Campaigners fight to save 'vital' mental health hub

Campaigners are fighting to save a "vital" mental health service in Brighton.

Nearly 3,400 people have signed a petition to keep services running at the Wellbeing Hub at Preston Park which could be cut from five days to just six hours a week, the Local Democracy Reporting Service has reported.

The hub, run by the not-for-profit community care group Southdown and UOK Brighton and Hove, provides "consistent therapeutic support, community and stability" for its clients.

NHS Sussex has been approached for comment.

Protesters have gathered outside Hove Town Hall urging councillors to reject the plans.

The proposal to cut the service comes as NHS Sussex reorganises its services as it merges with Surrey Heartlands Integrated Care Board on 1 April.

Patrick Ward, who said he represented service users, said the hub reduced pressure on NHS mental health services.

"These changes will not reduce costs," he said. "On the contrary, they are likely to increase demand on NHS crisis services and adult social care."

Ward told a council meeting on 26 March the proposed changes would also lead to a "sudden and dangerous" loss of support.

"For many, the hub is a vital safety net," he said.

"Removing or significantly reducing it risks serious deterioration in both our mental and physical health."

Ward added that proposed satellite services could not "replicate the depth, consistency or sense of safety currently provided".

The petition calls for the proposals to be paused until a full public consultation can take place.

Brighton & Hove City Council funds 20% of the Wellbeing Hub's contract.

Councillor Mitchie Alexander said the local authority would lobby the NHS Integrated Care Board about the proposal.

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