West Sussex Launches New ‘Psychological Hub’ for Children’s Mental Health
West Sussex County Council has unified its specialist mental health services for children and their families into a single “Psychological Hub.” This new approach aims to provide earlier, more joined-up support for vulnerable young people across the region.
A New, Integrated Approach
The hub merges a variety of previously independent psychological services under one dedicated, psychology-led leadership team. The goal is to create a more “joined-up, responsive system” that focuses on the emotional wellbeing of families and children.
According to the council, the hub’s key mission is to “help families stay together” and “support children through complex emotional and mental health challenges.” Services within the hub are designed to be accessed via a healthcare referral. It also features dedicated therapy pods located at the council’s Horsham office, providing safe, calm spaces for therapeutic work.
Collaborative and Child-Centred
Councillor Jacquie Russell, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, emphasized the collaborative nature of the hub. She noted that the team will work closely with social workers, schools, and other professionals to ensure timely and coordinated support.
The hub’s services include specialized interventions for:
- Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) at risk of school placement breakdown.
- Support for children experiencing self-harm or mental health conditions that may lead to hospitalisation.
- Specialist psychological support for children in care, care leavers, and unaccompanied asylum-seeking children.
The launch represents an effort to integrate psychological thinking and trauma-informed care directly into social work and educational settings, putting the child’s needs at the centre of the system.
