Listed below are organisations and services that you may find helpful regarding your own care, education or interests. All chevrons > can be expanded to find out more or to follow links.
Do you have a problem that affects your bones, joints or muscles?
Physiotherapy Self-Referral
Warm Spaces Directory
“Warm Spaces are safe, warm, non-judgemental spaces where local people can: Sit and be warm, Study or work on your laptops (with access to Wi-fi), Have a hot drink, Be with company, Access advice OR information / signposting to advice on debt, bills, benefits and food”
Lewes and Eastbourne District Council
You can also visit:
Signposting to services and organisations who can help you with drug and alcohol recovery.
East Sussex Recovery Alliance - Living free from adiction. ESRA provides drug and alcohol recovery services for anyone over the age of 18. Everyone is welcome at ESRA, and they accept self referrals. "There is a range of support and treatment options available to you. STAR will listen to your needs and ensure your care suits you. Helping adults across East Sussex who are affected by alcohol or drugs." changegrowlive.org/star-drug-alcohol-service-east-sussex/eastbourne
Signposting to services and organisations with special interests in various conditions.
Accessible resources and factsheets as well as information to help with cost of living concerns, help to stay independent, legal advice. We also offer one-to-one nutritional consultations; access to clinical appointments with our network of osteopaths, physiotherapists, and acupuncturists; and a personalised pathway for goal setting, through our Membership, to help people take control of their arthritis and enjoy life to the full." Information booklets, FAQ's and useful information to help you learn about or manage Fibromyalgia. Education, publications, helpline and resources to help you learn about and live with Lupus. Management advice, resources and links to local hubs. Education, community hub, helplines and support. Information and educational resources for the diagnosis, symptoms, treatments and therapies available to those living with or caring for someone with Parkinson’s. Educational resources and home remedies to help you live with RA. ROS offers a free advice helpline where patients can get in touch with their team of specialist nurses. Ways to get help or get involved including a helpline and links to services in your area.
"A vital source of support and a powerful force for change for everyone affected by dementia."
"Arthritis Action is the UK charity giving hands-on, practical help to improve the quality of life of people affected by arthritis. We offer an integrated self-management approach, which looks at both the physical and mental health impact of living with arthritis. We support people living with musculoskeletal conditions through healthy eating advice, mental health resources, pain management techniques, local Groups, and exercise advice and resources.
"To improve the lives of people with fibromyalgia by increasing awareness of the condition throughout the UK and elsewhere, and improve the awareness of, and access to treatments for fibromyalgia."
"Headway Sussex is an independent charity affiliated to national charity Headway UK. Our aim is to extend further to support people with a brain injury right across Sussex to live well."
"A world where people with lupus can live full and active lives"
A 3-month yoga program specially designed for people with hip or knee osteoarthritis. Also including educational materials where you can learn more about joint pain and treatment options.
"The National Axial Spondyloarthritis Society (NASS) and we are here to transform the diagnosis and care of people living with axial SpA. Axial SpA works silently. We don't."
"Provide information and support services for those affected by rheumatoid arthritis (RA), their families, friends, carers and health professionals."
"Improving life for everyone affected by Parkinson’s."
"Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) doesn’t have to stop you from living your life. Although the symptoms of RA can be painful, there are many treatments and therapies to help you take your life back."
The UK’s largest national charity dedicated to improving bone health and beating osteoporosis. And we’re here for everyone. We equip people with practical information and support to take action on their bone health.
"Whether you’re looking for information about your arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions, or you want to support family and friends, we can help."
"WEPP was created by pelvic health physiotherapists to provide easy access to safe and effective exercise videos and useful resources during and after pregnancy. It is a free programme to encourage you to stay fit and well and there is something suitable for everybody including complete beginners to exercise"
East Sussex 1Space is East Sussex County Council’s online self-service directory. It brings together groups and services that offer care, support and wellbeing opportunities to people in East Sussex.
"If you're looking after an adult such as a member of your family, a friend or neighbour who has; An illness, disability, mental health problem, an addiction; and who couldn't manage without your help, then you are a carer." "Explore the many social and leisure activities available to help you make the most of life." "Get help to live well, live healthy, and stay active." "Where you live is really important to you, and you may need help with day to day tasks to live independently and safe in your own home. There are lots of choices to help you decide how to live your life." "There are many organisations and support groups, including community and voluntary organisations, who can guide you across a range of issues from money management, paying for your care, volunteering, safety, support and much, much, more. Discover the many services ready to help you, your family, friends and carers get the most to help you live life to the full." "There are lots of ways to make it easier to live safe and well in your own home. Find a wide range of services from personal care to helpful gadgets and adaptations."
Links to help with falls prevention and education for you or your family regarding available support and advice.
"This class is aimed at people who are over 60 and afraid of falling, or who have had one of two falls. It is for those who want to improve their strength, balance and, confidence in performing daily activities, mobility and independence, with a guided exercise programme. The programme we use has been proven in studies to reduce the likelihood of falls in the older population. Each week (eight-week timetable) the class structure is different to provide variety for both the body and mind."
