West Sussex Mind

Who we are

West Sussex Mind is an independent local charity. We support people with their mental health, provide specialist training and campaign to improve services and promote understanding. 

Our work is driven by the needs and experiences of people with mental health problems.

The advice and support we offer aims to improve people's physical and mental well-being, strengthen self-esteem and confidence and promote strong relationships with family, friends and communities. We also help people get into education, training or work and achieve their personal and social goals.

Increasing understanding about mental health is a priority for us so we run a comprehensive training programme for parents, carers and professionals. Our experts provide specialist training to professionals such as to those in education, GP practices and leisure centres as well as bespoke training to staff and managers in other organisations and companies.

We also work in communities to raise awareness and to tackle the stigma which continues to affect the lives of people with mental health problems.

We are an independent charity and receive no regular funding from the national Mind charity. Your donations support our work across West Sussex.

Our vision

We won’t give up until everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets both support and respect.

Our mission

Together with those experiencing mental health problems, we will build inclusive and empowering mental health services, reduce barriers to support and challenge stigma.

Our values

We are equitable: we treat people fairly, with respect and show empathy and kindness

We are open: we reach out to anyone who needs us​ and we listen, respond and are inclusive

We work together: we're stronger in partnerships

We are curious: we learn from each other, our partners, the community and through development

We are unstoppable: we have passion, independence and speak out fearlessly

We strive for excellence: we are motivated and driven to work to the best of our ability to provide great services.

What we do

• We provide high-quality mental health support services in towns and rural communities in West Sussex
• Where there are gaps in provision and people need help, we campaign for new services to be provided and we do everything we can to meet these needs
• We tackle stigma and raise awareness around mental health and well-being and engage with and in local communities across West Sussex to do this
• We train and enable professionals, carers and parents to provide support around mental health and manage their own mental health and well-being effectively.

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

Equality, diversity, inclusion and equity are key principles for West Sussex Mind both as an employer and service provider. We have a responsibility to ensure that our mental health services are accessible to those who need it and that those working or volunteering with us have an environment in which they feel valued, respected and included. Here's what these terms mean to us.

• Equality means making sure that everyone is treated fairly and with dignity and respect. It means challenging discrimination and removing barriers, so that everyone has opportunities to achieve their desired outcomes.
• Diversity is about recognising the benefits of different values, abilities and perspectives, and celebrating people’s differences. This means promoting an environment that welcomes and values diverse backgrounds, thinking, skills and experience.
• Inclusion is providing a space where everyone has equal access to opportunities and resources, and where everyone feels valued and accepted. Everyone should be able to contribute and have a voice. This may mean making reasonable adjustments to facilitate participation.
• Equity recognises that we do not all start from the same place and we must acknowledge and make adjustments to redress imbalances. It also recognises that everyone has different circumstances and therefore needs different resources and opportunities to succeed.