East Sussex mental health directory
Contact mental health services
The Sussex Mental Healthline is there to offer support and advise you where to get help for yourself or someone you are concerned about.
For callers whose first language is not English, a telephone interpreter can be arranged for other community languages, by phoning the helpline and letting them know the language needed.
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Sussex Mental Healthline 0800 0309 500 (free phone)
Shout Sussex text service
By texting the word SUSSEX to 85258, you can access a free, confidential, 24/7 service and have a text conversation with a trained volunteer. The volunteers offer real-time support if you are anxious, stressed, depressed, suicidal or overwhelmed. You may prefer this to speaking on the phone.
For urgent mental health support
Call 999 or go to A&E if you do not feel you can keep yourself or someone else safe. A mental health emergency should be taken as seriously as a physical one.
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
Please consider whether your GP, the Sussex Mental Healthline or the NHS 111 service can help before travelling to A&E.
If you have a care plan and crisis card from Sussex Partnership mental health services, these will include details of who you should contact in a crisis. If you can’t find your care plan, contact your community team during the day – 9am to 5pm – from Monday to Friday. Ask for your care coordinator or the person on duty.
Contact the Samaritans
If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, the Samaritans can offer help and support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Phone 116 123 or visit the Samaritans website
Staying Well crisis café for out-of-hours support
Staying Well provides a support service for people experiencing distress due to their mental health, during evenings and weekends when other support may be unavailable. Open for face to face support in Hastings and St Leonards and Eastbourne, with phone and video call support if you are unable to attend in person.
Open 7 days a week, 4pm to 10.30pm on weekdays and 3pm to 10.30pm at weekends.
- Phone 0800 023 6475 and choose option 1 for Eastbourne, or 2 for St Leonards
- Website and online self-referral: Staying Well
Other suicide prevention services
Sussex Partnership NHS Trust Urgent Help Advice
- Website: Urgent help in a crisis
- Website: Stay Alive App
Preventing suicide in Sussex
Advice for people who may be at risk of suicide and their friends and family, on warning signs and how to seek help.
‘Warning Signs’ is a suicide prevention campaign targeting East Sussex, West Sussex and Brighton & Hove, specifically aiming to support the reduction of annual suicide amongst men in Sussex.
- Website: Warning Signs campaign
Grassroots Suicide Prevention
Work with communities, organisations, services and individuals to help them to become ready, willing and able to effectively support someone at risk of suicide.
Available in Brighton & Hove with advice for all.
- Email: office@prevent-suicide.org.uk
- Website: Grassroots Suicide Prevention
Counselling partnership
Free to access, timely support for those who are currently at risk of taking their own life, or who have attempted suicide. Support is also offered to people bereaved by suicide.
- Phone: 01273 519108
- Email: counselling@sussexcommunity.org.uk
- Website: Counselling Partnership
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 necessary, all faiths / no faith welcome.
- Website: RunningSpace
National services
- Papyrus suicide prevention service for under 35s offering free confidential support, a 24/7 helpline and practical advice
- Zero Suicide Alliance is committed to suicide prevention and offers free training and resources.
If you have been affected by suicide
National Support
Public Health England and the Suicide Prevention Alliance have produced Help is at Hand for people bereaved by suicide or other sudden, traumatic death.
Suicide&Co supports people bereaved by suicide, with a helpline run by bereavement counsellors.
- Suicide&Co helpline Mon-Fri 9am to 9pm: 0800 054 8400
- hub of resources
East Sussex Support for people bereaved by suicide
A service for people whose loved one has died as a result of suicide, offering practical and emotional support.
- Phone: 07542 305 419
- Website: Bereaved by Suicide Support
If you have been affected by witnessing a suicide
Firsthand is a new resource to support and advise people who are impacted by the suicide of someone they don't know.
- Website: Firsthand
If you are concerned about someone who may harm themselves, please see our crisis and suicide prevention page.
If you are showing signs of mental ill-health which are not improving with self-help interventions, the first thing you should do is speak with your GP, or if you have one, your Lead Practitioner in your NHS Community Mental Health team.
