Wellbeing Initiatives
South Downs Leisure is a community Trust dedicated to helping and supporting the local community. If you feel that you need some help or support or that someone you know does, then please refer to any of the local services listed below for guidance.
Adur & Worthing Wellbeing

For further information or support call them on 01903 221450, email them: info@adur-worthingwellbeing.org.uk or visit their webpage adur-worthing.westsussexwellbeing.org.uk. They offer services or information on every topic covered below.
Addictions
Addictions
West Sussex Addictions Service
The Worthing West Sussex Addictions service is one of six addiction and substance misuse recovery services in West Sussex.
They treat all kinds of substance misuse problems and specialise in providing treatment for those with severe dependency or complex needs. Their services all provide assessment and personalised care planned treatment and recovery packages.
Call: 0300 3038677 or visit www.cnwl.nhs.uk/service/west-sussex-addictions-service-worthing.
West Sussex Connect to Support.org
Crime Reduction Initiatives (CRI) deliver an integrated and comprehensive recovery-focused treatment service across West Sussex. The services are flexible and individually tailored around drug/alcohol use whether you want to reduce your use or be abstinent. There are service hubs across West Sussex in Bognor, Littlehampton, Worthing, Crawley and Horsham alongside satellite services in GP practices, Crawley Hospital and other venues, staffed by friendly, professional and non-judgmental Recovery Workers and Clinical teams.
All services are free and confidential, from 8.00am-8.00pm Monday-Friday and 9.00am-5.00pm
Saturdays and include:
- open access so you can drop in on a daily basis as needed;
- same day assessment;
- medically assisted recovery along with health and well-being checks;
- community detox for opiate and/or alcohol dependency;
- a named recovery worker for 1:1 appointments;
- BACP-accredited counselling;
- structured groups including relapse prevention and life skills;
- duo-counselling support for adult family members and for carers alongside their loved one;
- screening for Hepatitis A, B and C and referral to specialist services;
- referral for inpatient detox for alcohol and/or drug dependency;
- referral for residential rehab for alcohol and/or drug dependency; and
- advice around overdose prevention and basic life-saving skills.
Call: 0300 3038677 or email: westsussex.contact@cri.org.uk
Visit: www.connecttosupport.org/s4s/WhereILive/Council?pageId=731
Smoking
SmokeFree West Sussex is the free Stop Smoking Service operating throughout West Sussex. You are 4 times more likely to quit smoking with professional support. They offer group sessions and individual support run by trained stop smoking advisors. They also run drop in sessions ideal if you are a commuter or work variable hours.
SmokeFree support is open to everyone, they even run a parents and pregnant women support group.
Call: 0300 100 1823 Email: info@smokefreewestsussex.com or visit their website on www.smokefreewestsussex.co.uk
Alcohol
DON’T BOTTLE IT UP
Are a national website that offer tips on how to cut down, facts about alcohol and where to go to get the help and support you may need.
Visit: dontbottleitup.org.uk
Gambling
Gamblers Anonymous UK is a national service with many local support groups. Gamblers Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women wh share their experiences and strength. Their doors are open to anyone who is looking to try and stop gambling. There is no membership or registration needed- just turn up. Your local meeting is
Sydney Walter Centre, Sussex Street, Worthing, BN11 1DS
Tuesday 20:00 to 22:00 : Wheelchair Access
For more information visit: www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk
Drug Misuse
FRANK
Friendly, confidential drugs advice
For information, facts and live web chat support FRANK the national campaign for drugs advice is a great resource.
Call: 0300 1236600 SMS: 82111
Visit: www.talktofrank.com
There is also a live chat option online to talk directly to someone, open from 2pm- 6pm every day of the week.
West Sussex Young People’s Substance Misuse Service
CRI provide a countywide outreach Young People’s Substance Misuse Service in West Sussex.
