellbeing of veterans in East Sussex.
- Website: ESVH
Veterans' Growth
A charity in Westfield Rother which helps ex-service people through therapeutic gardening.
- Website: Veterans' Growth
- Facebook: Veterans' Growth
The Old Bank Wellbeing Trust
Offers free counselling for veterans' families as part of the Veterans Family Programme. Based in Eastbourne.
- Phone: 01323 502827
- Email: info@theoldbankwellbeing.org.uk
- Website: The Old Bank
1Space lists other veterans' services.
Section 4: Self help
Things you can do to improve your own mental health and wellbeing.
Self help tools and opportunities
Every Mind Matters
Some simple steps to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing:
Health In Mind resources
- Videos and other resources for managing anxiety and improving wellbeing.
Mindfulness
- NHS mindfulness can start you on mindfulness and gives links to resources.
National Mind
- National Mind has general info and support. They also suggest 8 tips on relaxing for your mental wellbeing.
Libraries services
East Sussex Libraries have pages on wellbeing with lots of resources and signposting. People in East Sussex can access free e-books and audiobooks.
- Library wellbeing pages
- Library service and self-help books
- List of recommended books and e-books for mental health and wellbeing
Walking for wellbeing
Exercise and getting out into green spaces is good for your wellbeing.
East Sussex 123 Walks
This site has short walking routes between 1 and 3 miles. The walks come with printer friendly maps and parking nearby.
- Website: 123 Walks
East Sussex Health Walks
These are weekly walks all over East Sussex. They are a way to meet people and get some exercise outside.
- Website: East Sussex Health Walks
Dealing with loneliness
National Mind and Every Mind Matters have advice and tips. Also other places you can go for support.
Just Friends
Social groups across East Sussex for anyone who lives alone. There are activities including lunches, trips and walking groups.
- Email: info@just-friends.uk
- Website: Just Friends via 1Space
Phone services for wellbeing support
The Silver Line
A free, confidential phone service for older people. Open 24/7.
- Freephone: 0800 4708090
- Website: The Silver Line
Independent Age
An advice and support service for older people. Open weekdays, 8.30am to 5.30pm.
- Freephone: 0800 3196789
- Website: Independent Age
Mobilise Cuppa (for all carers)
Join other carers for a virtual cuppa and supportive chats twice a week. There is also lots of helpful information on their resources page.
- Register to join: Mobilise
Farming Community Network helpline:
A national helpline for farmers open 7am and 11pm every day. The service offers a chance to talk to someone who understands the challenges. They can help with stress, depression, alcohol or drug use, isolation or other worries.
- Phone: 03000 111999
- Website: FCN Helpline
Women's wellbeing
Wayfinder Woman
A female-run, volunteer led charity in Eastbourne. Supports women who are anxious or uncertain. Free drop-in hub and in person and online workshops and coaching.
- Phone: 01323 886171
- Email: info@wayfinderwoman.com
- Website: Wayfinder Woman
Brighton Women's Centre
Services for women across Sussex, including low cost counselling.
Website: Brighton Women's Centre
Womankind Eastbourne
An informal support group for women who meet one evening a month.
- Phone: 07796 771101
- Facebook: Womankind
Men’s wellbeing
Men's Health library resources
East Sussex Libraries have online tools and resources. These can support men's mental health and wellbeing.
- Website: East Sussex Libraries
Mankind Support Group
Mankind helps support men who have mental health worries, or need to talk. Weekly groups in Eastbourne and Heathfield. Weekly groups in Eastbourne, Heathfield and Hailsham.
- Website Mankind
Men's Sheds
Local spaces for men to connect, make friends and enjoy activities. There are groups all over East Sussex.
- Website: Men's Sheds
Take Action Man
A nature based men's outdoor activity and support group in Hastings. Get active, learn new skills and spend time with others.
- Website: Take Action Man Project Rewild
Men's mental health directory
This directory lists 40+ trusted organisations in Sussex supporting men’s mental health.
Website: Men's MH Local Directory
Podcasts about men's mental health
UK podcasts on men talking about mental health more: Manup!
Peer support services
Side by Side (offered through national Mind)
A supportive online community. For anyone who has an experience of mental health problems. You can connect with others who get what you are going through. It’s live 24/7 and moderated daily from 8.30am until midnight.
- Website: Side by Side
Qwell
A free digital mental wellbeing service for adults in East Sussex. Peer-to-peer spaces for moderated conversations and support.
- Website: Qwell
Section 5: Addiction services
This section includes services for addiction to drugs and alcohol, gambling and gaming.
Drug and alcohol support
STAR (Change Grow Live)
The service helps people get back control and live life to its full potential.
- Phone: 0300 303 8160
- Email: EastSussex.Firststep@cgl.org.uk
- Website: STAR
East Sussex Recovery Alliance (ESRA)
ESRA provides drug and alcohol recovery services for anyone over the age of 18.
- Website: ESRA
Under 25s Substance Misuse Service
For people under 25 who are struggling with alcohol or any drug. Nurses and social workers in the team can support you and your family.
One You East Sussex
Free personalised sessions to help you learn how to stop drinking, or cut down.
- Website: Drink less | One You
Adfam East Sussex
The service supports families and carers with info, one-to-one and group support. Adfam also run training for professionals.
- Website: Adfam East Sussex for further information and to make a referral
East Sussex Veterans' Hub
The Hub provides recovery activities for people accessing substance misuse services.
- Website: ESVH
Coastal Routes Recovery
Led by people in recovery, for people in recovery.
