Fears For Young People’s Mental Health Support As Funding Stalls In Sussex

Campaigners are warning that thousands of young people across Sussex facing mental health challenges could be left without vital support as funding for services runs out.

Charities providing early intervention and crisis support say they are being forced to turn people away, despite rising demand and increasing levels of distress among young people.

There are growing concerns around record numbers of diagnoses for serious mental illness, including schizophrenia and depression, alongside high levels of hospital admissions for self-harm.

Many young people seeking help are dealing with anxiety, school avoidance and low self-esteem.

A significant number are also neurodivergent or waiting for assessment, often falling below the threshold for clinical support despite clear need.

One charity in Hastings, Eggtooth, says it has supported more than 900 young people over the past two years but can no longer accept new clients after funding ended.

Co-director Jade Parker said:

“The situation in Hastings is deeply concerning.

“We are working with young people when anxiety is building, when school becomes difficult and when they are starting to struggle day to day.

"Without early support, those needs escalate into crisis.

“Continuing to act only at crisis point is failing our community.

"In a town with such high levels of serious mental illness, early intervention is critical to prevention.”

Recent figures show Hastings has significantly higher rates of serious mental illness compared to the national average, as well as elevated levels of hospital admissions for self-harm.

Other areas including Eastbourne, Rother and Brighton are also facing similar challenges, with Brighton having one of the highest suicide rates in the country.

Eggtooth says it had been receiving funding from the Sussex Integrated Care Board for the past four years, but that support has now ended.

Jade Parker added:

“Right now, vulnerable young people are being left without the support they need, caught in a gap where decisions are delayed and no clear plan is in place.”

Concerns about funding gaps have also been raised in Parliament by Hastings and Rother MP Helena Dollimore, who previously warned that losing services like Eggtooth would leave a significant gap in support for young people.

Following that intervention, funding was extended for a year, but no further commitment has been made.

Hastings Deputy Leader Julia Hilton said the situation is “extremely disappointing”.

She added:

“It is ultimately the children and young people of Hastings who will feel the impact of this decision.

"Early intervention services like this are vital, and I will be raising this urgently with partners across Sussex to ensure this is properly addressed.”

Campaigners say consistent, long-term funding is essential to ensure vulnerable young people do not fall through the gaps in support.