A mental health crisis service has expanded the times during which it operates.
Crawley Staying Well, situated close to County Oak Retail Park, now welcomes visitors every day of the week between 3pm and midnight.
The facility is jointly provided by Waythrough and Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, offering a walk-in option outside regular hours as an alternative to accident and emergency departments for individuals who consider themselves to be in a mental health crisis.
Jason Collins, who manages Crawley Staying Well, explained that receiving suitable assistance promptly during a mental health crisis remains vital.
He noted that accident and emergency departments do not necessarily provide the most appropriate setting for someone going through such an experience.
The expansion of operating hours means additional individuals can receive help when required, he indicated.
The facility does not require visitors to book ahead during its opening periods.
A combination of mental health clinicians and peer support specialists deliver assistance at the location.
They provide in-person consultations, online drop-in sessions, and group activities, allowing people to engage with support in whichever format proves most convenient.
The longer operating schedule forms part of wider initiatives aimed at strengthening mental health provision within communities and decreasing demand on hospital emergency departments.
NHS England revealed previously that mental health emergency centres would be established across the country, with three designated for Sussex.
These facilities will be situated in Eastbourne, Brighton, and either Chichester or Worthing.
The new provisions form part of a comprehensive system overhaul intended to enhance community-based assistance and reduce strain on acute hospital services.
The Crawley Staying Well initiative functions throughout the entire year, delivering reliable and reachable support for individuals facing crisis situations who might otherwise seek help from emergency departments.
By providing a secure, supportive environment staffed by specialists, the service seeks to engage people at critical moments and guide them through periods of urgent need.
Information regarding Crawley Staying Well and alternative support resources can be found at sussexpartnership.nhs.uk/staying-well.
Additional options available to Sussex residents include sending the message SUSSEX to 85258 or contacting NHS 111 and selecting the mental health option.