Dementia and older people community mental health support

Our older people’s mental health and dementia services sit under the banner of SOAMHS (Specialist Older Adult Mental Health Services). 

Our services differ slightly between areas, so please choose the area that you live in.

SOAMHS provides specialist support and treatment relating to health and social care needs to older adults experiencing moderate to severe and complex mental health issues, including dementia.

SOAMHS consider referrals for individuals aged 65 and over with mental health issues who are experiencing significant frailty, disability or complex needs related to the aging process. 
 

Our multidisciplinary teams provide:

  1. Individual assessment and intervention co-ordinated by a Lead Practitioner
  2. Intensive support and interventions for people who need more help, which may include having contact with several team members, or having access to services during evenings and weekends.

Access to the service is via a GP referral.  

When we have accepted your referral, a member of the team will get in contact with you either by telephone or letter to offer you an appointment. We can meet with you at one of our venues or in your home, if appropriate.

You may have a friend or family member with you during the assessment, and we will sometimes contact family members to organise the appointment if this is stated as a preference by the GP, for example if you have experiencing memory or communication difficulties.

At the appointment we will discuss with you what support we feel could help you, and how we can offer this. As a result, you may be signposted to other services who can support you, or a care plan will be discussed with you in order for your needs to be met moving forward, a lead practitioner within SOAMHS may also be allocated at this time. 

Our services are comprised of a number of staff with different roles, which may include:

  • Team leader
  • Medical staff
  • Mental health nurses
  • Occupational therapists
  • Psychological professionals
  • Support workers
  • Social workers (Brighton & Hove only)
  • Peer/carer support workers
  • Administrative staff

If you need urgent help and are concerned about an immediate risk of harm please call 999 or, if you are able, go to your nearest A&E.


Alzheimer's Society

Tel: 0333 150 3456

www.alzheimers.org.uk


Dementia UK

Tel: 0800 888 6678

www.dementiauk.org


Age UK

www.ageuk.org.uk


Mind

Tel: 0300 123 3393 or Text 86463

www.mind.org.uk


NHS 111

Tel: NHS 111 and select the mental health option


Carers Support West Sussex

Tel: 0300 028 8888
Web: 
www.carerssupport.org.uk


Care for the Carers (East Sussex)

Tel: 01323 738390
Web:
www.cftc.org.uk
Text: 07860 077300
Email:
info@cftc.org.uk


Carers Hub for Brighton and Hove

Tel: 01273 977000
Web: 
www.carershub.co.uk


Other websites

 

Locations

Millwood Unit

Millwood Unit
Uckfield Community Hospital
Framfield Road
Uckfield
East Sussex
TN22 5AW

Hill Rise

Hill Rise
Church Hill
Newhaven
East Sussex
BN9 9HH

St Mary's House

St Mary's House
52 St Leonard's Rd
Eastbourne
East Sussex
BN21 3UU

St Anne's Centre

St Anne's Centre
729 The Ridge
St Leonards-on-Sea
East Sussex
TN37 7PT

East Brighton Community Mental Health Centre

East Brighton Community Mental Health Centre
Pankhurst Avenue
Brighton
BN2 3EW

Mill View Hospital

Mill View Hospital
Nevill Avenue
Hove
East Sussex
BN3 7HY

Glebelands Mental Health Centre

Glebelands Mental Health Centre
Middle Road
Shoreham by Sea
West Sussex
BN43 6GA

New Park House

New Park House
North Street
Horsham
West Sussex
RH12 1RJ

Linwood

Linwood
Butlers Green Road
Haywards Heath
West Sussex
RH16 4BE

Crawley Hospital

Crawley Hospital
West Green Drive
Crawley
West Sussex
RH11 7DH

Chapel Street

Chapel Street Clinic
Chapel Street
Chichester
West Sussex
PO19 1BX

Bedale Centre

Bedale Centre
1 Glencathara Road
Bognor Regis
West Sussex
PO21 2SF