If you live in Sussex, you are invited to take part in a short poll to share what you know about weight loss injections and your experiences of accessing them through the NHS or privately.

Healthwatch in Sussex (Brighton & Hove, East Sussex and West Sussex) regularly gathers feedback from residents to help improve local health and care services. Your responses will help shape future research and inform how services are
developed across Sussex.

The poll asks about:

• your experience of trying to access weight loss injections
• awareness of NHS eligibility criteria outcomes and support received
• your views on current services

The survey takes just a few minutes to complete and can be shared with friends, family or colleagues living in Sussex.

The poll closes at midnight on 31 March 2026.

Complete the poll before 31st March 2026

Norovirus, a stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhoea, is currently
circulating in communities across Sussex.

The virus spreads quickly in places such as hospitals, schools and care homes. It can be passed on through close contact with an infected person, touching
contaminated surfaces, or eating food handled by someone with the virus.

Some hospital wards have recently had to limit visiting due to outbreaks, which is why local health partners are reminding residents to take simple steps to help
protect themselves and others.

If you have symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, fever or chills, avoid visiting hospitals or care settings for at least 48 hours after symptoms stop, unless it is an emergency.

Washing your hands regularly with soap and water is the most effective way to stop the virus spreading.

If you are concerned about symptoms, visit the NHS website or contact NHS 111 for advice on managing norovirus at home.

Check symptoms and get advice

A new project is capturing the real experiences of people who have used or worked in NHS mental health services across Sussex.

Living Histories, launched by Heads On – the charity of Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust – records personal stories from the closure of old asylums in the 1980s through to the Covid-19 pandemic and beyond.

Fifteen trained volunteers carried out 35 in-depth interviews with people who have experienced mental health services. These conversations explore themes such as care, recovery, identity and relationships, helping to document how mental health support has changed over the past 40 years.

Seven podcast episodes have been produced using clips from these interviews, allowing people to share their experiences in their own words.

Listen to the Living Histories podcast

Being informed can feel important but not if it’s at the expense of our own wellbeing.

For many people who have experienced sexual abuse or physical assault, the daily bombardment of graphic images and updates in the news and on social media has been heavy, disturbing and triggering. We would like to remind you of these free local and national services who are ready to provide support. If you are
struggling, please reach out and talk to someone today.

• The Saturn Centre (Sussex based) Call 0330 223 0099 24/7 or email mhl.saturncentre@nhs.net
• The Survivors Network (Sussex based)  0300 102 3380 (Mondays from 7-9pm and Wednesdays from 12-1.30pm) or email help@survivorsnetwork.org.uk
• Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Line (24/7, England & Wales)  0808 500 2222
• The Survivors Trust – National Helpline 0808 801 0818
• National Male Survivor Helpline (all genders also welcome) 0808 800 5005

If you or someone you know needs support after sexual or physical abuse, contact one of the free local or national helplines listed above for confidential advice and support.

Get additional information on mental health support available

A rapid response service is helping more people receive the right mental health support, without needing to attend A&E.

Launched in November 2024, the Blue Light Line Rapid Response service provides 24-hour advice and guidance to emergency services, including Sussex Police, South East Coast Ambulance Service and the Coastguard.

From July to December 2025, the service helped prevent over 6,300 A&E
attendances by supporting frontline responders to access more appropriate mental health care.

Mental health practitioners carry out assessments over the phone and advise on the best next steps for people in crisis. This may include connecting people to specialist services such as Staying Well or the Havens, offering more therapeutic alternatives to hospital care.

Between midday and midnight, teams based in Brighton, Crawley, Eastbourne and Worthing can also provide face-to-face support using dedicated response vehicles.

By working closely with emergency services, the programme is helping ensure people receive timely, appropriate care closer to their needs.

Getting help with your mental health

Following International Women’s Day earlier this month, residents are being
reminded about the Sussex Women’s Health website – a trusted online resource to support women throughout different stages of life.

