Local Health Support
Below is an A-Z list of health and support organisations in Burgess Hill and the surrounding area. This is not an exhaustive list and if you know of any other Burgess Hill organisations that could be included on this page please email helppoint@burgesshill.gov.uk
Click on the headings below to view information on the support services available.
Alzheimers, Arthritis, Asthma, Autism, Breast Screening, Cancer, Crohn's and Colitis, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Dementia, Diabetes, Drugs and Addictions, Eczema, Emergency Contraception, Family Planning, Fibromyalgia, First Aid Providers / trainers, Heart, HIV and Aids, Hospices, Medical Equipment Loan, Metabolic Disease, Pregnancy Counselling, Samartians, Spina Bifida and Hydrocephaulus, Stroke
You might also be interested to visit the Mid Sussex Wellbeing website.
ALZHEIMERS
Alzheimers Society
If you have concerns about Alzheimer's disease or about any other form of dementia, the Alzheimer's Society can provide information, support, advice and referrals to other appropriate organisations.
For information regarding groups which meet in this area please telephone the Alzheimer Society's South East Area Office on 01403 276649 or email: ese@alzheimers.org.uk. Website: www.alzheimers.org.uk. For practical information and assistance please telephone the Alzheimers Society Helpline on 0845 300 0336 (open Monday - Friday, 8.30am - 6.30pm).
ARTHRITIS
Arthritis Care
Arthritis Care is the UK’s largest voluntary organisation working with and for people with arthritis. They aim to empower people to take control of their arthritis and their lives. People with arthritis are at the centre of what they do, and play a leading role throughout the organisation – as volunteers, trustees and staff. Visit the Arthritis Care website www.arthritiscare.org.uk or call the freephone confidential helpline on 0808 800 4050.
The local Arthritis Care group meet at The Yews, 55 Boltro Road, Haywards Heath on the fourth Monday of each month at 7pm. For more information please email haywardsheathbranch@arthritiscare.org.uk.
Arthritis Support Group
The Arthritis Support Group meets on the last Tuesday of the month at Salvation Army Citadel, Cyprus Road, Burgess Hill at 2.30 pm to 4.00 pm. Members enjoy speakers, tea, raffle and bring and buy stall. New members are always welcome and will find friendship, support and advice. For more information please contact Mrs Valerie Lodge, telephone 01273 890445.
ASTHMA
Asthma UK
Asthma UK is the charity dedicated to improving the health and well-being of the 5.4 million people in the UK whose lives are affected by asthma. We work together with people with asthma, health professionals and researchers to develop and share expertise to help people increase their understanding and reduce the effect of asthma on their lives. Website: www.asthma.org.uk. For information and to speak to specialist asthma nurses please telephone: 0800 121 62 44, Monday-Friday 9am-5pm.
Breathe Easy - Mid Sussex
Voluntary support group for people with respiratory and lung diseases, including COPD and asthma, their carers and families. The group offers information over and above that supplied by NHS and raises funds for the British Lung Foundation.
The meetings are for all ages and take place in the Scout Hut, Trinity Road, Hurstpierpoint usually on the last Thursday of the month at 11.30am. The meetings are free to attend. For more information and to check the date of the next meeting please call Jennifer on 01273 834295 or visit the Breathe Easy website.
AUTISM
The National Autistic Society
The National Autistic Society is a charity for people with autism (including Asperger syndrome) and their families. They provide information, support and pioneering services, and they campaign for a better world for people with autism.
Website: www.autism.org.uk. Their site includes a comprehensive Autism Services Directory: www.autism.org.uk/directory.aspx.
BREAST SCREENING
West Sussex Breast Screening Service
To find out when the breast screening mobile unit is visiting the Burgess Hill area please contact the Breast Screening Department on 01903 239757.
CANCER
Cancer Research UK
For advice on treatments and how to cope with cancer. Website: www.cancerresearchuk.org. Helpline: 0808 800 4040, 9am - 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Cancer Journey is the information signposting service for anyone affected by any type of cancer. Their aim is to ensure that all people affected by cancer can find the information that they need, at the time that they need it, and in the format that suits them. Website: www.thecancerjourney.org, Helpline: 0303 333 0003 (open 7 days a week, 10am-4pm).
