New, Free, NHS-Backed Sussex Mental Health Service For All Adults

A mental health service run by a long-established social care charity in Sussex has opened its doors to helping ALL adults, on-line.

The YMCA "Downslink" group said this week it had extended its online "E-Wellbeing" service, to be available to everyone in the county.

The charity said it offers support around all areas of mental health, and is backed by the NHS.

It enables adults to gain self-help information on many common issues, but also provides information on where to go for more help. 

Launching the service, charity staff said the move came as the pandemic brought circumstances to test everyone's ability and understanding of how to manage mental health.

They added that, for many, the pressure and anxiety created by COVID-19 had exacerbated underlying issues.

Following on from the success of e-wellbeing's youth digital platform, YMCA DownsLink Group has extended the reach of it's online digital mental health service, e-wellbeing, and has launched e-wellbeing for adults — a resource for adults of all ages. 

'e-wellbeing for adults' is an NHS approved digital wellbeing service, delivered by YMCA DownsLink Group.

It provides advice, support and a clear pathway to local services in Sussex for any person in need of mental health support.  

YMCA DownsLink Group, one of the South East's biggest providers of counselling services (YMCA Dialogue), received funding from Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust for its development.

The charity described 'e-wellbeing for adults' as 'different to other websites', in that it poses a series of questions to help guide adults of all ages to the appropriate content.

It provides them with self-help guidance and information about different aspects of mental health difficulties and supports them to make the decision about whether they may need help from a professional service.

Connections are then offered to services in their local area.

One of the aims is that the new website should ensure higher rates of appropriate referrals to existing mental health services, and, in doing, should reduce pressure on frontline services, including GP surgeries and A&E. 

Speaking about the launch of the new service, Nicola Harvey Digital and Engagement Lead said: 

"We're delighted to be extending our e-wellbeing service to all adults, as its testament to the success of e-wellbeing for young people.

"Although we knew that young people would be confident and comfortable using digital platforms, the pandemic has shown that adults of all ages, including retirees, are much more digitally connected than ever before.

"Being able to access help and support online can also help people overcome their reticence at opening up about their concerns around their mental health.

"It can be a great way for them to come to terms with how they are feeling and prompt them to seek further help if they need it." 

Dr Rick Fraser, Chief Medical Officer at Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (the mental health service across Susses), added:

"We are delighted to have had so much involvement in the development of this new website.

"The strain that the Covid-19 pandemic has put on the mental health of our community is something we are aware of every day.

"This fantastic self-help resource will help provide information and signpost to a range of services to ensure people seek help and guidance to manage their mental health in the most effective way.

"The content on the website has been put together by Sussex Partnership clinicians, our own Experts by Experience and other partner organisations and made with the best interests of the community at heart.

"I'm confident it will help those who are struggling to open up, seek advice and have that first conversation about how they are feeling."

The website is: https://www.e-wellbeingadults.co.uk 

What is the YMCA DownsLink Group?

According to the group itself:

"YMCA Downslink Group is a registered charity working across Sussex and Surrey providing a range of services to children, young people and families.  

"It is one of the biggest providers of youth services in the South East and is committed to transforming the lives of vulnerable young people so that they can truly belong, contribute and thrive. 

"The charity's work covers a wide range of areas including accommodation, mental health, housing advice, counselling, sexual exploitation, mentoring, education, training and apprenticeships.

"Each year the charity supports over 10,000 young people operating from centres in Brighton & Hove, Guildford, Horsham, Crawley, Worthing, Eastbourne and Hastings."