29 December 2025
A blog by Brian Jones, Peer Support Co-ordinator at Staying Well Crawley.
One of the most useful tools I draw on to stay well throughout the year are the Five Ways to Wellbeing – connect, be active, take notice, keep learning, and give. Based on wide ranging research commissioned by the UK government from the New Economics Foundation, the Five Ways to Wellbeing are used by people across the world to support their wellbeing.
If I am feeling low or anxious I often undertake a quick ‘audit’ and ask myself - when was the last time I had a walk in nature, did something I enjoyed or was good at, or spoke to friends or family?
It is surprising how small steps can make a big difference to how we are feeling.
This time of year can be especially stressful and lonely for individuals and family members. However, we tend to bottle up our feelings and tell people we are fine, which can have a negative impact on our wellbeing. But when we talk about problems it helps to unload the emotional burden, making us feel more relaxed and less anxious. Sharing our concerns fosters a sense of connection and belonging.
Talking to others can give a fresh perspective which we might not get on our own. But it can be difficult to find a safe place to talk at a time when we really need it, where we know we will be listened to and supported.
This is where the Staying Well services, provided in partnership between the NHS and voluntary sector mental health organisations across East and West Sussex, come in.
The Staying Well services, at Crawley, Worthing, Brighton, Eastbourne, and Hastings will be open throughout the mid-winter holiday to welcome and support you, including Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Whether you are struggling to cope or experiencing a mental health crisis, we provide a warm, safe, and welcoming space and a non-judgemental, friendly ear.
The service is provided out of hours 5pm to 10.30pm weekdays and 3pm to 10.30pm on Saturdays and Sundays, every day of the year. As a drop-in service there is no need to book or to have a referral.
You can speak to a mental health practitioner, recovery worker or peer support worker who can offer emotional support, coping strategies and safety planning. Peer support workers, like me, are paid staff with lived experience of mental health challenges. If necessary, mental health practitioners can conduct a clinical assessment and may refer to other mental health services for ongoing support.
What happens when you arrive at Staying Well
When you arrive at Staying Well you should go to the front door and ring the bell. Staff will ask you a few questions before opening the door. We do this for everybody, and it is part of our risk assessment.
Staff will offer to talk with you about how you are feeling and how we can support you. You will be offered a drink by the team, and you can go to a different room if you wish, where it will be quieter and more private. You can stay as long as you would like and visit us as many times as you need.
There is no shame attached to asking for help. Asking for help is a sign of strength. So, if you are struggling or at breaking point over the holiday period or at any time during the New Year, add Staying Well as one of the ways to wellbeing that you can call on when needed.
Find out more about Staying Well services