Signposting to local gyms, exercise and leisure opportunities, who may be able to offer services, classes and other health benefits.
"From learners to teachers, athletes to coaches, we support people to achieve their best in the water." Find your local pools and clubs. Learn about the value of swimming for fitness, safety and enjoyment!
Health in Mind offers free courses and therapy for people in East Sussex, to help with stress, anxiety and low mood, via self-referral.
"It is not unusual to experience symptoms such as stress, anxiety and depression. Health in Mind is a free NHS service for anyone in East Sussex experiencing these kinds of emotional or psychological difficulties." The 'Living Well with Chronic Pain' course is especially tailored for people living with chronic pain and who would like to learn clinically proven Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) techniques, to overcome common symptoms of anxiety and low mood. "All courses are available online to people living in the East Sussex (excluding Brighton and Hove) area."
General signposting to services and organisations who may be able to offer care & advice in your area of interest or needs.
Advice and guidence on subjects including cost of living crisis, Food and energy, COVID-19 support. Support and advice on subjects including community housing, Parish and Neighbourhood planning, Research and policy. Free services include pensions and financial advice, a specialist welfare benefits service, hearing aid battery replacement, will writing and also a variety of paid services including nail care and transport services. Offering an advice line as well as several services including befriending, dementia support, handyperson services, social opportunities and much more. Services including befriending with respite and carer support, counselling, lunch clubs and virtual events. Education and resources, including an advice line. Care for the Carers (CftC) East Sussex A website filled with educational resources to learn about, prevent or live with diabetes. We bring the lived experiences of disabled people to everything we do. We challenge policy makers, institutions and individuals to remove the barriers that exist for us. " Advice and information, including helplines and factsheets. Diversity Resource International (DRI) is a non-profit social enterprise that supports ethnically diverse and migrant communities. Its aim is to encourage the older people to share their views and raise concerns so that their voice will be heard in the planning and provision of services and facilities locally, regionally and nationally." ESCIS is a database of community information and events developed and managed by the Library and Information Service of East Sussex County Council, in association with Brighton and Hove Library Service. List of services, local events and community clubs, organisation and societies. East Sussex County Council community pages offer links to resources and advice around several subjects including benefits, emergency planning, housing, grants etc. Including a patient advice and liaison service (PALS) which can help patients, families and carers with questions, comments or concerns about NHS services / facilities / staff. Pain self management is about learning new and using old, skills - trying them out and to see what works for you. "If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with cancer, we're here to help. Find out how we support you and get information about different cancer types." We also look at day-to-day things to help you, whether that’s tips on getting a mortgage or insurance, or grants and entitlements to support you in work or study." moneyhelper.org.uk/en/family-and-care/illness-and-disability?source=mas# ​ "POhWER delivers information, advice, support and advocacy services throughout England. We aim to support people who face difficult issues and want to make their voice heard. All POhWER's services are free, independent and confidential." "St Wilfrid’s provides support for people with any life-limiting illness towards the end of their lives. We also support their families and carers. This could be in the hospice building, in the person’s own home or a care home." Access to support and services and links to local resources. SCDA's services include advice and links to opportunities and services offered within the community including Befriending, community gardens, community health, Employment support and Victim support. Offering mental and physical health resources and toolkits.
"Supporting groups and individuals to improve the quality of everybody’s life."
"AirS is an independent charity that exists for all people living in rural areas of Sussex but especially those who are at risk of isolation and/or disadvantage, and for whom rural life brings an additional challenge and cost to their daily lives."
"We believe that every person should be able to look forward to later life with confidence; knowing that organisations like ours will always be there to provide help, advice and activities to promote independence and well-being."
"Age UK’s vision is a world where everyone can love later life"
"Enabling Carers throughout East Sussex to have access to free, high quality, volunteer-led support services."
"Our vision is a world free from the fear of heart and circulatory diseases. We raise money to research cures and treatments, so we can give people more time with the ones they love."
Do you look after someone who couldn’t manage without your help? CftC are here for you if you need free practical or emotional advice, information & support.
Call – 01323 738390
cftc.org.uk
CSP is a membership organisation of more than 60,000 chartered physiotherapists, associate and physio students. Their website contains information for patients including exercises and information about various conditions.
"We are Diabetes UK. Our vision is a world where diabetes can do no harm. We’re leading the fight against the UK's biggest and growing health crisis. And it's a fight that involves us all – sharing knowledge and taking on diabetes together."
"We campaign for the rights of all Disabled people to be included in every aspect of life.
"Eastbourne Seniors' Forum decides its own agenda and takes up issues at local level as well as working with other seniors' forums in East Sussex, promoting an 'older voice' at regional and national levels.
