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The West Sussex Single Point of Access (SPoA) is a dedicated service which provides a simplified single route to access specialist emotional wellbeing and mental health support. The SPoA helps direct you to the right service, eliminating the need to refer to multiple services.

Led by Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, the service is delivered in partnership with West Sussex County Council's Youth Emotional Support Service (YES) and YMCA Dialogue.

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West Sussex Single Point of Access (SPoA)

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Single point of access for children and young people needing specialist emotional and mental health support. Sussex Partnership, West Sussex County Council’s YES service and YMCA Dialogue.

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Providing support, advice, signposting for mental health in young people

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YoungMinds | Mental Health Charity For Children And Young People

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YoungMinds are a mental health charity for children, young people and their parents, making sure all young people can get the mental health support they need.

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BEAT - a charity that provides support for eating disorders

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BEAT - a charity that provides support for eating disorders

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You deserve support.

Sitting on a waiting list? Can’t get a diagnosis? Caring for a loved one? Our services are here to help.

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Struggling with an eating disorder? Caring for someone who is? Beat is here to support you.

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Picture books that support well being conversations

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Picture books that support well being conversations

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A useful collection of books that help to support conversations with children.

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Karate is held at school every Wednesday - all welcome

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Karate Kickboxing Tai Chi For class enquiries in Worthing or Lancing please call 01903 537272 or email samaworthinguk@yahoo.co.uk or see our Facebook page SAMA Worthing.

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Parent Zone was founded in 2008 to make a difference.

At the time, the UK was rated one of the worst places in Europe to raise a child. Our mission was simple: to improve outcomes for children in an increasingly digital world. But we wanted to do it differently.

The parenting sector had become exclusive and out of touch with real families.

We challenged the status quo – not for the sake of it, but because challenge was needed. We wanted to test assumptions and stereotypes around family life – to understand what parents and families really needed.

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A problem hiding in plain sight

A new report into how children are spending, making and losing money online
Read more

Technology moves fast. We have tools and advice to help keep up.
Read more

Every family needs support sometimes. Here's how we do it.
Read more

Explore our range of products and resources.

Read more

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Parent Zone is a parenting organisation working to make the online world a safer, more positive place for families and children. Explore the ways Parent Zone can help your family, school or organisation understand online safety.

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Help your children get the most out of the Internet

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Access information and resources for parents and carers on keeping your child safer online including conversation starters and video guides.

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An overview of paediatric services at Worthing Hospital

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The Child Development Centre at Worthing Hospital is home to the trust's community paediatrics department.

We run a wide range of clinics for children and provide medical input for educational health and care plans, looked after children, adoption, fostering and safeguarding.

Continue Reading

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Western Sussex Hospitals provide a wide variety of paediatric services and facilities dedicated to children that ensure they are treated in friendly, reassuring surroundings by health professionals who are specially trained in their care. These include child development clinics and a chronic ... Continued

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West Sussex Young Carers supports young carers under 18. Information, support, advice and sign posting

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Young carers - West Sussex County Council

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Young carers are children and young people under 18 years old, who look after a member of the family who is sick, disabled, has mental health problems or is misusing drugs or alcohol. Lots of children and young people want to help out and feel proud that they are lending a hand.

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Phone consultation information for parents

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Phone consultation sessions | West Sussex Services for Schools

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Booking page for parents

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Free support for children between 11 and 18 years old

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Youth Emotional Support (YES) service - West Sussex County Council

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How to access free wellbeing support for 11 to 18 year olds.

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Sussex CAMHS - Child and Adult Mental Health Service 

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Sussex CAMHS - Child and Adult Mental Health Service 

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CAMHS provide specialist NHS services and support to children, young people, families and carers who are experiencing difficulties with their emotional, psychological and mental health

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Our inpatient service at Chalkhill, Haywards Heath

Chalkhill is one of the country's leading hospitals for treating children and young people with serious mental health problems and eating disorders.

Watch our video to find out more.

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Child and adolescent mental health (CAMHS)

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Our inpatient service at Chalkhill, Haywards Heath Chalkhill is one of the country's leading hospitals for treating children and young people with serious mental health problems and eating disorders. Watch our video to find out more.

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Maths is fun explains maths learning in an easy to understand way

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Math explained in easy language, plus puzzles, games, worksheets and an illustrated dictionary. For K-12 kids, teachers and parents.

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Recognising the signs that a child may be struggling with their mental health can be really hard. We've got advice to help you support children who may be experiencing depression, anxiety, suicidal feelings or self-harm.

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A collection of resources to support children during this difficult time. 

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Bereavement Support at Three Bridges - sharable

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Useful tips for if you think your child is being bullied or may be bullying.

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We use this handwriting website in school to help our children improve their handwriting.

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handwriting national curriculum for scotland

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handwriting national curriculum for wales

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handwriting national curriculum for england

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handwriting national curriculum for northern ireland

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A comprehensive guide to teaching, and helping improve, children's handwriting, using practice worksheets, animations, games, activities, information and advice.