If your poor mental health is linked with financial concerns, please see our mental health and money worries page.
Mental health issues are common and treatable. The sooner you seek help, the better. Please also check out the support available both locally and nationally.
Sussex Mental Healthline
You can call this helpline for care and advice (24 hours, 7 days a week, for all ages) to discuss concerns you have for the mental health of yourself or someone else.
For callers whose first language is not English, a telephone interpreter can be arranged for other community languages, by phoning the helpline and letting them know the language needed.
- Phone: 0800 0309 500 (free phone)
- Website Sussex Mental Healthline
Shout Sussex text service
By texting the word SUSSEX to 85258, people of any age can access a free, confidential, 24/7 service and have a text conversation with a trained volunteer. The volunteers offer real-time support to people who are anxious, stressed, depressed, suicidal or overwhelmed. Some people may prefer this to speaking on the phone. If appropriate, users will be signposted to other local services.
Health in Mind
A free NHS service for East Sussex residents who are experiencing stress, anxiety or low mood. You can self-refer through the website, and also find videos, top tips and free online therapy programmes. The service is offered via the phone or online via a secure video platform, with limited face-to-face treatment.
Once a referral has been received, the team will talk to you about what can be offered based on your needs.
- Phone: 0300 003 0130
- Email: spnt.healthinmind@nhs.net
- Website: Health in Mind
- Mental health support for refugees and asylum seekers
East Sussex Mental Health Support Services
Community mental health support services are offered by local organisations in partnership with the Council and NHS Sussex. These are free and for any adults living in East Sussex who are living with mental health challenges.
Wellbeing centres
Seven Wellbeing Centres in East Sussex provide a range of community-based mental health and wellbeing support to help you to get well, stay well and prevent crisis. The centres are in Hastings and St Leonards, Bexhill, Eastbourne, Hailsham, Lewes, Uckfield and Crowborough.
Support for mental health and wellbeing is offered through a support plan developed with each client (age 16 plus).
- Phone: 01323 405334
- Email: ESCN@southdown.org
- Website: Southdown Wellbeing Centres
Peer Support Service
People who have their own lived experience of mental health challenges will support you to take control of your mental health and stay well. Peer Specialists work with clients to develop Wellness Plans, identifying strategies and tools to help manage recovery and prevent crisis.
- Phone: 01323 405334
- Email: PeerServiceESussex@southdown.org
Staying Well Space
Out-of-hours ‘crisis cafe’ support available 7 evenings a week for adults (aged 16+) experiencing acute distress due to their mental health. The service has venues in St Leonards and Eastbourne, with phone support for those who can’t visit in person.
People supported by Staying Well are generally experiencing distress related to a mental health condition. They are not considered at imminent risk of suicidal or self-injury, or to pose an imminent risk of harm to others.
- Phone: 0800 023 6475 for queries or to discuss a referral
- Email: StayingWell@southdown.org
- Website: Southdown Staying Well Space
Thinking Well
Specialist day support for adults living in East Sussex who are living with a diagnosis of Complex Emotional Needs (CEN).
- Phone: 01323 405334
- Email: thinkingwell@southdown.org
- Website: Southdown Thinking Well
The service made a film for people with the diagnosis and family, friends, and practitioners.
Access local services to improve your mental wellbeing
Community Connectors
When everyday life is affecting your mental health and wellbeing, we work in partnership with GPs to help you access local services and activities that can help. Community Navigators support people to improve their own health and wellbeing by developing personalised and practical solutions to everyday issues, using a Social Prescribing pathway.
- Phone: 01323 340151
- Email: Social.prescribing@nhs.net
- Website: Southdown Community Connectors
Local wellbeing project in Eastbourne and Hastings
Wellbeing in Hastings and Eastbourne is a project that promotes the emotional and mental wellbeing of communities within Hastings and Eastbourne.
- Website: Mind B&H East Sussex services
Outdoor wellbeing group at Seven Sisters
This 8 week supportive Growing New Roots project is for people who would benefit from time spend in nature due to their mental health. For further details please see the website.
