Mental health support and recovery service extended

The West Sussex Discharge, Outreach and Recovery Support Service has been operating for 12 months

A service aimed at helping people with mental health difficulties to be discharged from hospital sooner has been extended for a further 12 months.

The West Sussex Discharge, Outreach and Recovery Support Service also provides support after people have left hospital.

The service was first established in 2023 by Venture People, in partnership with West Sussex County Council and Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.

It is also available for people at risk of admission who require community support.

In its first year, the service has supported 166 people and received positive feedback from those accessing the service and professionals referring into the service.

Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust said it is able to respond to all referrals within one working day and provides up to 200 hours of support a week for up to six weeks.

John Child, the trust's chief operating officer, said: "It has been fantastic to see what a positive impact the service has made in its first 12 months, supporting patients to leave hospital in a timely way.

“We look forward to continuing to work in partnership with our colleagues at Venture People and West Sussex County Council and delivering much needed support for the communities we serve."