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Community House, Dominion Road, Worthing

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Community House, Dominion Road, Worthing

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The Community House is where people can meet up informally, take part in activities or drop in for help and advice when it is needed

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What is the Community House?

The Community House is where people can meet up informally, take part in activities or drop in for help and advice when it is needed. The house is run by paid staff together with volunteers (all DBS [formally CRB] checked) and offers opportunities for all ages.

Who is the Community House for?

The Community House is open to anyone and everyone. You don't have to be a Worthing Homes resident to access the help, facilities or clubs that they offer.

What can we do at the Community House?

They run a variety of activities, from coffee mornings to after school activities, and help with education and training.

They also have free food available to those in need (no voucher needed) from Monday to Friday - check their website for timings. Just bring a bag with you! (Subject to availability, call first if you are travelling any distance.)

Contact details

See the Community House website for more information

Address: 25 Dominion Road, East Worthing, BN14 8JZ

Tel: 01903 215799

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The Community House is where people can meet up informally, take part in activities or drop in for help and advice when it is needed. The house is run by paid staff together with volunteers (all DBS [formally CRB] checked) and offers opportunities for all ages.

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Whytemead school is able to allocate vouchers directly for families in need of food bank support.

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Main Location

Worthing Foodbank Office,
Redeemer Church
1st Floor
44 Guildbourne Centre
Worthing
West Sussex
BN11 1LZ

Your local food banks work with referral agencies to issue food vouchers to those in need of emergency food in times of crisis.

Getting a Food Voucher

We provide a minimum of three days' nutritionally balanced, tinned and dried food donated by the local community.

What's in a Food Parcel?

Food banks provide emergency food on presentation of a voucher. Our trained volunteers will offer a warm welcome...

Visiting a food bank

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Main Location Worthing Foodbank Office, Redeemer Church 1st Floor 44 Guildbourne Centre Worthing West Sussex BN11 1LZ Your local food banks work with referral agencies to issue food vouchers to those in need of emergency food in times of crisis.

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Holiday Activities and Food programme (HAF)

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Holiday Activities and Food programme (HAF)

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The Holiday Activities & Food (HAF) programme enables children who are in receipt of Benefits Related Free School Meals access to four sessions at a club this Easter holiday! Each session includes a free nutritious meal

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Please note: * indicates that an answer is required.

About this search

This search will show all providers who offer the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme in your area. Places are only available for children eligible for Free School Meals. You must enter the postcode and the distance you are prepared to travel. If these are left blank, the search will produce a list of all providers.

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WSCC Family Information Service - Search By Route

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Childcare is the care and education provided at any setting (place) in which your child is looked after without you being present. This may be at a pre-school playgroup, day nursery, childminder, nanny or home childcarer, breakfast club, after school club, holiday play-scheme or cr�che.

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All Whytemead families are welcome to use the foodbank at Downsbrook if they feel that they need to. You may contact them directly on 01903 230467 or you may prefer to speak to us here at Whytemead and we will get in touch on your behalf.

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Worthing Rugby Club has a thriving minis section open to all

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This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We’ll assume you’re ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT

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Broadwater Cricket Club has a thriving minis section

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If you feel you need family support, you can self refer to Early Help

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Early Help services - West Sussex County Council

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Find out what Early Help services include.

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Prepare for excitement and adventure! Try huge variety of activities surrounding areas of fitness, global and beliefs; be creative and get involved in your local community. Learn exciting outdoor skills and take part in adventurous activities, as well as camps and residential experiences.

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Prepare for excitement and adventure! Try huge variety of activities surrounding areas of fitness, global and beliefs; be creative and get involved in your local community. Learn exciting outdoor skills and take part in adventurous activities, as well as camps and residential experiences.

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You can find Girlguiding units right across the UK. Girls meet in all sorts of spaces, from village halls in the Highlands to community centres in Belfast and Bangor to the coast of Cornwall. All the perfect places to start their next adventure. So wherever you are, find somewhere near you to join the adventure too.

How to find a local unit for your daughter

To find a local Rainbow, Brownie, Guides or Rangers unit for your daughter, start by registering her interest online. Once you start the registration process you'll be able to search for units near to you.

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You can find Girlguiding units right across the UK. Girls meet in all sorts of spaces, from village halls in the Highlands to community centres in Belfast and Bangor to the coast of Cornwall. All the perfect places to start their next adventure. So wherever you are, find somewhere near you to join the adventure too.

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Learn to play a musical instrument through the peripatetic music service.

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Making and learning music is the most amazing experience: and we're here to help young people do just that. We offer high quality instrumental and vocal lessons, whole-class first access programmes, groups and ensembles, opportunities to perform in large-scale events, singing and community projects and instruments for hire, working with more than 21,000 children across the county, every year.