Information from our Mental Health Trust
The Sussex Partnership Foundation NHS Foundation Trust (SPFT) supports people with more serious mental health difficulties. You can find further information and an A-Z of conditions on their webpages.
- Website: SPFT
Adult Social Care
Contact Adult Social Care if you or someone you know needs social care support.
Low cost or free counselling services
Sussex Community Counselling
Low-cost counselling by a BACP-accredited service offered 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+. Available face to face in Hastings, Bexhill and Rye and also remotely through phone, Zoom or Skype.
- Phone: 01424 428 300
- Email: admin@counsellingplus.org
- Website: Counselling Plus Community
Support for Survivors of Suicide (SSOS)
For those who are struggling with suicidal thoughts or who have attempted suicide. Assessments and counselling services can be offered via 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
Qwell digital wellbeing support
A national service for adults in the UK, offering free counselling, chat, peer groups and personal development tools.
- Website: Qwell
Breakeven counselling
Breakeven offer free counselling for people with gambling-related issues, either face to face or via video call or phone, with offices in Eastbourne and St Leonards.
- Phone: 01273 833722
- Email: info@breakeven.org.uk
- Website: Breakeven
The Pelham Counselling service
A charity in Bexhill offering affordable counselling to people aged 11+ in person or over the phone or Zoom.
- Phone: 07907 403663
- Email: counselling@the pelham.co.uk
- Website: The Pelham Counselling Service
Counselling directory (may not be low cost)
Neurodiversity
Neurodiverse conditions such as autism or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are not mental health conditions. However, for some people their neurodiversity is linked with their poor mental health. Sources of possible support are below:
- Autism support in East Sussex
- National Autistic Society mental health advice
- Mind: Autism and mental health
- ADHD Aware
Mental health support for people in minority groups
The Links Project
A multi-agency support and advice project for asylum seekers, refugees and new migrant communities living in East Sussex.
- Contact Marc Turczanski (Project Coordinator) on 01424 444 010, 07752 495 508 or marc@hastingsvoluntaryaction.org.uk.
- Website: The Links Project
Bad Nerves, Mental Health
Friends Families and Travellers (FFT) provides confidential and private mental health support for Gypsies and Travellers.
- Phone: 01273 234 777 for the Sussex area helpline
- Website: Bad Nerves, Mental Health
Seaview
Seaview is an open access wellbeing centre in St Leonards. It helps to improve the lives of people who are marginalised for a variety of reasons, and who often have mental health difficulties. Open 7 days a week over the winter.
- Phone: 01424 717 981
- Email: admin@seaviewproject.org.uk
- Website: Seaview
LGBTQ+ support
MindOut
MindOut is a mental health service run by and for lesbian, gay bisexual, trans and queer (LGBTQ) people, with lots of advice and guidance. Projects are now running in East Sussex.
- Website: MindOut
Switchboard
Switchboard B&H is a Brighton-based charity with an LGBTQ helpline for people living in East Sussex.
- Helpline: 01273 204050 (7.00pm to 9.30pm on Mon to Thu)
- Website: Switchboard B&H
- National Switchboard helpline: 0300 330 0630 (10am to 10pm daily)
Allsorts Youth Project
Listens to, connects and supports children and young people who are LGBT+ or exploring their sexual orientation and/or gender identity, and their families. Allsorts now has activities running in Eastbourne and Hastings and online groups in East Sussex.
- Website: Allsorts Youth Project
- Phone: 01273 721100
- Email: info@allsortsyouth.org.uk
The Clare Project
Provides a variety of support options for the trans, non-binary and intersex community in Brighton and East Sussex.
- website: The Clare Project
LGBTQ directory
This directory of free support (Sussex and UK wide) lists the local support and social groups run by and for people who identify as LGBTQ, or who are unsure or questioning their gender and/or sexuality.
- Website: LGBTQ directory
East Sussex Community Information Service
Search ESCIS for both adult and youth LGBTQ+ support groups and organisations.
