The Power of Access in Crisis
Every year on 10 October, the world pauses to reflect on mental health. First observed in 1992 via the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) as a call to raise awareness and reduce stigma, World Mental Health Day has grown into a global moment to spotlight issues, advocate for better care, and connect communities.
This year’s theme: Access to Services — Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies
For 2025, the WFMH has named the official theme as “Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies.”
At UOK, our mission has long been to make mental health support accessible, joined-up, and responsive. When Southdown was awarded the Brighton & Hove Mental Health Support Services (MHSS) contract beginning 1 October 2025, it reaffirmed that mission: to build a network of care that reaches people before crisis, during crisis, and beyond.
Some of the services under UOK include:
- A Central Access Point (CAP) for referrals, information, and signposting
- Peer support, in groups and one-to-one
- Advice, information & guidance services
- A focus on health inequality, early intervention, and resilience-building
Staying Well: our crisis service
Open 7 days a week, 365 days a year, Staying Well provides psychosocial support within a safe, supportive and therapeutic environment so that people who are experiencing a self-defined mental health crisis (e.g. they feel at breaking point and in need of urgent help) can get help and support without needing to make an appointment. Brighton & Hove and Eastbourne currently offers walk-ins, Hastings offer a same day access service via email/telephone referral.
For more information about our three Staying Well services and the current support offered, see:
How you can engage — and where to turn
Attend UOK webinars: UOK is hosting a series of free webinars for professionals and members of the public to find out more about what’s on offer and how to access it.
Two dates are available for members of the public to attend, and two for professionals.
- 20th October and 22nd October – Members of the public
- 21st October and 29th October – Any professionals
Please click this link to book
Use UOK services:
- Register with Qwell for 24/7 online counselling and peer forums
- Explore UOK’s resources page
- If in crisis, contact local emergency mental health services (lines, A&E, local crisis teams)
This World Mental Health Day, we acknowledge that things can sometimes feel overwhelming. If you live in Brighton & Hove or East Sussex, UOK is here to connect you to support. Everyone deserves good mental health.