The website provides expert guidance from NHS professionals on topics
including menstruation, contraception, pregnancy, menopause and mental
wellbeing. It also includes information about local services, self-referral options and
practical tools to help women make informed decisions about their health.

One feature of the site is the Wellbeing and Exercise in Pregnancy Programme (WEPP), which offers exercise videos designed for pregnancy and postnatal
recovery. These resources are available online and can be accessed anytime.

By bringing together reliable information in one place, the website makes it easier for women across Sussex to find trusted advice and access the support they need.

Explore the Sussex women’s health website

As part of the National Neighbourhood Health Implementation Programme, local health and care leads in Hastings and Rye recently welcomed Dr Minal Bakhai, Programme lead and Director of primary care and community transformation at NHS England, to see how joined-up care is being delivered across Sussex.

The visit included Rye Hub, Conquest Hospital’s Tressell Ward and Station Plaza in Hastings, showcasing how partners are working together to bring health, care and wellbeing services closer to local communities. Examples included earlier support for people with respiratory conditions, stronger frailty care and improved hospital discharge pathways.

Discussions also explored how to improve access in rural and deprived areas, strengthen voluntary sector partnerships and address barriers such as estates and procurement. Dr Bakhai praised Sussex’s strong whole-system approach and
commitment to neighbourhood health.

Hastings and Rother is one of 43 local places participating in the National Neighbourhood Health Implementation Programme to set up neighbourhood health services. Neighbourhood health is about bringing care closer to where people live, strengthening prevention, and making sure services are joined up across the NHS, local government, social care, and the voluntary sector.

Stay tuned for more updates on neighbourhood health in action.

NHS Sussex has launched a new series of short films featuring local healthcare professionals, designed to help young people understand how to access trusted health and wellbeing support. The series is led by one of NHS Sussex’s Youth Consultants, who speaks directly with professionals about the services available and answers the questions that matter most to younger audiences.

The films address common concerns such as confidentiality, costs, and whether young people can access healthcare without a parent or carer. Professionals
featured include a pharmacist, NHS 111 call handler and school nurse, who
provide clear, practical advice on seeking support for physical, mental and emotional health.

By giving young people straightforward information in a relatable format, the series aims to build confidence and encourage early access to care.

Watch the young people’s health advice films

Every child and young person deserves to feel safe, supported and valued.

During Children’s Mental Health Week, NHS Sussex highlighted how partnership working between the NHS, local authorities, schools and families is strengthening support across East Sussex. Two key programmes – Mental Health Support Teams and Autism in Schools are helping to create inclusive environments where children can succeed in their own way.

Ocklynge Junior School in Eastbourne recently took part in a creative project to build greater understanding of autism and celebrate neurodiversity. The short film featuring staff, parents and pupils shows how schools are working together to promote belonging and wellbeing. 

Sussex school nurse teams also provide advice and support on issues such as anxiety, sleep, relationships and healthy eating. Young people can access help confidentially through the free ChatHealth text service.

Watch the video to learn more about what school nurses do

Valentine’s Day may have passed, but caring for the things that matter most
including our NHS, continues all year round. One simple way to support local health
services is by choosing the right service for your needs.

If your condition is not life-threatening, A&E is unlikely to be the best place to go. There are a range of NHS services that can often provide quicker, more
appropriate care.

Community pharmacies offer expert advice and treatment for coughs, colds,
minor illnesses and everyday health concerns, often without the need for an appointment. Urgent Treatment Centres and Minor Injury Units can treat sprains, suspected minor fractures, minor burns and cuts without attending A&E.

If you are unsure what to do, NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, providing trusted advice and guidance.

For urgent dental problems such as severe pain, swelling or a cracked tooth,
contact the Sussex Urgent Dental Helpline on 0300 123 1663 (Monday to Friday, 8am–4pm), or call NHS 111 outside these hours.

Choosing the most appropriate service helps reduce pressure on emergency
departments and ensures faster care for everyone.

Find the right NHS service for your needs in East Sussex