Spotlighting free local support on World Mental Health Day

This World Mental Health Day, we’re shining a light on the incredible free support available in Brighton & Hove through our local mental health service provider UOK.

UOK Brighton & Hove is a partnership of 21 community services, creating a wide network of organisations, making it simple for adults to access useful information, join supportive groups, or get free expert advice – including help with wellbeing, debt, benefits and more.

Following the relaunch of the service this month, UOK is hosting a series of free webinars for professionals and members of the public to find out more about what’s on offer.

For members of the public:

• Monday 20 October, 12pm to 12.30pm or
• Wednesday 22 October, 10am to 10.30am

For professionals:

• Tuesday 21 October, 12pm to 12.30pm
• Wednesday 29 October, 10am to 10.30am

Brooke Joyce, UOK B&H Partnership Lead said: “After six successful years, we’re really excited to relaunch our partnership that is your connection to local mental health and wellbeing support.

“Our partners are all expert organisations who truly care about our communities and understand what works best for them. We all need help sometimes, so please don’t hesitate to reach out for support for yourself, a loved one or someone you’re caring for.”

Local picture

The recently published Health Counts 2024 survey, the largest health and wellbeing assessment ever carried out in the city (with responses from over 16,700 adults) provides vital insight into emotional wellbeing locally.

Some key findings include:

• 24% of respondents recorded a low happiness score.
• 9% of participants reported self-harm in the past 12 months.
• Only 56% of adults in the most deprived areas reported being in “good or better” general health, compared to 76% in the least deprived areas, reflecting stark inequalities that have implications for mental as well as physical health.

These figures underline that although many people in Brighton & Hove live with resilience and strength, large numbers also experience emotional hardship - and that disadvantage and inequality remain closely linked to poorer mental wellbeing.

Councillor Mitchie Alexander, Cabinet Member for Communities, Equalities, Public Health and Adult Social Care, said: “Marking World Mental Health Day is vital - but our real goal must be to embed mental health awareness into everyday life in Brighton & Hove.

“Every person deserves to live in a community that supports their wellbeing, that listens and acts, and that tackles the inequalities pushing too many of us into distress.”

Get support

For more information about local support services available for all ages, including talking therapies, social prescribing and local groups, visit our website.