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West Sussex Music | Learn to play or sing

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Making and learning music is the most amazing experience: and we're here to help young people do just that. We offer high quality instrumental and vocal lessons, whole-class first access programmes, groups and ensembles, opportunities to perform in large-scale events, singing and community projects and instruments for hire, working with more than 21,000 children across the county, every year.

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Parent Support through West Sussex Mind Charity

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Parent Support through West Sussex Mind Charity

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Our parents and carers service aims to increase your knowledge and awareness of mental health and boost your confidence in coping with and addressing your child or young person’s mental health

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Our parents and carers service aims to increase your knowledge and awareness of mental health and boost your confidence in coping with and addressing your child or young person's mental health.

Whether they are suffering from anxiety, depression, stress or disordered eating, our peer support service can help you support your young person - and in doing so help improve your own well-being by meeting other parents and carers.

The service will include fortnightly online meetings, where you can discuss your concerns, build strategies to help you support your child and meet other parents and carers. All meetings are hosted and mediated by a member of staff from West Sussex Mind.

We support parent and carers of school-age children (five to 18 years) across West Sussex by providing:

Fortnightly online peer support meetings for parents and carers of primary-age children

Fortnightly online peer support meetings for parents and carers of secondary-age children

Talks by 'Experts by Experience' on specific topics, such as stress, anxiety, depression, self-harm, disordered eating and gender identity

One-to-one telephone support before joining the service

A closed Facebook group

Casual check-in coffee mornings (virtual initially and expanding as we recruit volunteers)

Signposting to other services as appropriate.

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West Sussex Mind | Our parenting support

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Our parents and carers service aims to increase your knowledge and awareness of mental health and boost your confidence in coping with and addressing your child or young person's mental health. Whether they are suffering from anxiety, depression, stress or disordered eating, our peer support service can help you support your young person - and in doing so help improve your own well-being by meeting other parents and carers.

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Find out how to use the library service for access to 100s of free books!

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Books, information, life-long learning, free internet and Wi-Fi can all be found in our libraries.

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Pathfinder Worthing provides advice, information and support for people aged 18+ affected by mental health problems living in Worthing and the surrounding area, as well as carers, friends, professionals and other agencies.

We also have some limited face to face group sessions, which we will discuss with you.
What to expect
Pathfinder provides a single point of contact, so you won't have to fill in multiple forms and can access different kinds of support from a number of organisations. Our staff are trained to provide one to one mental health advice and support. You can email or call us.

Pathfinder services operate during normal working hours, if you are calling out of hours or can't get through, just leave a message or drop us an email and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

We may not always be able to respond quickly as we're not a crisis service but you can find contact details for other services in the Crisis Support section of this website if you need urgent help.

How we can support and advise you

If you feel you could benefit from support from Pathfinder you can download this form, fill it in and email or post it to us at the address on the bottom. Unfortunately the form does not work well on most mobiles. If you have difficulties with this please call or email instead and we will be able to offer advice.

Pathfinder Worthing provides:

1. Information, advice and signposting by phone or by email, staffed Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 9.00 am to 5 pm. Tuesday 9am to 7pm

2. Individual and group support, creative and practical activities provided by Pathfinder Alliance partners and other local services

3. Access to peer support

4. A range of services provided by local partners, to support people with their mental health and wellbeing

5. West Sussex Mind also provides a young adults service (for 16-25-year-olds) and Families in Mind for parents with young children.

Other Pathfinder Services in Worthing

Pathfinder Worthing is part of a network of mental health support across West Sussex, Pathfinder West Sussex.

Other Pathfinder Alliance partners providing mental health support in Worthing include:

CAPITAL Project Trust - Peer support

Mind in Brighton and Hove - Community Mental Health Advocacy and Independent Mental Health and Advocacy (IMHA)

Rethink- Asian language mental health helpline

Southdown - Employment support

Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (SPFT) - Pathfinder Clinical Service

United Response - Community support

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Pathfinder Worthing provides advice, information and support for people aged 18+ affected by mental health problems living in Worthing and the surrounding area, as well as carers, friends, professionals and other agencies. We also have some limited face to face group sessions, which we will discuss with you.

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Schools, childcare, adoption, fostering and other services for children and families.

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Education, children and families - West Sussex County Council

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Schools, childcare, adoption, fostering and other services for children and families.

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Home-Start is a local community network of trained volunteers and expert support. We help families with children under five with practical and confidential support

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Being a parent, whatever your situation, can be very challenging, especially when children are young. Many parents feel exhausted and overwhelmed by the stresses of family life. For some parents it's a particular struggle because they are also coping with issues such as post-natal depression, their or their child's illness or disability, isolation or multiple births. That's when parents need support.

That's when Home-Start Arun, Worthing & Adur can help. A carefully selected volunteer, who has parenting experience, can visit regularly to offer emotional and practical support. This friendly parent-to-parent support is a simple yet effective way of enabling families to get back on track.

Please take a moment to browse through the pages of this website to find out more about our service, how to become a home-visiting volunteer or how you could offer your time by becoming a trustee of the charity.