- Website: Coastal Routes Recovery
Other support for substance misuse
Helplines, online meetings and information to help you to recover from substance misuse:
- Alcoholics Anonymous (plus free 24 hour helpline 0800 917 7650)
- Alcohol rehab support
- Build on Belief (BOB) online programme
- FRANK (online resource about drugs plus 24 hour helpline 0300 123 6600)
- Narcotics Anonymous (plus helpline 0300 999 1212 daily, 10am to midnight)
- SMART Recovery (self-management and recovery training for addiction)
- National charity Adfam. Supports families and friends of people with drugs and alcohol problems.
Gambling support services
Southern Gambling Service
An NHS funded specialist service. It provides treatment to people with harm due to gambling or a gambling disorder. It is open to anyone aged 17 and above living in Sussex. Most support is online, one to on or in groups.
- Website: SGS
Gamblers Anonymous
For people who gamble and want to stop. Offered through group support from people with lived experience of gambling. Meetings occur in person in Eastbourne and Brighton and Hove.
- Website: GA Meetings
Gamblers Anon
Gam-Anon helps people affected by someone else’s gambling. Meetings are online and face to face in Brighton the first Monday of each month. For details email brighton@gamanon.org.uk
Gamstop
A national service. It lets you exclude yourself from all GB licenced gambling websites.
- Website: Gamstop
Breakeven
Free support for people in East Sussex affected by gambling.
- Website: Breakeven
Problem gaming
National Centre for Gaming Disorders
A free national NHS service for people over 13 and their families.
- Website: NCGD
Gamers can set limits with the time they spend online and/or gaming. Or parents can do this for their children. Visit Parental controls and privacy settings guides | Internet Matters. Set up parent controls based on your own device and broadband service.
Section 6: Money getting you down?
Not having enough money can affect your wellbeing. This section lists places to get help.
Where to get help for money worries
Cost of living pages
Information from the Council. It can help you with benefits, housing, foodbanks, household bills and much more. Available in other languages.
- Website: Cost of living support
Welfare benefits service and financial advice
Are worries about money or debts impacting your mental health? This service offers free, confidential advice and info. Open to people living in East Sussex Mon to Fri, 9am to 5pm.
- Phone 0333 344 0681 (03 calls cost no more than 01 or 02 numbers)
- Email Benefits East Sussex - HARC
Shout Sussex 24/7 text service
Text SUSSEX to 85258 for free, confidential support at any time. They can support you if you are feeling low due to money worries.
Mental Health and Money Advice
A national impartial organisation. You can find advice and info on managing money, debts and benefits. There is also a toolkit to help with your mental and financial health.
Advice from Mind
Money Helper
A government-approved online advice service. It provides impartial free advice on money and debt issues.
StepChange debt advice
A national debt help charity giving free, confidential and expert advice. Support with a personal action plan for as long as it's needed. This can be online or over the phone.
- StepChange homepage
- Advice on debt stress and mental health
- Free online debt advice or
- Phone 0800 138 1111 Mon to Fri 8am to 8pm, Sat 8am to 4pm
Money Saving Expert
Specialist advice and a Mental Health and Debt guide.
Citizen's Advice
The website includes guidance on how bailiffs should treat you if you have a health problem. Bailiffs must treat you with greater care. This includes giving you more time to respond to letters or demands. They should not enter your home if you’re the only person there.
Mental Health Breathing Space
A debt relief scheme for people getting mental health crisis treatment. They can pause enforcement action and freeze interest and charges on your debts.
Carers' Money Matters
A project for carers living in East Sussex to help them to make ends meet.
For more local and national info
Section 7: Work and education
Being in paid or voluntary work or education can be good for your mental health.
Support with work and volunteering
Free skills and employability support
The latest info on free to access skills, employment and other support in East Sussex.
- Website: Careers East Sussex
Level Up
Free one to one mentoring support to help get people ready for work.
- Website: Level Up
Connect to Work
Offers support to get you into a job that matches your own strengths and employment goals. For people who have a disability, long-term health condition, or other challenges.
- Website: Connect to Work
Able Futures
DWP funded national service. Free support from a mental health specialist while working.
- Website: Able Futures
- Phone: 0800 321 3137 (Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm)
Southdown Individual Placement and Support
Offer one-to-one support to gain and keep employment, voluntary work and education. For adults living in East Sussex who are using a mental health service.
- Website: Southdown Employment Support
Work in Mind
One-to-one support to find and keep employment, voluntary work and education. For adults living in East Sussex who have used the Health in Mind service..
- Website: Southdown Work in Mind
Volunteering in East Sussex
Opportunities to improve your wellbeing by helping others. Including the TRIBE platform for volunteering near you.
- Website: East Sussex Volunteering
- Website: Conservation volunteering
Education for learning and recovery
Sussex Recovery College
Free educational courses about mental health and recovery. These are to improve your knowledge and skills and promote self care.
There are courses in Hastings, Eastbourne and Lewes. Some courses are also delivered online. The College is for people with a moderate to serious mental health challenge. Also their family and close friends, or people who work to support them.
- Phone: 0300 303 8086
- Email: spft.sussexrecoverycollege@nhs.net
- Website: Sussex Recovery College
Other free online courses are available at Recovery College Online.
Adult Community Learning
East Sussex College offers courses for people age 19 plus. Courses are free for adults on a low income. Delivered in Eastbourne, Hastings, Newhaven, and some other locations. Please contact the college to find out more and see what’s on offer.
- Phone: 0303 003 8212
- Email: Community.Info@sussexdowns.ac.uk
- Website: Adult Community Learning