Mental health support for young people
I-Rock
Young people in East Sussex (aged 14 to 25 years) can access advice and support on emotional and mental wellbeing. The service is open daily from 11am to 6pm through video link, phone or email.
There are some face to face appointments available at i-Rock sites in Hastings, Eastbourne and Newhaven.
- Email: irockeastsussex@gmail.com
- Website: i-Rock
E-wellbeing
A digital wellbeing service to support 13–25 year olds in Sussex with their mental health, designed by young people, for young people. The website provides self-help information, handy toolkits and a directory of local services.
- Website: e-wellbeing
E-motion
Free online counselling service for 12–18 year olds in East Sussex. It is not a crisis or emergency service, but can allow you to talk about your problems and feelings in a safe supportive and private space. Visit the website to register.
- Website: e-motion
Sussex CAMHS
Support with emotional and mental wellbeing, for children, young people and their parents or carers. Their website has lots of information, resources and short films about common problems.
- Website: Sussex CAMHS
The Mix
National support for young people under 25, with an online community and a helpline, free counselling services and other support.
- Website: The Mix
- Helpline: 0808 8084994 (every day 4pm-11pm, freephone)
YoungMinds
For support and information on services for children and young people up to 25, and their parents and carers.
- For children and young people: Find help
- For parents: Supporting your child
- Parents Helpline: 0808 802 5544 (Monday to Friday 9.30am to 4pm. Free for mobiles and landlines)
Support for eating disorders
People of any age or gender can develop eating disorders, and it's best to get help as soon as possible. The first place to go is your GP, who should refer you for further assessment or treatment by a specialist eating disorder service.
- Website: Sussex NHS Eating Disorder services
You can also talk to an advisor with Beat, the UK's leading eating disorder charity, and find information and resources.
- Website: Beat
Holding Space (Eastbourne)
A small charitable organisation which support families going through mental ill health. It offers free, friendly online support sessions for parents and carers, as well as phone support.
- Website: Holding Space
FSN (St Leonards and Bexhill)
FSN aims to provide effective and professional caring action without discrimination and favour for children and young people suffering the effects of poverty, disadvantage, neglect and abuse, with a number of projects.
Website: FSN
Support for new parents
New parents can experience an impact on their mental health during pregnancy and beyond, if you are worried you should speak with your GP or midwife as specialist help is available.
Parents in Mind can also support women and partners experiencing emotional health difficulties in pregnancy and within the first two years after birth.
- website: Parents in Mind
Support with employment
Free skills and employability support
An online brochure full of the latest information on free to access skills, employment and other support, arranged by area.
Southdown Individual Placement and Support
Offer one-to-one support to gain and retain employment, self-employment, voluntary work and education. For adults (aged 18 years +) living in East Sussex who are using a mental health service.
Available across East Sussex
- Website: Southdown Employment Support
Work in Mind
One-to-one support to find and retain employment, self-employment, voluntary work and education for adults (aged 18 years +). Referrals are accepted direct from Health in Mind teams only.
Available across East Sussex
- Website: Southdown Work in Mind
Education for learning and recovery
Sussex Recovery College
Free educational courses about mental health and recovery which are designed to increase your knowledge, skills and promote self-management.
Face to face courses are available in Hastings, Eastbourne and Lewes, with many other courses delivered online. Open to people with a moderate to severe mental health challenge, their family and close friends, or people who work to support them.
- Phone: 0300 303 8086
- Email: SussexRecoveryCollege@spft.nhs.uk
- Website: Sussex Recovery College
Additional free online courses can also be accessed at Recovery College Online.
Adult Community Learning
East Sussex College offers activities and learning experiences which can be tailored to support people age 19+ with mild to moderate mental health issues. Normally available in Eastbourne, Lewes and Newhaven, limited courses are currently being delivered by video tutorials. 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
Sussex Discovery College
The Discovery College is a community of children and young people up to 21 years and their families and supporters. They offer a range of free courses online and in different venues, which are fun and informative and support people to deal with mental health challenges.
- Website: Sussex Discovery College
Service user involvement and advocacy
Mental Health Lived Experience Advisory Group
If you or someone you care for has used mental health services, you may want to use your experiences to help shape future developments.