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Home-Start Arun, Worthing & Adur is based along the coastal strip of West Sussex. Being a parent, whatever your situation, can be very challenging, especially when children are young. Many parents feel exhausted and overwhelmed by the stresses of family life.

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Information on reading with your child in 28 different languages.

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BookTrust booklets with tips and advice in 28 languages on reading with children aged 4-6 years

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In a nutshell - self-help guides on mental health and well-being issues

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In a nutshell - self-help guides on mental health and well-being issues

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Please find below links to a selection of our 'In a Nutshell' self-help guides on a number of mental health issues and wellbeing topics. These have been produced through experiential and CPD learning, research and a collaborative approach with other NOSS associates & other professionals including our own Clinical Director. We regularly update and refresh the selection to ensure our topics and themes reflect the client and organisational needs.

Select the topic relevant to your need/area of interest from the 'In a Nutshell' sub-library* in the resources toolbar above, and you will find a selection of documents relating to that subject. Alternatively, you can left click on a document link below to open it in a new tab or window.

* this section is currently under development but you can still find the relevant document in the alphabetical list below

10 Self-Help Tips to stop smoking
Your 'Battery' - Take the Wellbeing Test Recognising Stress in Self and Others Sleep - how to make your bedroom surroundings 'sleep friendly'

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Please find below links to a selection of our 'In a Nutshell ' self-help guides on a number of mental health issues and wellbeing topics. These have been produced through experiential and CPD learning, research and a collaborative approach with other NOSS associates & other professionals including our own Clinical Director.

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This app can be downloaded onto your phone. It knows where you are and can signpost you to local support

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Your mind matters - help and advice for mental health

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Your mind matters - help and advice for mental health

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The resources below can help you help the children in your life with their emotional wellbeing and mental health

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Help and support for young people

Your mind matters, the way you feel matters, and your emotional health is just as important as your physical health.

If you or a friend are feeling low, please don't struggle in silence.

You are not alone; there are people who care and will listen.

Ten tips on self-care

1. Be kind to yourself. It's OK not to feel quite like yourself.

2. Keep in touch with friends.

3. Plan fun things to do.

4. Reduce stress by taking regular exercise.

5. Eat regular healthy meals to maximise your energy levels. Drinking water also keeps the brain active.

6. Aim for 7 to 8 hours' rest each night.

7. Try relaxation techniques like deep breathing to help you feel calm.

8. Remind yourself to take each day at a time, structuring your day with things you can realistically achieve.

9. Switch on programmes, podcasts and content that make you laugh. It may help you feel happier.

10. If you need help, talk to your family and friends, or someone you trust.

When I sit around, I end up feeling bad. When you're scrolling through social media...it's not the real thing. The real deal is doing something you're proud of. You've got to do what you like doing and BE WHO YOU ARE. Be happy about yourself. West Sussex Teen

If you need help with your emotional wellbeing and mental health there's a range of support, information and contacts available.

Organisation

Details

West Sussex Your Space

Details on local services that can help.

Search: YourSpaceWestSussex on Instagram

Search: WSYourSpace on Twitter

Youth Emotional Support (YES) service

Provides free support to 11-18 year-olds.

Email: yes@westsussex.gov.uk

Phone: 033 022 26711

e-Wellbeing

An online service for young people across Sussex that can help you access the right support and information about your emotional health and wellbeing.

Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

A range of advice and information including guidance on eating difficulties, drugs and alcohol, family breakdown, and sex and relationships.

Allsorts

Supports young people under the age of 26 who are LGBT+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and/or other) or exploring their gender identify and/or sexual orientation. The Sussex-based charity runs activities, including youth groups and one-to-one support.

Young Minds

Has guides on coping with life and supporting friends, plus a textline providing 24/7 support.

YMCA Downslink Group - Crawley

Offers support for young people aged 11-25 from Crawley and surrounding areas who identify as LGBTQU+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, unsure, plus any other LGBT+ identity). These young people can access the safe space at the LGBTQU+ Haven at the YAC (Youth Advice Centre) for:

- free, confidential 1:1 information, advice, guidance and support from a LGBTQ+ youth support worker

- fortnightly youth groups for 11-15 year-olds and 16-25 year-olds, giving the young people a safe space to meet other LGBTQU+ young people from the area and to build confidence through LGBTQU+ affirming activities

- access 1:1 counselling or emotional health support in a confidential space.

For more information contact Eleanor Snodgrass on 07552 825088 or Eli Adie on 07884 549349 or complete the contact form.

Talk to someone.

See Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust's information on help in a crisis.

Let someone know you do not feel safe or are struggling, such as a parent, carer, teacher or professional.

Call 999 in an emergency or one of the following helplines - you can phone as many times as you like 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It might take a few tries before you can speak. They will listen and understand.

Childline: Freephone 0800 1111

Samaritans: Freephone 116 123

Sussex Mental Healthline: Phone 0800 0309 500

YoungMinds crisis messenger: Text YM to 85258 (free from most mobile providers).