Breast Cancer Care
The charity for anyone affected by Breast Cancer. Website: www.breastcancercare.org.uk. Helpline: 0800 800 6000.
Lunch and Pray Stop
Lunch and Pray Stop offers help to cancer sufferers and their carers and also anyone else that may need support with an issue in their life. They meet on the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 1pm at The Rider Hall (adjacent to St Andrews Church), Cants Lane. For further information call 01444 232337.
MacMillan Cancer Support / Local Cancer Support Groups
Other local support groups can be found on the Macmillan Cancer Support website www.macmillan.org.uk. Helpline: 0808 808 0000, open Monday to Friday 9am-8pm (interpretation service available).
Mesothelioma UK Charitable Trust
Provides specialist advice and support for all those affected by this type of cancer. Website: www.mesothelioma.uk.com, Helpline: 0800 169 2409.
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CROHN'S AND COLITIS
Crohn's and Colitis UK West Sussex and Brighton Group
Meets every second Saturday in the month from 11am at the Saltworkz Cafe, America Lane, Haywards Heath. Drop in for coffee and talk to others affected by these conditions.
Telephone: 0845 130 2233
Email: info@CrohnsAndColitis.org.uk
Website: www.crohnsandcolitis.org.uk
CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDOME (CFS) & ME
Chronic Fatique Society
The Chronic Fatigue Society which is based in Hassocks gives a helping hand for people with CFS/ME, enabling them to get the best possible treatment to enable them to lead full and healthy lives. Visit www.remembercfs.org.uk, call 01273 831733 email me_cfs@hotmail.com for more information.
Sussex & Kent ME/CFS Society
A registered charity that informs, supports and represents those affected by ME/CFS in East & West Sussex and Kent. For more information call 01273 674828, email admin.sussexme@btopenworld.com or visit their website www.measussex.org.uk.
DEMENTIA
Dementia Day Care & Respite Care at Forest View Care Home, Burgess Hill. Access by Social Services referral. Telephone: 01444 245749.
Dementia Day Care & Respite Care at Villa Adastra, Hassocks. Access by Social Services referral, also private clients. Telephone: 01273 842184.
Dementia UK
Get information, advice and support on dementia and Admiral Nurses. Dementia UK support an Admiral Nursing helpline: 0845 257 9406 which offers emotional support and practical advice. Website: www.dementiauk.org
DIABETES
Burgess Hill & District Diabetes Support Group
This support group meets on the last Wednesday of every month at 8pm at The Salvation Army Hall, Cyprus Road, Burgess Hill. It offers local support and the chance to meet other people who live with diabetes. They also have talks from various speakers. To find out more or to join the group contact Tony Reynolds, telephone 01444 236259, email: bhdiabetes@gmail.com or visit their website www.burgesshilldiabetes.co.uk.
Diabetes UK
Diabetes UK is the largest organisation in the UK working for people with diabetes, funding research, campaigning and helping people live with the condition. Website: www.diabetes.org.uk. They offer a support line for anyone affected by diabetes, telephone: 0845 120 2960 (open Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm), email: careline@diabetes.org.uk.
DRUGS AND ADDICTIONS
West Sussex Drug and Alcohol Action Team
Provides information on help and support available locally, including information on drugs and alcohol in the family, parenting support, needle exchange and a substance database. Visit www.westsussexdaat.co.uk.
Addaction
A leading UK charity working solely in the field of drug and alcohol treatment. Their website www.addaction.org.uk provides information specifically for parents and young people. Addaction Haywards Heath is based at 22-24 Sussex Road, Haywards Heath, RH16 4EA. Telephone: 01444 453061.
Cosmic
A support group for families, friends & carers of people who have problems with drugs. Meets on the first Tuesday of every month from 7-9pm at Summerfold, 152 Leylands Road, Burgess Hill. Telephone: 01444 247998
Self Referral Facility
A substance misuse service for people aged 19 - 65. Based at Princess Royal Hospital, Haywards Heath, telephone 01444 441811 extension 8510, Monday to Friday 9am-5pm. This service is by appointment only.
Alcoholics Anonymous
Meetings are held on Monday and Wednesday at 8.00pm at the Summerfold Community Mental Health Centre, 152 Leylands Road, Burgess Hill. For further information call the national helpline on 08457 697 555 or visit the West Sussex page of the website www.aa-gb.org.uk.