- Website: Mental Health Lived Experience
- Email: inclusion@possabilitypeople.org.uk
- Phone: Ricky at Possability People 07795905740
POhWER
Information and advocacy services for people who need support because of problems with their mental health.
Available across East Sussex.
- Phone: 0300 456 2370
- Email: pohwer@pohwer.net
- Facebook page: Facebook POhWER
- Website: POhWER
Information, advice and campaigning
Rethink Mental Illness
Rethink improve the lives of people with diagnosed mental illness with expert information 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
Bereavement support
East Sussex 1Space directory lists local and national support:
If you have been bereaved by suicide
Public Health England and the Zero Suicide Alliance have produced Help is at Hand for people bereaved by suicide or other sudden, traumatic death.
East Sussex Support for people bereaved by suicide
A new service for people whose loved one has died as a result of suicide, offering practical and emotional support.
- Phone: 01273 519108
- Email:
- Website: Bereaved by Suicide Support
It is normal to sometimes feel anxious or low, whatever your personal situation. There are steps you can take to try and improve your mental health
This page signposts ways that you can help yourself. If you continue to have concerns about your mental health, please visit Mental health services and support.
The following resources have some tips on how to support and manage our own mental health and wellbeing.
Self-help mental health resources
Every Mind Matters
Every Mind Matters offers 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 gives you an introduction to mindfulness and links to resources
Mind relaxation tips
- National Mind suggest 8 relaxation tips for your mental wellbeing
East Sussex 123 Walks
Exercise and getting out into green spaces if you can is good for your wellbeing. This site has short walking routes between 1 and 3 miles, with printer friendly maps and reasonable parking.
Dealing with loneliness
National Mind and Every Mind Matters have advice and tips, and other places you can go for support.
Just Friends
Several free social groups across East Sussex for anyone who lives alone, offering an opportunity for friendship through activities including lunches, trips and walking groups.
- Email: info@just-friends.uk
- Website: Just Friends via 1Space
East Sussex Health Walks
These are weekly walks all over East Sussex, and an opportunity to meet people and get some exercise in the great outdoors.
- Website: East Sussex Health Walks
Phone services for wellbeing support
The Silver Line
A free, confidential telephone 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 6.30pm.
- 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 which offers a chance to talk to someone who understands the challenges. You can call between 7am and 11pm every day if you need help with stress, depression, alcohol or drug dependency, isolation or have other worries.
- Phone: 03000 111999
- Website: FCN Helpline
Mind Wellbeing projects in Hastings and Eastbourne
Workshops and information to support positive mental wellbeing, and awareness and understanding of mental health. The service works with young people who live in Hastings and Eastbourne, and people of any age with long-term conditions (such as a mental health condition or physical disability).
There is further information and contact details on the Mind website.
Men’s mental health
Men's Health library resources
East Sussex Libraries share a collection of online tools and resources to support men's mental health and wellbeing.
- Website: East Sussex Libraries
Room to Rant (16-25s) rap and lyric workshops
A relaxed weekly space for young men to rap and get stuff off their chest, run by experienced and accomplished rappers. Now running in Eastbourne, with an online group for those who can't meet in person.
- Website Room to Rant
Men's mental health project
The Men's Mental Health Project in Hastings focusses on improving community support for men aged 30-59 years.
Men in Mind project
Helping public facing staff to have supportive conversations about men's mental health.
Mankind Support Group
Mankind was set up in 2020 by Eastbourne friends to help support men who have mental health worries, or just need someone to talk to without judgement.
- 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
Podcasts about men's mental health
- UK Men's mental health podcasts aiming to get men talking about mental health more: Manup!
National Peer Support Services
Side by Side (offered through national Mind)
A supportive online community, where you can feel at home talking about your mental health and connect with others who understand what you are going through. It's open to anybody who has an experience of mental health problems, or is closely connected to someone that has. It’s available 24/7 and moderated daily from 8.30am until midnight.