Contact PAPYRUS which helps prevent young suicide.

Contact Harmless, the national service for self-harm.

Text SHOUT to 85258.

Download some of these apps:

Parents, carers and families

The resources below can help you help the children in your life with their emotional wellbeing and mental health.

For local information about getting support with your own mental health, visit:

Five top tips for parents, carers and families

1. Changes in your child's behaviour since the pandemic could be a normal reaction to an abnormal situation. It doesn't necessarily mean they need specialist mental health support. Try asking them about it.

2. Monitor your child's exposure to stories and information about the pandemic and potentially conflicting messages they might be seeing.

3. Listen to your child and accept their feelings and concerns. Encourage them to acknowledge their feelings.

4. Help your child find things they can enjoy which can distract them from their worrying thoughts for a while.

5. Help your child focus on positive aspects of life; there's more to life than COVID-19.

Parents' support and resources

Sussex Health and Care Partnership offers a downloadable toolkit (link below) for parents, carers and families. This has guidance on signs to look for if your child is experiencing difficulties with their mental health, plus details of useful numbers and resources for help.
Toolkit: Looking after your child's mental health (PDF, 1.5MB)
Recipes 4 Wellbeing cards are easy-to-read guides with advice on issues including anxiety, bullying, exam stress, gaming and body image, among others.

NHS's Every Mind Matters website offers tools to help manage and improve mental health.

Rites for Girls offers Girls' Net, a six-week online journey for girls aged between 8 and 18, designed to equip them for times of challenge and change. It's made up of six 75-minute sessions in a small group of girls guided by a full trained Girls' Net mentor.

A chance to be with real girls who won't judge or be mean, and to talk and discuss daily problems and learn new ways to think about stuff. Girls' Net participant

'Thought-Full' Mental Health Support Teams for schools in West Sussex, support young people with issues like anxiety and depression and aim to reach over 50% of West Sussex's school population by 2023 - 68,000 children and young people. Check what schools are currently being supported.

Allsorts Family Support Service offers support for parents/carers of children and young people who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender or exploring their sexual orientation and/or gender identity (LGBT+), to connect and provide each other with support, community and friendship.

Self-Harm Parents and Carers Networks join other parents and carers across West Sussex in a free workshop to support you and your family. These are facilitated by West Sussex Mind and YMCA Downslink Group, supported by Allsorts Youth Project. You will be able to talk with other parents and carers to hear what is working for them, discuss your support needs, hear from guest speakers and get updates on the latest initiatives, research and resources.

West Sussex Mind is an independent charity whose services support young people, adults, older adults, carers and families affected by mental health problems. It is running a series of learning and training courses over the coming months. These include support for bereaved children, mental health first aid, encouraging mentally healthy internet use, and suicide prevention and support. Find more information and book a place.

Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust has a section dedicated to parents and carers. It lists some of the challenges children and young people might be facing and tips for managing together.

Cruse Bereavement in West Sussex provides free support, including information, advice and one-to-one sessions for anyone, including children, in West Sussex who has been bereaved.
Call 07376 616628 or email sussexbereavedbysuicide@cruse.org.uk.

YMCA DownsLink Group Crawley offers support for young people aged 11-25 from Crawley and surrounding areas who identify as LGBTQU+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, unsure, plus any other LGBT+ identity). These young people can access the safe space at the LGBTQU+ Haven at the YAC (Youth Advice Centre) for:

free, confidential 1:1 information, advice, guidance and support from a LGBTQ+ youth support worker

fortnightly youth groups for 11-15 year-olds and 16-25 year-olds, giving the young people a safe space to meet other LGBTQU+ young people from the area and to build confidence through LGBTQU+ affirming activities

access 1:1 counselling or emotional health support in a confidential space. For more information contact Eleanor Snodgrass on 07552 825088 or Eli Adie on 07884 549349.

If you are concerned about the immediate safety of a young person please advise them to talk to someone.

Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust's information provides information on help in a crisis.

Call 999 in an emergency or one of the following helplines. The young person can phone as many times as they like 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It might take a few tries before speaking to them, but they will listen and understand.

Childline: Freephone 0800 1111

Samaritans: Freephone 116 123

Sussex Mental Healthline: Phone 0800 0309 500

YoungMinds crisis messenger: Text YM to 85258 (free from most mobile providers).

Contact PAPYRUS, which helps prevent young suicide.

Contact Harmless, the national service for self-harm.

Text SHOUT to 85258.

Professionals working with children

When working with children and young people it can sometimes be hard to know what difficulties they might be having in their life, or if they are struggling with their mental health or emotional wellbeing.

In most cases, a young person having these difficulties would not need the support of specialist mental health services.

There are a number of charities, agencies and organisations that can provide a wealth of resources and support to help young people understand how they are feeling, tools to bolster their mental resilience and tips for how to start to feel better.

Toolkit: Young people and their mental health: where to find help (PDF, 2MB)

For further information, also see Support for families.

The Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) also provides guidance on a range of issues on its section dedicated to professionals.

'Thought-Full' Mental Health Support Teams for schools in West Sussex, support young people with issues like anxiety and depression and offer staff training and mentoring.

In some cases, the difficulties a young person is experiencing might be more severe and having a significant impact on their daily life. When this happens, it might be appropriate to make a referral to CAMHS.

Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust's information provides information on help in a crisis.

Call 999 in an emergency or one of the following helplines. The young person can phone as many times as they like 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It might take a few tries before speaking to them, but they will listen and understand.

Childline: Freephone 0800 1111

Samaritans: Freephone 116 123

Sussex Mental Healthline: Phone 0800 0309 500

YoungMinds crisis messenger: Text YM to 85258 (free from most mobile providers).

Contact PAPYRUS which helps prevent young suicide.

Contact Harmless, the national service for self-harm.

Text SHOUT to 85258.

Programme of work in West Sussex

West Sussex County Council has dedicated additional resources to support young people, their families and professionals working with them at this critical time.

Together with our partners, the NHS, community groups, district councils and parents, we are co-ordinating a programme of events, initiatives and resources. It includes:

mental health first aid support in schools

online mentoring courses to support children and young people

online courses to support parents and carers in developing tools to help children manage their feelings and mental health

an LGBTQU+ support pilot project

a campaign to promote emotional wellbeing and positive mental health.

For more details see Supporting children and young people's emotional wellbeing and mental health.

Organisations, training and resources

Organisation

Training/Course/Resource

Book / contact

Allsorts Family Support Service

Support for parents/carers of children and young people who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender or exploring their sexual orientation and/or gender identity (LGBT+)
Allsorts Family Support Service

Every Mind Matters from the NHS

Expert advice and practical tips to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing.
Every Mind Matters website

Sussex Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS)

Download easy-to-read guides with advice on issues including anxiety, bullying, exam stress, gaming and body image.
Recipes for wellbeing cards

West Sussex Mind

Understanding Young People's Mental Health - FREE workshop for parents and carers.

Book for dates in 2022

Call 07468516818 or email
training@westsussexmind.org

YMCA DownsLink Group Crawley

Youth Groups and 1:1 support for young people aged 11-25 from Crawley and surrounding areas who identify as LGBTQU+

Find out more about YMCA DownsLink Group Crawley

Support for adults

There is mental health support, information and resources available for adults both locally and nationally.

Every Mind Matters provides expert NHS advice and practical tips to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing.

For local information about getting support with your mental health, visit:

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Your Mind Matters - West Sussex County Council

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Your mind matters, the way you feel matters, and your emotional health is just as important as your physical health. If you or a friend are feeling low, please don't struggle in silence. You are not alone; there are people who care and will listen. Be kind to yourself.

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In times of crisis, this app can signpost you quickly to local support.

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StayAlive | Essential suicide prevention for every day life

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The StayAlive app is a suicide prevention resource for the UK, packed full of useful information and tools to help you stay safe in crisis.

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If you are struggling to cope and need to talk, our trained Shout Volunteers are here for you, day or night. Shout 85258 is a free, confidential, anonymous text support service. You can text from wherever you are in the UK.

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24/7

You can text us any time, day or night.

Confidential

Your messages with us are confidential and anonymous.

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It is free to text Shout from all major mobile networks in the UK.

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Donations doubled in the Big Give Christmas Challenge

Simply support Shout's Big Give campaign by midday on 5 December, and your donation will be doubled!

Can you help us hit our match funding target of £50,000 and support a further 5,000 people this winter?

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Ways to cope with upsetting events in the news

If you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious or sad about what's going on in the news, know that you're definitely not alone. Here are some actions we can take to help us cope better through times like this.

Find out more

I think Shout saved my life tonight... no one has ever made me feel so safe, listened to and understood

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Online resources and support

However you're feeling right now, you don't have to face it alone. We're here to support you with your mental health.

Take a look at our resources, information and support, find further help or reach out to one of our volunteers.

Resources for you

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Shout - UK's 24/7 Crisis Text Service for Mental Health Support

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Shout 85258 is the UK's first 24/7 text service for anyone in crisis. Get free, confidential mental health support anytime, anywhere. Text 'SHOUT' to 85258.

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Whytemead Primary School - Reading at Home leaflet

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Whytemead Primary School - Reading at Home leaflet

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Information on how to make reading at home a pleasurable experience for all!

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Resources on this page may help with difficult conversations around self harm

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It can be a very lonely place to be in when you're self harming, but it is more common than you may realise.

A lot of people think self harm is either cutting and/or overdosing but a lot of things done in excess could be seen as self harm. Examples of these are: getting drunk, doing drugs, smoking, getting into fights and getting tattoos or piercings. There are also less obvious things such as rubbing skin, digging your nails into yourself or pinching yourself.

