Redesigned mental health services coming to West Sussex and Brighton and Hove

People living in Brighton and Hove and West Sussex are set to benefit from redesigned mental health services aimed at improving access, reducing health inequalities, and strengthening community support.

NHS Sussex has confirmed that Southdown will lead provision in Brighton and Hove, while BHT Sussex, working with West Sussex Mind, will deliver services across West Sussex. The new contracts are worth around £2 million a year for Brighton and Hove and £5 million a year for West Sussex.

The services will go live on 1 October in Brighton and Hove and on 1 December in West Sussex. Each contract will run for five years, with the option of a two-year extension.

The new model will offer advice and guidance through in-person or online appointments, a central point of contact for referrals, support for physical health linked to mental wellbeing, and help with crisis planning. Peer support, both one-to-one and in groups, will also be available, alongside targeted work with communities at greater risk of poor mental health.

NHS Sussex said the services will form a key part of Neighbourhood Mental Health Teams and Integrated Community Teams, both central to its Improving Lives Together strategy and the Government’s NHS 10-Year Plan. Officials say the redesigned approach will place greater emphasis on prevention and early intervention, ensure services are more consistent across the region, and help tackle health inequalities.

Dr James Ramsey, Chief Medical Officer at NHS Sussex, said: “Improving mental health services, and tackling health inequalities, are priorities for us, and these new services represent an important step in transforming how people access support in their communities. By focusing on prevention, early intervention, and tackling inequalities, these services will help more people get the right support, at the right time, and in the right place.”

Emma McDermott, Head of Partnerships at Southdown, described the changes as “an exciting chapter,” adding: “This new partnership brings opportunities to deliver accessible, inclusive, impactful services, helping us better meet the changing needs of the diverse communities in Brighton and Hove.”

Kerrin Page, CEO of West Sussex Mind, said the charity would work closely with BHT Sussex to build on strong community links. “The voice of lived experience is central to how we design and deliver our services,” he said.

Rachael Kenny, Director of Mental Health and Support Services at BHT Sussex, added: “We will continue to work with our partners on the introduction of Neighbourhood Mental Health Teams and to champion the value of local services which support people to recover their mental health and wellbeing.”

Both Southdown and BHT Sussex are now working with NHS Sussex and local partners to prepare for the launch.

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