IPS Employment support service
Brighton & Hove
East Sussex
West Sussex
Free one-to-one employment support for adults across Sussex who use mental health services and want to find work, return to work, or stay in employment.
How to access
Being in work can help maintain good mental health.
It gives us a purpose, promotes independence and can improve the way we feel about ourselves. Our Employment Specialists will work with you to help you secure or retain a job that is right for you.
The Work and Wellbeing service provides specialist employment support for people living with mental health challenges across Sussex. We will not only support you to achieve your vocational aspirations but also explore other issues that are affecting your ability to secure or sustain employment.
Provided in partnership with the Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, the service is part of UOK‘s network of mental health support and the West Sussex Pathfinder.
What to expect
You will receive one to one support from an Employment Specialist to create a ‘journey to work plan’ tailored to your needs and interests.
This is followed by a rapid job search, support throughout the recruitment process and, once in work, ongoing support for both you and your employer.
Am I eligible?
Support is available for adults aged 18+ living in Sussex who are using a mental health service and are motivated about exploring their employment goals.
We also offer a specialist service for young people who are accessing services from NHS Early Intervention Teams.
How do I apply?
You can now refer yourself directly to IPS Employment Support. If you’re receiving mental health treatment or support and would like help finding work, returning to work, or staying in employment, select your area below and complete the referral form. A member of the team will then be in touch.
We also continue to accept referrals through the routes listed below:
Brighton and Hove
You can refer yourself using our online form:
We also accept referrals from NHS Mental Health Teams or through the UOK Brighton & Hove Central Access Point.
East Sussex
You can refer yourself using our online form:
We also accept referrals from NHS Mental Health Teams working in East Sussex.
West Sussex
You can refer yourself using our online form:
We also accept referrals from NHS Mental Health Teams working in West Sussex.
Employment information and resources
Explore our employment resource packs for information about support available in your area:
For any area-specific enquiries
Please contact one of the following Team Managers:
Brighton and Hove
East Sussex
Hastings, Bexhill and Rural Rother
Sarah Hole
07867 123578
Lewes, Eastbourne, The Havens and Uckfield
Georgia Knell
07458 146986
West Sussex
Shoreham, Worthing, Littlehampton, Bognor, and Chichester
Sam Aubrey
07964 113757
Crawley, Horsham, Haywards Heath, Burgess Hill, and East Grinstead
Stef Pinker
Neighbourhood Mental Health Teams (NMHTs)
This service is also a part of the Neighbourhood Mental Health Team approach, where NHS, GP, community and voluntary partners work together to offer joined-up support.
Our focus is to help you get the right help, centred on what matters to you, without needing to retell your story or navigate multiple services.