If you're concerned that any of the above applies to you, a friend or family member, please don't panic! Self harm can be a strategy people use to cope with what's going on in their life. Self harm is especially common in young people which may be as a result of so much change going on physically / hormonally as well as all other changes young people are having to face.

When young people self harm it is usually a sign that they are having a tough time and need support. There are lots of services that can help (see the Local Support Services section of the leaflet or at the bottom of the page) Services won't force you to stop, but they will encourage and support you.
Talking about self harm - This information has been taken from 'A mini-guide to support anyone affected by self harm in West Sussex'.
Further national services that can help

You don't have to go through anything on your own. There might be someone you feel you can talk to at home or where you study. Below are other places where someone will listen. You can take a friend or family member with you to any of these places.

Dialogue Counselling Free counselling for 13-25 year olds in Bognor Regis, Burgess Hill, Chichester, Crawley, Horsham, Lancing, Littlehampton, Shoreham-by-Sea and Worthing. Call or text 07739 893707 [email protected]

Your Space / FindItOut Centres Advice and info for 13-25 year olds: yourspacewestsussex.co.uk Add /finditout for FindItOut Centres, where you can talk to someone about apprenticeships, jobs, counselling, housing, sexual health, families and relationships, substance misuse etc.

Allsorts Supports and empowers young people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans* or unsure of their sexual orientation and/or gender identity. allsortsyouth.org.uk

BMEYPP (based in Brighton) is the Black and Minority Ethnic Young People's Project. bmeypp.org.uk

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) Chichester - 01243 813405 Worthing - 01903 286754 Horsham - 01403 223344

MIND mental health charity coastalwestsussexmind.org

Talk to your doctor! Before you go, visit docready.org to prepare your checklist and watch howcanifilm.com to learn your rights. If your doctor's surgery is closed, you can get medical advice by calling 111.

CRI Substance Misuse Outreach support for 10-17 years olds 0300 303 8677 Option 1 01903 230600 or cri.org.uk

West Sussex Young Carers [email protected] westsussex.gov.uk/youngcarers

Worth Domestic Violence Advisors 0330 222 8181 or 07834 968539 worthservices.org

Saturn Centre supports anyone over 14 who has been sexually assaulted. 01293 600649 or saturncentre.org

More information and support

Mind: Self Harm Explains self-harm, including possible causes and how you can access treatment and support. Includes tips for helping yourself, and guidance for friends and family.

Young Minds: Self Harm Self-harm is difficult to talk about but it's a common problem and you can beat it. Find out what self-harm means and what to do if you think you're affected by it.

Mental Health Foundation

LifeSIGNS is a user-led small charity creating understanding about self-injury. They provide information about self-injury and support people as and when they choose to make changes in their lives.

Samaritans have created resources to support teaching Secondary age students about emotional health and wellbeing. The sessions take 1 hour and 20 minutes but help develop an understanding of signs to recognise of poor emotional health in themselves and others.

Grassroots Suicide Prevention, are a small Brighton based charity with a simple but powerful goal: that no one should have to contemplate suicide alone. We work locally and nationally with communities, organisations and individuals, helping them to become ready, willing and able to effectively support someone at risk of suicide. Our training and consultancy helps save lives by enabling the kind of conversations that can really make a difference. Grassroots also have developed the Stay Alive App - A suicide prevention pocket resource for the UK offers help and support both to people with thoughts of suicide and to people concerned about someone else. This suicide prevention app won a Patient Safety Award for Technology and IT to Improve Patient Safety and can be personalised to tailor it to the user.

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It can be a very lonely place to be in when you're self harming, but it is more common than you may realise. A lot of people think self harm is either cutting and/or overdosing but a lot of things done in excess could be seen as self harm.

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The aim of Clare’s Law is to give you information regarding your current or ex-partner as to whether they have a history of violence and abusive offending that may pose a risk to you.

A disclosure can also be requested by a third party - a family member, friend, colleague or neighbour can apply for a disclosure to protect someone they believe to be at risk from their partner.

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Top Tips for Parents! | The UK ADHD Partnership

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The UK ADHD Partnership supports clinicians and allied professionals to identify and meet the needs of children and young people affected by this disorder. ADHD is now recognised as a condition that may cross the lifespan and there are multi-modal interventions for ADHD that can be delivered at every age.

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The British Dyslexia Association is the voice for the 10% of the population that are dyslexic

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West Sussex parent carer forum Facebook page

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West Sussex parent carer forum Facebook page

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West Sussex Parent Carer Forum (WSPCF) is an independent charity led by parents of children/young people with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) age 0-25.

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West Sussex Parent Carer Forum, Littlehampton, United Kingdom. 4,371 likes · 56 talking about this · 21 were here. West Sussex Parent Carer Forum (WSPCF) is an independent charity led by parents of...

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Here at Carers Support West Sussex, we look to provide unpaid carers with information and guidance along with practical and emotional support, so they feel valued and supported. We want to help solve financial concerns or alleviate the often-felt feelings of isolation and loneliness.

