Children and young people's services
We are committed to improving the prospects for children and young people in Horsham District. We support children and young people in a variety of ways including: helping them to have their say, providing places for them to go and improving availability of information and advice.
Mobile Community Hub (formerly Snack Wagon)
The Mobile Community Hub has a mobile youth provision that offers support for young people aged between 13 and 18 years in Horsham. Youth Workers from 4TheYouth engage with young people on issues that matter to them, offer light refreshments and can give advice, support and signposting them to other agencies.
Popular topics of conversation include: mental health, education, drugs, alcohol, sexual health, safe driving and other issues affecting young people.
Find out more about the hub and its locations
Purple Bus Detached Youth Work
The Purple Bus is managed by Sussex Clubs for Young People. The bus travels to locations in the district on different days and provides fun activities and helpful information for young people. They have lots of activities on board including card games, Wii, football, internet, TV, music, circus equipment. They have also got laptops, digital cameras, music, quizzes, games, art and information leaflets.
Support services for young people
Together with West Sussex County Council, we have put together a list of support services covering a range of issues that may affect children and young people.
Counselling, one-to-one support and mental health issues
- CALM is a national charity offering advice on a wide range of mental health topics. CALM has a website, helpline (0800 58 58 58) and webchat.
- Papyrus works with young people and has fantastic online resources available.
- Sussex Mental Healthline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 0800 0309 500
- Youth Emotional Support provides free support for 11-18 year olds. Email yes@westsussex.gov.uk or call 033 022 26711, or find them on Instagram @YourSpaceWestSussex
- HOPELINEUK offers online help and confidential support
- ChildLine offers information, advice and support for young people 24 hours a day, as well as one-to-one support by phone and online.
- BHT Be OK offers one to one and group mental health support via phone, online and in person for 16 - 21 year olds in Horsham
- Horsham Samaritans offer support by phone or email.
- Young Minds offers online information for young people facing various issues, as well as an online Parent Survival Guide and helpline. Young people can text YM to 85258 for free support.
- Sussex CAHMS offers advice for parents and carers on a number of issues, including their fantastic Recipes 4 Wellbeing packs
- Sussex Health and Care Partnership offers advice for young people, parents and professionals.
General information providers
- Horsham Family Hub at the Needles - Find it Out offer provides information for young people aged 11-25 about a variety of issues including emotional wellbeing, debt management, finding activities, sexual health and employment. Contact the friendly staff for an appointment or for information, advice and guidance.
- The Mix is a website aimed at under 25s containing information on keeping safe, relationships, mental health, housing, money, travel and the law.
- West Sussex Your Mind Matters is West Sussex County Council's dedicated webpage of resources for youth mental health.
Substance misuse
- Change Grow Live provide West Sussex's Children and Young People's Drug and Alcohol Wellbeing Service.
- Action on Addiction offers programmes for families, relatives and children of addicted people
- Frank contains information on the effects and associated risks of drug use
- AdFam offers information
- Drug Wise UK offers information on drugs, alcohol and tobacco
- KFX provides drugs education resources
Bereavement support
- Cruse Bereavement offers bereavement support, advice and information. Its website Hope Again is specifically for young people
- Winston's Wish is a charity that supports bereaved children
Self-harm and eating disorders
- National Self-Harm Network is a forum for people who self-harm and offers support for families
- Beat Eating Disorders is a national eating disorder charity
Sexuality
- Allsorts LGBT+ Project supports you people people aged under 26 who are lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender or unsure online and in groups across Brighton, Horsham, Chichester, Worthing & Hastings
Online safety
The below organisations offer advice aimed at children, young people and parents about online safety.