Advice and Information

Advocacy supports people to have their voices heard, know their rights, make informed choices and participate in decisions about their health and social care.

Advocacy is confidential, free to access and helps people navigate health and social care. Advocates are impartial and they do not work for the NHS, the council or providers of care.

This article is specifically about community advocacy services in East Sussex.

The world of advocacy can be confusing, and it can be difficult to understand when you or someone you care for may benefit from the support of advocacy services.

This guide is designed to help you understand what independent advocacy is, who can access an independent advocate, when an advocate may be able to help, and how to speak with one in East Sussex.

We explain when you can self-refer and when a professional needs to submit a referral on your behalf.

A Carer's Card is a form of identification that recognises and supports unpaid carers. It can be used to prove carer status in various settings and in emergency situations, and to access discounts.

This guide is to help you find and use NHS dental services in East Sussex.

This includes:
• Finding a dentist delivering NHS treatment accepting patients
• Getting help with an urgent dental need
• Accessing emergency dental treatment

This guide is designed to help you understand:

• The treatment NHS dentistry does and does not provide
• The charges for NHS dental services
• Who is eligible for ‘free’ NHS dental treatment

During the summer, many of us enjoy the warmer weather, but there are potential risks to our health, especially when temperatures climb higher than usual.

Giving blood saves lives. The blood you give is a lifeline in an emergency and for people who need long-term treatments.

People tell us that changes to local GP practices – such as mergers, closures and boundary changes – are often a source of anxiety or concern.

Organ donation is when you decide to give an organ to save or transform the life of someone else. You can donate some organs while you are alive, and this is called living organ donation.

However, most organ and tissue donations come from people who have died.

By registering to become an organ donor you have the option to donate organs such as your heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, pancreas and small bowel.  All these forms of donation can greatly enhance or even save the life of someone in need.

Sussex residents who are feeling anxious, stressed or struggling with loneliness or depression can now access support from a qualified mental health professional by text.

We have created some factsheets providing information on how to access key health and care services in East Sussex, and what help may be available with the costs of accessing healthcare.

The East Sussex Warm Home Check service provides free impartial energy advice and support and is available all year round.