To join: Side by Side
Clic online peer support
Clic is an online community of people who have been affected by a mental health problem, where you can share experiences and find resources, advice and information.
Libraries services
East Sussex Libraries have pages on wellbeing with lots of resources and signposting. If you live or work in East Sussex you can also access free e-books and audiobooks.
Our libraries offer self-help books for people who are finding it difficult to cope or need advice on a specific emotional or mental health problem.
- Library service and self-help books
- List of recommended books and e-books for mental health and wellbeing
East Sussex College open courses
ESG offers adults (19 plus) community learning opportunities which are usually free and online. You might want to boost your wellbeing by trying something new and creative or improving your employability.
- Website for latest course information: Community Learning
If you look after someone with a mental health condition in an unpaid capacity, you are a carer. By offering them support, you’ll play a vital role in their wellbeing and recovery.
Please see our general advice and information about support services for your relative or friend on the other mental health directory pages.
There is also a range of specific support available to you in your caring role:
Carer’s directory
Search our directory for support services
East Sussex Care for the Carers
Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Supporting someone with a mental health problem
Supporting someone in crisis
Mental health directory information and advice
Carer’s information
Young carers (aged under 18)
Carers O’Clock
Monthly sessions in East Sussex for unpaid carers to focus on their own wellbeing with artist-led creative activity, conversation and a freshly cooked lunch.
- More information 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 information on their resources page.
- Register to join here: Mobilise
Holding Space
Support for parents, children and families in the Eastbourne area who are experiencing worries about mental health.
Local services
STAR (Change Grow Live)
Our goal is to help service users regain control, change the direction of their lives, grow as a person and live life to its full potential.
Available across the whole of East Sussex
- 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
Oasis Women’s Recovery Service
Support for women affected by drug or alcohol problems and their families, with groups in Eastbourne, Hastings & St Leonards and Uckfield.
- Website: Oasis
Adfam East Sussex
The service in East Sussex provides direct support to families and carers through information, one-to-one support and group and peer support. Adfam will also run a programme of training for professionals to develop their skills in working with the family and carers of substance misusers.
- Visit Adfam East Sussex for further information and to make a referral
Online support
These services are offer helplines, online meetings and information to support recovery from substance misuse:
- Alcoholics Anonymous (plus free 24 hour helpline 0800 917 7650)
- Alcohol rehab support
- Narcotics Anonymous (plus helpline 0300 999 1212 daily, 10am to midnight)
- SMART Recovery (self-management and recovery training for addiction)
Adfam is a national charity working to improve the lives of families and friends of people with problems caused by drugs and alcohol. They have also recently developed a toolkit (PDF) for families affected by co-occurring mental ill-health and substance misuse.
Organisations
Local mental health support for veterans
The Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service offers free NHS mental health services to all ex-serving members of the UK Armed Forces and service personnel living in Sussex.
- Website: Mental health support
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
Sussex Armed Forces Network (SAFN)
If you, or a close member of your family, have served or are serving in the UK Armed Forces there may be additional help and support available.
Available across East Sussex
- Phone: 01273 403 693
- Email: afn.admin@nhs.net
- Website: Sussex 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 aims to support the wellbeing of veterans of the armed forces living in East Sussex.
- Phone: 0330 1077808 (free)
- Website: ESVH
Welfare benefits service and financial advice
Are worries about money or debts impacting your mental health? This service offers free, confidential advice and information. 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
- Website: Welfare benefits helpline
Shout Sussex 24/7 text service
If trying to make ends meet is having an impact on your mental health, text SUSSEX to 85258 for free, confidential support at any time of day or night.
Mental Health and Money Advice
This national impartial organisation has lots of advice and information on managing money, debts and benefits, as well as a toolkit to help you understand, manage and improve your mental and financial health.
Money Helper
A government-approved online advice service, providing 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, 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
Mental Health Breathing Space
This is a debt relief scheme if you are receiving specific types of mental health crisis treatment. The protections offered include pausing enforcement action, and freezing interest and charges on your debts.
Money Saving Expert
Specialist advice and a Mental Health & Debt guide.
For more local and national information
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