The service offers flexible, confidential treatment and support for young people aged between 10 and 18 years who have complex drug and alcohol issues. Young people are offered appointments at a venue which suits them. Services offered include:
- Holistic assessments
- 1-1 care planned support/interventions
- Structured outreach appointments
- Prescribing or meeting other clinical need
- Drop ins in schools, colleges and other young people services
- Relapse prevention and harm reduction support
- Specific targeted activity (education) with vulnerable groups
- Professional and community support
- Advocacy
- Chlamydia screening
- Sexual health support
- Needle Exchange
- Service User Involvement and consultation
- Partnership working with A&E
Address: 30 – 32 Teville Road, West Sussex, Worthing BN11 1UG
Call: 01903 230600
Email: wsypsms@cri.org.uk
Visit: cri.org.uk/ypsm_worthing
Friends and Families Network
The Families and Friends Network supports anyone affected by someone else’s drinking and/or drug use.
All services are confidential, and you can receive free information, advice and support. The network offers:
- information about drugs and alcohol;
- local drop-in services and support groups;
- individual appointments, at a time and place that suit you; and
- a quarterly newsletter
For more information please contact Carers’ Support West Sussex on 0300 028 8888.
Counselling services
Samaritians
If something is troubling you then get in touch with someone from their local branch. You are welcome to visit and talk to a Samaritan volunteer face-to-face.
You don’t need to make an appointment, and you will be able to speak to them in a private, safe, and non-threatening environment. They will give you the time and space to talk through your problems in complete confidence.
Call: 01903 205555 or 08457 90 90 90
Email: jo@samaritans.org
Visit: www.samaritans.org
Local branch:
Worthing Samaritans
- 2 Lennox Road, Worthing, West Sussex, BN11 1DA
- Tel: 01903 205555
- Wheelchair access
Offington Counselling Service
Offington Counselling Service (OCS) is an independent charity founded in 1983 to provide high quality counselling for those who could no otherwise afford it in the local area. OCS provides you with an opportunity to talk confidentially through any problems or difficulties with a counsellor who will listen
without judging. You will be offered support to think about, explore and discuss personal problems in a relaxed environment. Life can be difficult for all of us in all sorts of ways, so seeking independent help is not something to feel awkward or embarrassed about.
Call: 01903 212275
Email: info@ocs-counselling.org.uk
Visit: ocs-counselling.org.uk
Mental Health Services
MIND
They can help you make choices about treatment, understand your rights or reach out to services of support. The main website has a wealth of information including and A_Z of mental health issues, support and advice and share stories for support and encouragement.
Visit: www.mind.org.uk
Coastal West Sussex Mind (Worthing branch)
For services including;
- Community care
- Supporting Recovery: sessions, courses and groups
- Health and wellbeing
- Information services
- IT facilities and groups
- Peer mentoring
- Supported employment
Address: The Gateway, 8-10 Durrington Lane Worthing, West Sussex , BN13 2QG
Call: 01903 277000
Email: info@coastalwestsussexmind.org
Visit: www.coastalwestsussexmind.org
Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm
Sexual Health
Sexual Health
Worthing Sexual Health
Sexual Health Worthing offers a wide range of services through integrated walk in sessions where you can be seen for sexual health screening and contraception plus specialist appointment sessions.
Doctors; nurses; health advisors; health care workers and an administrative team are all based at the clinic.
Services offered:
- Sexually transmitted infection screening and treatment
- Chlamydia testing and treatment (available to all)
- HIV testing and treatment
- Pregnancy testing
- Termination/abortion referrals
- Free condoms
- Emergency contraception
- General contraception
- Contraception procedures (implant fitting) – by appointment
- Intrauterine contraception
- Psychosexual counselling – by appointment
Visit: www.sexualhealthwestsussex.nhs.uk/clinics/our-clinics/worthing/sexual-health
Call: 01903 285199
Local branch: 45 Rowlands Road, Worthing BN11 3JN
Be Cancer Aware
Albion Be Cancer Aware
Albion’s Be Cancer Aware (ABC) campaign aims to increase early detection of bowel, breast, lung and prostate cancer amongst the over 50s in Adur and Worthing. The campaign is designed to raise awareness of the early signs and symptoms of each cancer and the importance of presenting symptoms to your GP as early as possible.
The project engages the local community by attending local events, delivering our roadshow at community venues, delivering tailored sessions in the workplace and to community groups.
Email Sue.brown@albioninthecommunity.org.uk or call 07880 195516.