"To provide independent, professional and inclusive services that engage and empower the public to have their say in the design, commissioning and delivery of public services to generate intelligence and insight from public engagement that supports"
"Whether responding to emergencies, working to prevent them happening in the first place or providing support, our firefighters, officers, control room operators, Business and Community safety teams, support staff and volunteers all play their part. We are proud to serve East Sussex and Brighton and Hove City."
"We provide services and operate out of 13 community hospitals across Brighton & Hove, East Sussex and West Sussex. However, most of our work is provided out in the community in people's own homes."
Helping people all over the world self manage persistent pain
"Our purpose is to do whatever it takes to support people living with cancer."
"If you're living with a disability or illness, or looking after someone who is, thinking about money can be worrying, especially if you've had to stop work, cut back your hours or you're facing life on a lower income.
For statistics regarding hip, knee, ankle, elbow and shoulder joint replacement surgery.
"To empower people to have a voice and make a real difference to their lives. We do this by speaking for them when they can't and supporting them to speak for themselves when they can."
"We want to see a community where people talk openly about dying, live well until the end of their life and where nobody dies alone, afraid or in pain."
"We're here to support people to rebuild their lives after stroke. We believe everyone deserves to live the best life they can after stroke."
"Community based projects aimed at addressing the needs of those most vulnerable in the community."
"Our long-standing and uncompromising vision is to get more people, more active, more often."
NHS Live Well website – NHS advice about healthy living, including eating a balanced diet, healthy weight, exercise, quitting smoking and drinking less alcohol. They also offer a BMI calculator and other tools and tips!
"NHS advice about healthy living, including eating a balanced diet, healthy weight, exercise, quitting smoking and drinking less alcohol." "Use this calculator to check your body mass index (BMI) and find out if you're a healthy weight. Or you can use it to check your child's BMI." "If you, or someone you know, struggles with everyday tasks, there might be gadgets or equipment to help make life easier." "There are ways you can reduce your risk of having a fall, including making simple changes to your home and doing exercises to improve your strength and balance." "Health Visiting and the Early Help Service 0 to 19 can support you and your family from pregnancy until your child is five."
One You East Sussex can help you get back to a healthier you, and support you to make simple changes towards a longer and happier life. They provide tools, motivational support and encouragement every step of the way, to help improve your health right away.
"We can help you drink less" "Helping you to improve your diet" "We can help you move more" "Ready to go smoke free?" "Would you like help to lose weight?"
Educational links for what to expect following an operation, how to get the right care, who is available to help.
"Convalescent Care is a term used to describe the short-term support provided by skilled professionals to individuals who are recovering from an illness, operation or injury. "If you or someone you know has been in hospital or had an illness or fall, you may need temporary care to help you get back to normal and stay independent..." "Many of our nursing homes around the UK can provide short-term care if you’re recovering from an illness or operation. This is often referred to as convalescent care." bupa.co.uk/care-services/what-type-of-care-do-i-need/post-operation-and-illness-recovery
This type of care is goal-orientated with the end goal always being for the individual to regain their independence as well as enough strength to cope without support."
Signposting to other wellbeing services and opportunities that exist locally or online.
"Supporting individuals and families with the issues that matter most to them, at the same time as working to transform systems and institutions to address the root causes of inequalities faced by Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people." Headspace was started with one mission: to improve the health and happiness of the world. Through science-backed meditation and mindfulness tools, Headspace helps you create life-changing habits to support your mental health and find a healthier, happier you. Holding Space support parents, children and young adults who are struggling with their mental health and normalise these conversations. To offer a safe space for families to come together. Men’s Sheds (or Sheds) are similar to garden sheds – a place to pursue practical interests at leisure, to practice skills and enjoy making and mending. The difference is that garden sheds and their activities are often solitary in nature while Men’s Sheds are the opposite. They’re about social connections and friendship building, sharing skills and knowledge, and of course a lot of laughter. TCV host a range of community services including social prescribing and wellbeing / health walks. "TCV’s guided Health Walks are short, friendly walks lasting no longer than an hour. Anyone can join in. These walks are designed to encourage active lifestyles and would benefit anyone looking to improve their health and wellbeing."
Guiding, educating and empowering you to take control of your health and happiness. A service taking a different approach to weight loss and offer a free 12 week digital programme supporting you to change your life, for good.
"When you’re living with a mental health problem, or supporting someone who is, access to the right information is vital."
Sussex MSK Partnership East is not an urgent or emergency service and is not equipped to provide such services. If you require something urgently, please consider the following contacts:
- Call 999 in a medical or mental health emergency.
- Call 111 for non-emergency medical attention.
- Attend at your local A&E –
Find your local A&E HERE. - Sussex Mental Healthline –
24/7 mental health telephone support & information:
0800 0309 500 - Refuge –
24/7 National domestic abuse helpline:
0808 2000 247
The Samaritans –
24/7 emotional support, call: 116 123
Urgent help in a mental health crisis –
Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust -
Contact your Doctor’s surgery.
Contact your Doctor’s out of hours number.