Calls for a support and advice hub were taken up by Mr Quin, working with the local NHS and other agencies. The new support and advice hub for young people will open on 3rd July, with an official launch on 14th July. Its opening is a very positive step in addressing the needs of local young people and ensuring support can be provided more effectively.
Named i-Rock Horsham District, the hub will be run by Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, alongside local authority and voluntary sector partners. It will operate from the same building as the Hurst Café on Hurst Road, Horsham and will provide support and advice for 14–25-year-olds from Horsham and surrounding areas.
Young people do not need a referral to access the service and they can expect an appointment of up to one hour with a trusted and experienced practitioner who will listen and provide support, advice, signposting and advocacy.
Young people can access the service by either dropping in or by booking an appointment. This can be done in person at the centre or online.
It is intended to provide direct help and to be a reference point for friends who are desperate to get support for others they feel are in need.
Mr Quin said:
“We have all worked hard together to get this vital investment and I am so pleased and grateful that the local NHS and voluntary sector colleagues are now delivering this incredibly important service.
The message I was given consistently when I spoke to local school and college students was they wanted their own safe space which could help address the needs of those feeling troubled. It is great to see i-Rock established to do just that.
We know we need a new approach to supporting young people in the area. i-Rock is part of trying to ensure that they and others secure routes to the support they need through challenging times.
i-Rock cannot replace specialist support and isn't intended to do so but it will provide a rapid, supportive response in a friendly and approachable setting."
Alongside the i-Rock team other partners will be based at the hub including Change, Grow, Live, Social Prescribers from Horsham Central Primary Care Network and a work coach from Horsham Job Centre.
The building is run by a team from 4TheYouth, who are also based at Hurst Café and run a number of activities and support to young people.
Dr Jane Padmore the Chief Executive of Sussex Partnership Foundation NHS Trust said:
"I am delighted that I-Rock Horsham District is opening next week.
"It will offer young people a safe, secure and confidential place to talk to a trusted adult, get help, advice and support to improve their mental health and wellbeing.
"I am grateful to our voluntary sector and local authority colleagues for their partnership work in creating this important service."
Photo Credit: Jeremy Quin MP visited East Sussex i-Rock when he was researching similar hubs for Horsham.
