Local services

A long-established charitable organisation which delivers an adult audiology service on behalf of the NHS in Sussex.

Local independent charity, helping older people in this area for over 30 years. Their aim is to improve the lives of older people in Hassocks and the surrounding villages by providing a caring and friendly environment for all.

Beacon Good Neighbours and The Ditchling Society are supporting a team of local known volunteers to help anyone who might be affected by the COVID-19 outbreak in Ditchling, Streat and Westmeston.

A team of health professionals who aim to promote the health and wellbeing of carers. A free service provided by Sussex Community NHS Trust providing support for carers over the age of 18 registered with a West Sussex GP. Working directly with carers and developing individual strategies for each carer with an aim to reduce the strain of coping with their caring role.

Providing unpaid carers with information and guidance along with practical and emotional support, so they feel valued and supported. Offering support in solving financial concerns or alleviate the often-felt feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Friendly and non-judgmental drug and alcohol service for adults aged 25+ (including offenders), families and affected others. This service is free and confidential.

An independent, local charity providing free, independent, confidential and impartial advice to everyone on their rights and responsibilities.

More than 2,700 chapter locations around the world offer Cycling Without Age from well over 3,700 trishaws – and the numbers are still growing. Ensuring that the elderly get out of their nursing homes, to enjoy the fresh air and the community around them.

Age UK West Sussex, Brighton & Hove run this carer-focused respite service.

Providing the opportunity for carers of people with dementia and carers of frail older people to take some time for themselves, knowing the people they care for are in a safe, stimulating environment.

Dementia is a complex disease with a rapidly increasing prevalence. In the early stages of dementia, many people are able to enjoy life in the same way as before their diagnosis. But as
symptoms get worse, the person may feel anxious, stressed and scared at not being able to remember things, follow conversations or concentrate.

We’ve collated a directory of charities and voluntary organisations that can provide valuable support and advice for those who have or are caring or living with someone who has dementia.

i-Rock Horsham District is a support and advice hub for young people aged 14 to 25 living in West Sussex.

Offering a range of support services to help with issues such as mental and emotional health, relationships, money and benefits, family problems, bullying, housing, education and employment.

The group’s aims are to enable people to get together to run for free, for fun and improve their health, fitness and mental wellbeing. Hoping to build people’s running ability, confidence and gain new running buddies whilst enjoying the beautiful local countryside.

The group is open to everyone regardless of whether you belong to another running group or club.

Health and Independent Living Support has been providing independence-promoting services to older, vulnerable, and disabled people since 2007. Originally established with help from Hertfordshire County Council as Hertfordshire Community Meals a not-for-profit social enterprise, to deliver meals on wheels.

A peer-support platform for patients, linking to groups of other people with the same conditions e.g Diabetes, COPD, Asthma, Mens health, Weight loss.

The forums are moderated and kept safe. Evidence shows peer support makes a massive difference to living well with long term conditions.

Healthwatch is your health and social care champion. If you use GPs and hospitals, dentists, pharmacies, care homes or other support services, they want to hear about your experiences.

Local branch of a popular national and international movement dedicated to learning, staying active, self-help and enjoying life for those no longer in full-time employment.

The service is friendly, low-cost and no qualifications are required. In addition to Hurstpierpoint, Hassocks and Ditchling, we welcome members from surrounding areas.

Helping you to live well.

A free self-management course for adults living with a long-term health condition.

Currently delivering a wide variety of sessions; including a number of ‘creative freedom’ after-school clubs where children can experiment and enjoy a variety of mediums guided by artists and craft enthusiasts! Offering group sessions/parties for adults, children and those with Special Education Needs Disabilities (SEND) with card making, graffiti, abstract painting on canvas boards, themed parties, feather drawing, water colours and plenty more.

With experts on hand offering a warm welcome for anyone, at any point in their cancer experience, as well as their family and friends. From help with money worries or how you’re feeling, to complementary therapies. They will also help you find other local cancer support services near you and across Brighton and further into Sussex.