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An update on response timescales

Due to overwhelming demand for our services, response times will vary. In calling us, please leave a message on our voicemail with your contact details. Our team will endeavour to call back as soon as is practicable.

If you are in need of support urgently, please contact 111/999 in the event of a medical emergency or Adult Carepoint (01243 642121) if you need to raise a safeguarding.

We thank you for your patience.

I am most grateful for the help that you give and feel that I haven't been lost in the system but have been treated with care and consideration.

I found talking to the Response Line worker very reassuring that there was help for me if I needed it which made me feel better and not alone. All the information she gave me has been valuable and has reassured me and put my mind at rest.

I enjoyed my telephone conversation and felt far less stressed at the end of it. I felt that the Response Line worker was empathetic with my situation and listened to all my concerns.

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Carers Support West Sussex | Local Support For Carers

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Increase or Decrease Font Size Due to overwhelming demand for our services, response times will vary. In calling us, please leave a message on our voicemail with your contact details. Our team will endeavour to call back as soon as is practicable.

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A parent/carer led forum that supports families and children with Special Needs

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A parent/carer led forum that supports families and children with Special Needs

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Reaching Families is a parent-carer led, grassroots charity which aims to support parents and families of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities in their daily lives, in particular through the delivery of information, training and peer support. We work with over 3,000 West Sussex families every year through a range of high quality projects and services

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special educational needs and disabilities

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Reaching Families - Empowering families of children and young people with SEND in West Sussex

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WSPCF is a community of parent carers who all have a child (aged 0-25 years) with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND. Our mission is to offer information, support and training. By sharing our experiences and knowledge, we aim to build your confidence as you navigate your own ‘special needs’ journey.

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West Sussex Parent Carer Forum | Information | Training

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West Sussex Parent Carer Forum is a charity for the parent carers of children & young people aged 0-25 with special educational needs / disabilities (SEND).

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Down-to-earth parenting advice you can trust.
We’re here for you, when you need us. Find answers to parenting questions in our advice articles. Or talk to a parenting coach about anything that’s worrying you. It’s all free, and no topic is too big, small, or embarrassing

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Support for Parents from Action For Children

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Parent Talk - down-to-earth parenting advice you can trust

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We're on hand to support parents, when they need us. Find answers to your questions in our advice articles, or speak to one of our parenting coaches.

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The West Sussex Local Offer helps you find information about local services, support and events for children and young people aged 0 - 25 years who have special educational needs or disabilities (SEND)

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The West Sussex Local Offer helps you find information about local services, support and events for children and young people aged 0 - 25 years who have special educational needs or disabilities (SEND). You can also find childcare via the West Sussex Family Information Services website.

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The West Sussex Local Offer is a fast, easy way to find local services specialising in educational needs, disabilities, education and more.

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As a parent or carer you play a key role in helping your child to stay safe online.

You don’t need to be an expert on the internet to help keep your child stay safe online. Our advice and resources are here to support you as you support your child to use the internet safely, responsibility and positively.

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Phones give young people a way to keep in touch with their friends and families, look up information and enjoy games and social media.

Phones can send and receive calls and messages, browse the internet and take photos and videos. There are also a huge amount of apps that can be downloaded that allow the user to do many different things such as watch videos, connect with friends, make video calls, play games, get news updates, and much more.

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Phones give young people a way to keep in touch with their friends and families, look up information and enjoy games and social media. Phones can send and receive calls and messages, browse the internet and take photos and videos.

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Support and tips to help you keep children safe. From advice on children’s mental health to staying safe online, support for parents and what to do if you’re worried about a child.

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We can help you keep your child safe. Read advice and support for parents on children's mental health, staying safe online and what to do if you're worried about a child.

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Give your child a safe space to explore their curiosity online.

Our step by step parental controls guides will help you to set up the right controls and privacy settings on the networks, gadgets, apps, and sites they use to give them a safer online experience

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Set up parental controls on devices and platforms | Internet Matters

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Set up parental controls on a range of devices and platforms to help children develop key online safety and digital literacy skills.

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Road safety teaching resources for children

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Road safety teaching resources for children

Why teaching road safety is so important

Guidance for educators

With our flexible content you can support your students to be more road aware. Our resources support different learning styles and encourage peer-to-peer expression.

Guidance for educators

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Skip to content Scroll to top Road safety teaching resources for children Why teaching road safety is so important With our flexible content you can support your students to be more road aware. Our resources support different learning styles and encourage peer-to-peer expression. Guidance for educators

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ROSPA - teaching road safety to your child

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ROSPA - teaching road safety to your child

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Road safety is a great subject in which to engage children and young people. It’s a subject even the youngest children know something about because everyone uses the roads, whether driving, walking, or travelling as a passenger.

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Online safety fact sheets covering a range of different scenarios.
Interactive guide for how to set up parent controls on devices.

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The Key Safeguarding | Parent online safety zone

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We are currently updating this course so it will be unavailable for a short time.