Crawley mental health crisis service extends opening hours

Crawley Staying Well, located near County Oak Retail Park, is now open seven days a week from 3pm to midnight.

The service, co-delivered by Waythrough and Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, provides a walk-in, out-of-hours alternative to A&E for those experiencing a self-defined mental health crisis.

Jason Collins, service manager at Crawley Staying Well, said: "It is so important that people are able to access timely and appropriate support when they are experiencing a mental health crisis.

"We know that A&Es are not the right environment for someone who is in crisis.

"That is why we are so pleased to be able to provide an alternative, and by extending our opening hours at Crawley Staying Well we will be able to help even more people when they need it."

No appointment is needed to access the service during opening hours.

It is staffed by a team of mental health professionals and peer support workers who offer face-to-face support, virtual drop-ins and group sessions to ensure individuals can access help in the way that suits them best.

The extended hours are part of broader efforts to improve community-based mental health care and reduce pressure on hospital emergency departments.

Last year, NHS England announced plans to roll out mental health emergency departments nationwide, including three in Sussex.

These will be based in Eastbourne, Brighton and either Chichester or Worthing.

The new services are part of a system-wide transformation to improve community support and ease pressure on acute hospitals.

Full details about the Crawley Staying Well service and other support options are available at sussexpartnership.nhs.uk/staying-well.

Staying Well is one of several mental health support options available to people in Sussex.

Other services include texting SUSSEX to 85258 or calling NHS 111 and selecting the mental health option.

The service operates 365 days a year, providing consistent and accessible support for individuals in crisis who may otherwise turn to emergency departments.

By offering a safe, supportive and specialised environment, Crawley Staying Well aims to meet people where they are and help them through moments of urgent need.