Email Louisa.Hernandez@albioninthecommunity.org.uk or call 07880 195517.
Visit: albioninthecommunity.org.uk/health/albion-be-cancer-aware-campaign
Money trouble/debt advice
The West Sussex Citizens Advice Bureau Service (CAB)
CAB provides a confidential and impartial service.
You can contact them by telephone on: 08444 771171 or visit one of the 11 centres located throughout West Sussex. Locations can be found either by ringing the advice line or visiting their website.
Visit: www.citizensadvice.org.uk which contains lots of useful advice and guidance.
The West Sussex Credit Union
The West Sussex Credit Union offers affordable loans and savings for all people living and working in West Sussex and is a competitive alternative to high street lenders, including pay-day loans and mainstream banks. They are a cooperative, which means they are owned by their members and alongside basic banking can offer a range of products that can help people manage their finances better. Contact them for more information.
Call: 01903 237221
Visit www.westsussexcreditunion.co.uk
Age UK West Sussex
Age UK West Sussex provide a confidential and impartial service specifically aimed to meet the needs of older people. They cover a range of issues including: benefits, pensions, debt, budgeting, housing needs, finding help at home and accessing care and support. Outreach appointments and home visits
can be arranged. Contact them for further information.
Call: 0800 019 1310 (Freephone)
Visit: www.ageuk.org.uk/westsussex/information–advice/money-advice-service/
Weight Management
Albion in the Community
Losing weight, even small amounts, can bring significant health benefits to people.
Albion in the Community work in partnership with local authorities and third sector providers such as the Brighton and Hove Food Partnership to deliver a
range of child and adult weight management services that aim to make people eat well, move more and live longer.
Adults
Albion in the Community work in partnership with local stakeholders to deliver a wide range of adult
weight management programmes that aim to help weight loss and improve long term health.
Children
Working in partnership with the NHS, local schools and the food partnership, we have designed several programmes that aim to reduce the prevalence of obesity in children.
Email Sue.brown@albioninthecommunity.org.uk or call 07880 195516.
Email Louisa.Hernandez@albioninthecommunity.org.uk or call 07880 195517.
Visit: albioninthecommunity.org.uk/health/weight-management
Why Weight West Sussex
Why Weight is a free service for residents within the county of West Sussex who are looking to take control of their weight and create achievable goals towards leading a healthy lifestyle. We have accessible adult and child lifestyle services for families with children aged between 5-19 years old and programmes that will support overweight children and young people to reach and maintain a healthier weight.
Our designated Adults service is available and will support individuals to lose weight and learn how to maintain a healthy weight alongside other people from within your community who are facing the same lifestyle challenges.
For more information call: 0300 123 0892
Visit: www.whyweightwestsussex.co.uk/about-us
Healthy Eating
Healthy Eating
Good food is essential to good health, whatever age you are. Eating a balanced diet will not only keep you healthy but also reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke and some cancers.
- What is a healthy diet?
- A healthy, balanced diet contains a variety of foods, including:
- Plenty of fruit and vegetables
- Plenty of starchy foods such as wholegrain bread, pasta and rice
- Some protein-rich foods such as meat, fish, eggs and lentils
- Some dairy foods.
It should also be low in fat (especially saturated fat), salt and sugar.
The Eatwell Plate shows the different types of food we need to eat – and in what proportions – to have a well balanced and healthy diet.
Top tips:
- Base meals on starchy foods
- Eat more fruit and vegetables
- Eat more fish
- Cut down on fats and sugar
- Cut down on salt
- Drink plenty of water
- Eat breakfast.
For more information visit: www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Goodfood/Documents/Eatwellplate.pdf
Wellbeing at work
Wellbeing MOTs in the workplace
Support your staff to keep healthy and well. Adur & Worthing Wellbeing team are giving free Wellbeing MOTs to employers and staff in the Adur and Worthing area.
What is an MOT?
A free 30 minute Wellbeing MOT will include:
- Body fat %
- Hydration levels
- Activity levels
- Lifestyle impacts
- Emotional health
The Wellbeing Advisor will use these results to find out how you could benefit from making small changes.
