Following months of collaborative work amongst peers working in the NHS, our Local Authorities and the VCSE sector including our lead provider Southdown, along with people with lived experience, consistent mental health signposting information has been created for adults across Sussex.
Why we need consistent mental health signposting advice
Finding the right mental health support can be overwhelming, with a multitude of services available across Sussex. To address this challenge, a new signposting tool has been developed to help people access the support they need more easily.
Independent research has highlighted that existing online information about mental health services can be confusing and difficult to navigate. This often leads to delays in seeking help, with serious consequences for individuals’ wellbeing.
In response to this issue, the Mental Health Services Communications Working Group (MHSCWG) has created a new signposting tool designed to simplify the process of finding appropriate mental health support. The MHSCWG, formed in 2023, brought together NHS, primary care, VCSE, local authority partners, and people with lived experience to develop a clear, consistent approach to mental health signposting. The tool has been co-produced with people with lived experience and service providers to ensure it meets the needs of those seeking help.
Focus on how people are feeling
A key feature of the new tool is its focus on how people are feeling rather than the structure of the services. This user-centered approach makes it easier for individuals to identify the most relevant support options.
The launch of this new signposting tool represents a significant step forward in improving access to mental health support in Sussex. By providing clear and easy-to-understand information, it is hoped that more people will be able to get the help they need at an earlier stage.
Check out our updated Get Support page for Sussex-wide information as well as the list of UOK’s partner organisations providing mental health and wellbeing support in Brighton, Hove and East Sussex.