Narcotics Anonymous
To find your nearest meeting visit www.ukna.org. You can also contact the national NA helpline on 0300 999 1212.
ECZEMA
Haywards Heath & District Eczema Support Group
Provides information to people with eczema and those who care for them, as well as the chance to talk to others with similar experiences. The group try to meet every month, visit www.eczemasupport.org.uk to see the list of forthcoming events. For further information please visit www.eczemasupport.org.uk or contact Lisa on 01444 458964 or Nicola on 01444 457687, email: info@eczemasupport.org.uk.
National Eczema Society
Raises awareness and offers independent and practical advice about treating and managing eczema. Website: www.eczema.org or call their helpline: 0800 089 1122 (open Monday - Friday, 8am - 8pm).
EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION
This can be obtained free from Family Planning Clinics, GP's providing contraceptive services, Genito-urinary clinics, NHS Walk In centres, some A&E Departments and depending on age can be purchased over the counter at Pharmacies.
EHC (Emergency Hormonal Contraception) is available, free of charge to under 21s, from the accredited pharmacists below. It is necessary to contact the pharmacy direct to check that the accredited pharmacist is available.
Boots the Chemists, 2/4 Market Place, The Martlets, Burgess Hill - 01444 233101
Mon-Sat 08.30 - 17.30, Tues 09.00 - 17.30 (lunch 13.00 - 14.00)
Hopkins Pharmacy, 29 Station Road, Burgess Hill - 01444 233277
Mon-Fri 09.00-17.30, Sat 09.00-16.00
SC Williams Chemist, 113 Lower Church Road, Burgess Hill - 01444 232171
Mon-Fri 09.00-19.00, Sat 09.00-14.00
Jessicas, Sheddingdean Centre, Maple Drive, Burgess Hill - 01444 870339
Mon-Fri 09.00-13.00
Lloyds Pharmacy, 86 High Street, Hurstpierpoint - 01273 832244
Tue-Fri 09.00-18.00, Sat 09.00-14.00
Orion Chemists, 12 Orion Parade, Hassocks - 01273 844254
Tue and Fri 09.00-18.00
Alliance Pharmacy, 35 Keymer Road, Hassocks - 01273 843168
Mon-Fri 09.00-17.30 (Lunch 12.30-13.30) Sat (alternate) 09.00-17.30
FAMILY PLANNING
Family planning advice is available from the Burgess Hill Family Planning Clinic, The Brow, Burgess Hill (next door to the Doctors Surgery)
Teenage Family Planning drop-in clinic: 2.30pm-5pm
Family Planning (appointments only) clinic: 5pm-8pm
Telephone 01444 248901 during session times or 01342 324713 all other times.
Family planning advice is also available from the Haywards Heath Health Centre, Heath Road, Haywards Heath. Telephone: 01444 453370. Opening times for this service are as follows:
Wednesdays
Family Planning (appointments only) clinic: 2pm-4pm
Teenage Family Planning drop-in clinic: 4pm-5.30pm
Family Planning (appointments only) clinic: 6pm-7.30pm
Fridays
Family Planning (appointments only) clinic: 9am-11am
For further information visit www.westsussexpct.nhs.uk/welcome
FIBROMYALGIA
The Fibromyalgia Support Group for Surrey and Sussex
Supports sufferers and their families by reducing isolation, improving quality of life and by empowering people living with Fibromyalgia to develop the knowledge, skills and resources needed to secure a positive future. Helpline: 0844 887 2508, any day (although please not night time!). Website: www.fms-sas.co.uk.
FIRST AID PROVIDERS/TRAINERS
British Red Cross
The local Red Cross Centres are based at 130 Lower Church Road, Burgess Hill, telephone 01444 871536 or 29 Paddockhall Road, Haywards Heath, telephone 01444 454930. Website: www.redcross.org.uk.
St John’s Ambulance
Provides first aid training and first aid for public events. They will also provide a patient transport service in East and West Sussex. For further information visit www.sja.org.uk or contact the County Headquarters on 01903 235599.
HEART
Mid Sussex Zipper Club
A social and support group for those affected by heart problems, which meets once a month on the second Wednesday of the month at Haywards Heath Town Hall from 7.15pm to approximately 9.15pm. Call 01444 450052 for more information.