Marie Curie nurses and Marie Curie healthcare assistants are used to working in people’s homes during difficult times. They’ll do their best to make you feel comfortable about their presence in your home.

The Melting Pot Café is a safe, welcoming space for the whole community in the Willow Way area of Hurstpierpoint (especially for those who are isolated, vulnerable or on low income).

Founded in Bristol in March 2019 it has now grown into a force for good, with over 2,500 men in its community and 67 groups around the globe.

It’s a positive space for men to be vulnerable, to be themselves, to talk about what is bothering them. Offering online support groups for those unable to access in-person sessions.

Supporting people with their mental health, providing specialist training and campaigning to improve services and promote understanding.

Aiming to improve people’s physical and mental well-being, strengthen self-esteem and confidence and promote strong relationships with family, friends and communities. Mind West Sussex can also help people get into education, training or work and achieve their personal and social goals.

Meetings offer the opportunity for those affected by prostate cancer as well as their wives/partners, families and friends to share experiences and to learn more about the treatment of prostate cancer and current research. Regularly joined by guest speakers to give up-to–date, valuable information and to lead discussion.

Mid Sussex Wellbeing can help you to find local wellbeing information and services. You can also get support for things like getting your family fitter, doing some regular exercise, dealing with stress, changing a habit, or simply improving your general wellbeing.

Neighbourly Care is a charitable organisation run by DBS checked volunteers. It aims to make our community a better and more caring place by providing practical help to housebound or isolated older people, people who are sick or disabled, people who are lonely, parents with young children or people in a sudden crisis.

Are you feeling sad, lost or anxious? The NHS West Sussex Talking Therapies (formerly Time to Talk), offer a range of talking therapies that can help you feel better. Their friendly therapists can help you work through your problems and support you to live life to the fullest again.

From support with welfare benefits, to managing your Parkinson’s symptoms, to just having a friendly face to share with. You’re not alone. Help is out there. And Parkinson’s UK can help you find what’s available to you.

Pathfinder West Sussex is an alliance of organisations working together to enable people with mental health support needs, and their carers, to improve their mental health and wellbeing.

You should contact your local midwife service as soon as you find out you’re pregnant (before 8 weeks into the pregnancy).

It’s important to see a midwife as early as possible to get the antenatal (pregnancy) care and information you need to have a healthy pregnancy.

Running fortnightly sessions in a light and spacious village hall in Cooksbridge near Lewes and at the Salvation Army Hall in Burgess Hill. The creative music sessions run for an hour and there’s a chance to have a drink and biscuits at the beginning of each session, offering a space where friendships can develop and carers can find mutual support and information about useful services.

The largest provider of relationship support in England and Wales, helping millions of people every year to strengthen the relationships that mean the most to them.

With a network of licensed local counsellors offering in counselling in person, over the phone and online. Services include relationship counselling for individuals and couples, family counselling, counselling for children and young people and sex therapy.

A dedicated service that provides a simplified single route to access specialist emotional wellbeing and mental health support for children and young people. The SPoA helps direct you to the right service, eliminating the need to refer to multiple services.

Sleepstation is a clinically validated sleep improvement programme that can help you sleep better after just four sessions. Designed by experts and backed by science, their online sleep service is proven to combat even the most severe insomnia.

Offering a range of advice and support to people living with cancer and their families including: end of life care, support in the community, welfare advice, therapeutic therapies, counselling and bereavement support.

The Sussex MSK Partnership is a unique local, not-for-profit partnership bringing together primary care, specialist musculoskeletal care, community and mental health and well-being experts to deliver the whole musculoskeletal service in central Sussex. Their commitment is to a truly integrated MSK service that is effective, efficient and compassionate.

Helping you find the support you need as quickly as possible. You will find stories from others who have had a similar loss, practical and emotional support and signposting to a choice of immediate tailored local and national support.

​If you are homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless, Turning Tides are here to support you. Please visit their help section for advice, information and support from them and other local services.

Hosting regular activities and special events for adults and children from Toddler Time to Digital Volunteer support.