Local Resources

A collection of local resources and services covering all things related to recovery, sober living and associated support services like benefits advice and mental health support. If you have any suggestions for resources that should be included on this page do feel free to email them in via the contact page.

STAR: Eastbourne & Hastings Drug & Alcohol Services We are a drug and alcohol recovery service commissioned to work with people from the age of 18 upwards. We offer a range of services working in partnership with a range of agencies working to achieve positive outcomes for our service users. If you want to make an appointment just give us a call on 0300 3038 160. Or you can just drop in and we will arrange for one of our specialist recovery workers to offer you some support and book you an appointment for more extensive assessment and treatment if necessary.

East Sussex Safer Communities Partnership Links and further information and resources, help and advice about drugs and alcohol. The Safer Communities Partnership is the key strategic partnership in overseeing the plans to tackle crime, disorder, anti-social behaviour and re-offending.

Oasis Project Run a number of recovery services and activities for women and families in Eastbourne, Hastings and St. Leonards-On-Sea. Includes Oasis Women’s Recovery Service (OWRS) which offers support with drug/alcohol use in a non-judgemental, women-only safe space and The Fulfilling Lives South East Project which has Big Lottery Fund investment to support people with complex needs.

NHS One You One You provides tips, tools, support and encouragement every step of the way, to help improve your health right away. Support for smoking cessation, weight loss, nutrition and other overall health improvements. You are not alone – One You can help you make small changes yourself, or with friends and family. Take the 10 minute quiz to get a personalised health score.

Brighton Housing Trust Our Mission is ‘combating homelessness, creating opportunities, promoting change’. BHT’s Eastbourne Advice Centre works throughout Eastbourne, Wealden and Lewes and provides the following services: Specialist Housing Advice, Welfare Benefits Advice for people over 65 and the Court Duty Scheme provides last-minute emergency advice for people facing eviction who have a court hearing.

Home Works Home Works is a short-term housing support service in East Sussex committed to supporting vulnerable people find and keep safe and affordable accommodation. As well as supporting a person’s housing situation, we work with them to help improve their health, wellbeing and independence.

StepChange Debt Charity We have 25 years’ experience providing free, expert debt advice. We offer the widest range of practical debt solutions of any provider in the UK. No matter how large or small your debt problem is, we can help. We’ll look at your financial situation and give you expert debt advice and recommend debt solutions to suit your situation. We can also help you set up and support your chosen solution.

Alcoholics Anonymous Find an AA meeting in your area. Call our National Helpline FREE on 0800 9177 650 or contact us by email: help@aamail.org

Drinkaware The Drinkaware Trust is an independent UK-wide alcohol education charity, funded largely by voluntary and unrestricted donations from UK alcohol producers, retailers and supermarkets. The Trust is governed independently and works in partnership with others to help reduce alcohol-related harm by helping people make better choices about their drinking. Free Android/iOS apps to help track your alcohol consumption and spend over time, calculate units and calories and set goals to help you moderate your drinking.

Alcohol Change UK Alcohol Change UK is a leading UK alcohol charity, formed from the merger of Alcohol Concern and Alcohol Research UK.

Drinkline, a free, confidential helpline for people who are concerned about their drinking, or someone else’s. Call 0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9am–8pm, weekends 11am–4pm)

NHS Alcohol Support Where to find alcohol support

East Sussex Recovery Alliance  East Sussex Recovery Alliance (ESRA) is a peer-led Recovery community organisation (RCO)and now a Community interest company developed by several individuals in January 2012. Our members are made of people in recovery from substance misuse and alcohol problems or have been affected by someone else with these issues. Run the recovery cafe venue Cafe North in Eastbourne, supporting people who are in recovery from alcohol and substance misuse.

UK Smart Recovery SMART (Self Management and Recovery Training) is a programme that provides training and tools for people who want to change their problematic behaviour, including addiction to drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, gambling, food, shopping, Internet and others.

Welfare Benefits Helplines Find out who is eligible for our help and how to apply for benefits in East Sussex. Phone the welfare benefits helpline for free, confidential advice on 0333 344 0681.

Eastbourne and District Samaritans If something’s troubling you, get in touch: Telephone our branch: 01323 735555 (local call charges apply). National telephone:116 123 (this number is free to call) Email Samaritans: jo@samaritans.org. We are open daily from 10.30 am to 10.30 pm, seven days a week for personal callers. If you want to talk to us in total confidence simply call in, – no appointment is necessary.

Health In Mind We all go through low points at times in our lives and it is not unusual to experience symptoms such as stress, anxiety and depression. Health in Mind is a free NHS service for anyone in East Sussex experiencing these kinds of emotional or psychological difficulties.

Eastbourne Foodbank Our foodbank is running a More Than Food programme. This means that we are providing additional support alongside emergency food, to help people address the underlying issues behind their crisis. Our foodbank has experienced staff who can offer you additional help with debt and budgeting and welfare benefits advocacy and advice.