British Heart Foundation
Offers support, information and training to anyone affected by a heart condition or looking to keep their own heart healthy. Website: www.bhf.org.uk. Helpline: 0300 330 3311 (open 9am - 5pm, Monday - Friday).
HIV AND AIDS
Terrence Higgins Trust South
Offers help to those with or at risk of HIV, as well as their friends and family. They aim to help sufferers to live as independently as possible by providing direct services, support and information based on needs. Advice, information and support is available every day from 12 noon until 10 pm by calling the Terrence Higgins Trust National Helpline on 0845 122 1200. Their website can be accessed at www.tht.org.uk and details what services are available in the South East. The Trust also have an interactive website called www.myhiv.org.uk.
HOSPICES
There are two hospices in and around Burgess Hill offering Palliative care. Visit their websites for more information:
St Catherine’s Hospice – 01293 447333, www.stch.co.uk.
St Peter and St James’ Hospice – 01444 471598, www.stpeter-stjames.org.uk.
MEDICAL EQUIPMENT LOAN
The British Red Cross loans medical equipment on a short term basis and the Burgess Hill Centre can be contacted on 01444 871536 on Mondays between 10am-12noon (not open Bank Holidays).
METABOLIC DISEASE
CLIMB
A national charity committed to fighting metabolic diseases through research awareness and support. For more information visit their website www.climb.org.uk or telephone 0845 241 2172.
M.S.
The Sussex Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Centre
Run on a self help basis by people with MS, their families and carers to offer support to those affected. Members can take advantage of the range of therapies available at the centre, or they can just come in for a chat and light refreshments. Website: www.mssussex.com, telephone: 01273 594484,
email: info@mssussex.com. The Sussex Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Centre is located at Southwick Recreation Ground, Croft Avenue, Southwick, BN42 4AB.
PREGNANCY COUNSELLING
The Haven Pregnancy Counselling Centre
Offers a discreet opportunity to discuss the options, particularly for those women facing an unexpected pregnancy. They also offer post abortion counselling for those women who decide on abortion, or have already had an abortion and have difficulties in coming to terms with this. The organisation are based at 54a Church Road, Burgess Hill, telephone: 01444 233333 (seven days a week), website: www.havencentre.org.uk. They operate a drop-in facility at 54a Church Road on Fridays between 12.30pm-2.30pm and in a private room at the Saltworkz cafe in America Lane, Haywards Heath on Wednesdays between 2pm -4pm.
SAMARITANS
The Brighton & Hove & District Samaritans
Provides confidential support to anyone who is suicidal or despairing. The national Samaritans number is 08457 909090 and is open 24 hours, email jo@samaritans.org.uk or visit www.samaritans.org. The most local branch is in Hove, at Dubarry House, Newtown Road (nr Hove Park Villas), Website: http://brightonsamaritans.org/.
SPINA BIFIDA AND HYDROCEPHAULUS - (SASBAH)
The Sussex Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephaulus provides information, advice, support, and advocacy to people with spina bifida and hydrocephalus. They also act as a resource to non specialist agencies on matters relating to spina bifida and hydrocephalus. Contact 01825 873045, email office@sasbah.org.uk or visit www.sasbah.org.uk.
A SASBAH support group meets every month in Burgess Hill at the Sidney West Centre in Leylands Road. Call 01825 873045 or email office@sasbah.org.uk for more information.
SASBAH also runs The Sussex Buddy Scheme which aims to enable people who find it difficult to get out and about to take advantage of what is going on locally in the company of a volunteer buddy.
STROKE
The Sapphire Stroke Club
Offers support to people who have had a stroke. They meet regularly at the Baptist Church Hall, Station Road, Burgess Hill. For further information please telephone Beryl Edwards (organiser) on 0303 3033 100. .
Smile Stroke Club
Offers support to people who have had stokes as well as their families and friends. They meet once a month on the third Tuesday of every month at Haywards Heath Town Hall, 40 Boltro Road, Haywards Heath. Call Jennifer Symes on 01444 233398 for more information.
Both Clubs are affiliated with the Stroke Association, website: www.stroke.org.uk, helpline: 0845 3033 100.
If you can’t find what you are looking for here you can also visit www.icis-info4life.org.uk, an information and advice service enabling people to find care, support or advice services in their area.