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