Our trained Advisors use accurate body analysis scales to calculate BMI and Metabolic Age (the age your body thinks it is!) plus a free one to one consultation to identify small changes that can make a big difference such as losing weight, stopping smoking, reducing alcohol and getting more active. They also provide free taster activities for staff such as lunchtime football, Zumba and more.
Employee wellbeing has become a key issue for employers as organisations face the costs and potential impact of high absence levels and employee ill-health.
If you would like to arrange for a Wellbeing Advisor to visit your workplace please call them on 01903 221450 or email info@adur-worthingwellbeing.org.uk
Exercise Referral Scheme
Exercise Referral Scheme
If you have suffered from illness or recently had an operation, our Exercise Referral sessions will help you get back in to fitness. The qualified and friendly exercise instructors will supervise you over a 12 week period. These personalised sessions will help you improve your health, lose weight and get fit.
Sessions are only £4.
This programme is suitable for anyone who is:
- 18 years +
- Physically inactive, overweight or has a health condition
The staff are qualified and experienced to deal with patients with moderate health problems.
What can the Exercise Referral Scheme do for you?
- Reduce your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and high cholesterol
- Maintain your weight within a desirable range
- Relieve stress and tension
- Keeps your joints mobile and your muscles and bones strong
- Prevent and manage lower back pain
- Increase self confidence
- Make you feel more energetic and lively
What will the programme include?
- Personalised exercise programme
- A number of supervised gym workouts
- Advice about healthy eating
What happens next?
Unfortunately, our Exercise Referral Scheme has been frozen until July 2018
Healthy Walks
Healthy Walks
Why walking is good for you?
- Improves fitness and health
- Reduces stress
- Burns same amount of calories as jogging
- It can reduce risk of diabetes
- It can improve blood pressure
- It can halve the risk of a heart or stroke
- It is a great way to meet new friends
Local Health Walking Groups in Worthing
The walks are free of charge and led by trained Volunteer Walk Leaders. There is also a Back Marker who will walk at the slowest person’s pace.
Each walk will take about 60-90 minutes however we do cater for those wishing to take part in a shorter walk every Wednesday. This walk lasts for 20-30 minutes maximum.
You will be encouraged to walk at your own comfortable brisk pace.
Please wear suitable loose, layered clothing and comfortable footwear.
We will normally stop for refreshments at the end of the walk, so if you would like to join us, then please remember to bring enough money for a cup of tea!
You will be asked to fill in a Health Questionnaire so that the Walk Leader is aware of any problems you may have. If in doubt please ask your GP before you come along for the first time.
Our Walks
Day | Place | Meeting Point | Time |
---|---|---|---|
Monday | Ferring | North Ferring Green, opposite the shops | 10.15am |
Hotham Park, Bognor | Boating Lake Kiosk in Hotham Park | 10.30am | |
Tuesday | Angmering Park | Rear end of the Worlds End Pub car park, located next to Patching lake just north of the A27 between Worthing & Arundel | 10.00am |
Aldwick | West Park on Aldwick seafront in front of cafe | 10.30am | |
Wednesday | Littlehampton | Entrance to Inspire Littlehampton, Sea Road | 10.45am |
Bersted | Entrance to the Bersted Community Centre on the new Estate. | 10.00am | |
Thursday | Felpham | Entrance to Inspire Felpham, Felpham Way. |
10.00am |
Friday | Arundel | Mill Road car park opposite Arundel Castle | 11.00am |
Rustington | Rustington Information Centre in the Iceland car park | 10.30am |
Wellbeing Publicity
Wellbeing Publicity
Welcome to South Downs Leisure Wellbeing pages.
Community health and wellbeing is at the heart of South Downs Leisure and we strive to offer guidance, advice and information about local services that benefit people in the locality.
As well as providing state-of-the-art equipment, expert staff and flexible fitness programmes at award-winning facilities, South Downs Leisure have also worked with the media, to reach out further in to the community.
Informative articles have been featured in key publications, covering a variety of health-based topics. Here are some examples of the features you may find of interest.
We do hope you enjoy reading the articles as much as we did producing them for you.
South Downs Leisure – Business Development Team.