17 December 2025
People struggling to cope or experiencing a mental health crisis can now access immediate, out-of-hours support seven days a week at Staying Well services across Sussex.
The services, which do not require an appointment or professional referral, are open from 5pm to 10:30pm on weekdays and 3:00pm to 10:30pm on weekends, including over Christmas and New Year. Located in Brighton, Crawley, Eastbourne, Hastings and Worthing, Staying Well provides a safe, welcoming space for adults aged 18 and over who need mental health support, providing a therapeutic alternative to A&E.
In the last three months, more than 2,000 people have accessed the Staying Well services. Visitors can speak to recovery workers, mental health practitioners and peer support workers with lived experience, who are on hand to offer emotional support, coping strategies and safety planning.
Mental health practitioners can also carry out clinical assessments and may refer to other mental health services for ongoing support. The teams can also accept referrals from emergency services such as South East Coast Ambulance Service and Sussex Police.
Oliver Dale, Chief Medical Officer at Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, said: "Christmas can be an especially difficult time for many people. Staying Well offers a safe and understanding space to anyone feeling they are unable to cope. Doors are open every evening - including over Christmas and the New Year - so no one has to face a crisis alone.”
To find out more about the Staying Well services available in Sussex, visit: Staying Well services
