Looking after your mental health
People living with HIV can be affected by poor mental health. This could be for many reasons. Stigma, discrimination and inequalities may play a part.
It is important to talk to a healthcare professional if you are worried about your mental health. There is support available.
Where to get urgent help or crisis support
If your life is at risk right now, or if you have seriously harmed yourself
Call 999 for an ambulance or go straight to A&E
For urgent mental health support call 111 and choose option ‘2’
The ‘Mental Health Rapid Response’ service supports Brighton & Hove residents who are experiencing an imminent crisis with their mental health – Tel: 0300 304 0078 Open 24 hours a day / 7 days a week
There are a range of crisis support options within Sussex – or you can call 0300 304 0100
HIV-specific mental health support and advice
Support that is available only for people living with HIV.
THT – Terrence Higgins Trust
Counselling is offered free of charge to people living with HIV via THT Brighton
- Call 01273 764200 or 07833 555 847.
- Email [email protected].
You can also ask your HIV nurse or doctor for a referral to the service.
HIV-specific psychology or psychiatry
This service is available for people living with HIV. It offers Psychological and/or psychiatric support for problems associated with HIV. Ask your HIV nurse or doctor to discuss if you are eligible for referral to this service.
The Sussex Beacon
The Sussex Beacon is a charity dedicated to caring and supporting people living with HIV.
They offer PEER support services, day services, exercise groups and support for women and families.
You can self-refer to some Sussex Beacon services or speak to your HIV nurse or doctor and ask them to make a referral for you.
General mental health support
Mental health support is available both locally and nationally.
GP
Speak to your GP. If you are having thoughts, feelings and emotions that are affecting your daily life, you might be struggling with your mental health. Your GP provides overall care of your physical and mental health. They can help you get the support you need.
Brighton and Hove NHS Wellbeing Service
Offering a variety of support and psychological therapies to anyone with a BN1, BN2, BN3 or BN41 postcode
Talking therapies
Mind Out
LGBTQ+ Counselling at MindOut is a low-cost counselling service based in Brighton, which is run by and for LGBTQ+ communities.
Staying Well Space
An out-of-hours mental health crisis prevention service, provided at The Wellbeing Hub at Preston Park in Brighton and our Eastbourne and Hastings (St Leonards-On-Sea) Wellbeing Centres.
RISE
RISE is an independent, Brighton-based registered charity that helps people affected by domestic abuse. You can call them on 0300 323 9985
CRUSE – Bereavement Support
Helping people through one of the most painful times in life – with bereavement support and information. You can call them on 0808 808 1677
Drug and alcohol support
Services providing support with drug and alcohol use
CGL (Change Grow Live)
CGL offer recovery-focused drug and alcohol support in Brighton and Hove
Their team is a varied group of health specialists, medical professionals, psychologists, peer mentors and volunteers. Many of them have lived experience of the journey you are on. Together with you, they will design the support and treatment to help you achieve your goals.
Phone: 01273 731 900
Email: [email protected]
Chat to us online: National webchat
Kennedy Street
Kennedy Street helps people get into recovery from addiction so that they can lead positive, productive lives. They are a registered charity founded by Clare and Kevin Kennedy and supported by a team of volunteers. Together they have helped hundreds of addicts start their recovery journey.
They offer a national 9am-9pm helpline manned by trained and empathetic staff, a text chat service and a variety of peer-led support services, including coaching, workshops and training.