Health and Wellbeing Service

About the service

The Health and Wellbeing Service (also known as ‘Screen and Intervene’) is a specialist social prescribing service.

The service is provided in partnership with GP practices and the Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, as part of the UOK East Sussex network of mental health support.

The service supports people who have a diagnosis of bipolar, schizophrenia, or experience psychosis, following their free annual NHS Physical Health Check (PHC).

Evidence suggests that NHS Physical Health Checks (PHC) are rarely taken up and people facing these challenges are at an increased risk of long-term health problems and experience health inequality. We can also work closely with referrers to support people to access their PHC which will increase people’s engagement in improving their health and wellbeing.

NHS Physical Health Checks (PHC)

If you have been diagnosed with bipolar, schizophrenia or experience psychosis, you are eligible to attend a free annual NHS Physical Health Check (PHC). These checks are carried out by GPs and/or Healthcare Practitioners at a GP surgery and are designed to look at various aspects of a person’s health (including blood pressure, mental health, diabetes, sexual health, oral health and much more). Find out more here or go to ‘Downloads’ at the end of the page.

How the service works

There are times when we all need support to address life’s challenges and knowing how to access local support can make a significant difference. Addressing difficult issues for people with mental health challenges needs extra time and support.

Health & Wellbeing Advisors offer face-to-face and remote support in a range of community settings, including GP practices across Sussex and can help by:

• Developing personalised health and wellbeing improvement plans.
• Giving you the time to explore and identify what is important for your health and wellbeing and the goals you would like to achieve.
• Providing support and encouragement to connect you to services, groups and activities that can help.

Our Health and Wellbeing Advisors:

• Are non-judgemental, you can talk to them confidentially.
• Are person-centred and holistic in their support.
• Can help you decide what you would like to do to improve your health and wellbeing.
• Can find you support and activities that will suit your individual needs.

What our clients have said:

“I have been supported extremely well. My Health and Wellbeing Advisor provided very relevant and varied suggestions for a range of local activities that reflect my interests and goals.

She has been incredibly empathetic and supportive. I appreciate everything she did and send my thanks for such a holistic and practical service.”

Eligibility

Support is available for people aged 18 or over, who have a diagnosis of bipolar, schizophrenia, or who have had a recent episode of psychosis and are registered with a GP.

Referrals

Professionals: Referrals for this service are made directly by healthcare professionals (GP practice staff, SPFT staff, Social Prescribers, Southdown Services, or other providers offering Physical Health Checks).

• To refer a client in East Sussex click here.

We are temporarily not taking any referrals for West Sussex and Brighton and Hove, apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.

If you have any questions, please contact us.

Clients: If you feel you would benefit from our support and meet the eligibility criteria above, please contact your GP to book your PHC, and then ask to be referred to the Health and Wellbeing Service.

Inclusivity for all

We are a Neurodivergent, LGBTQ+, class, race, age and disability-friendly service. We are committed to learning and striving toward a more inclusive and person-centred approach, by listening to your experience and providing meaningful support, information and advice according to your needs.