Scrutiny Report Template
Scrutiny Report Template
Health Overview & Scrutiny Committee
Subject: Neighbourhood Mental Health Teams
Date of meeting: 22 April 2026
Report of: Chair of Health Overview & Scrutiny Committee
Contact Officer: Name: Giles Rossington, Scrutiny Manager
Email: giles.rossington@brighton-hove.gov.uk
Ward(s) affected: (All Wards);
Key Decision: No
1.1 This report presents members with information on the development of local neighbourhood mental health services. Information provided by Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (SPFT) on the reconfiguration of trust community mental health services is included as Appendix 2. Information provided by Southdown on changes to their neighbourhood wellbeing service is included as Appendix 1.
2.1 Health Overview & Scrutiny Committee notes the contents of this report.
3.1 Sussex Partnership. SPFT is in the process of reconfiguring its community mental health offer in order to deliver improved services and to fully align the planning and delivery of community mental health with the footprint of local Integrated Community Teams (ICT). Brighton & Hove has 3 ICTs, operating across the west, centre and east of the city. Adult Social Care has similarly adopted a west, central and east approach to delivering social services. Appendix 2 contains more details of how SPFT plans to reconfigure its community services.
3.2 Southdown. Southdown is a not-for-profit Sussex support, care and housing provider. Southdown currently delivers a range of adult neighbourhood wellbeing services from Preston Park. Appendix 1 contains more information on planned changes to these services.
4.1 Not relevant to this report for information.
5.1 None for this information report.
6.1 None for this information report.
Name of finance officer consulted: Date consulted (dd/mm/yy):
7.1 No direct legal implications have been identified as arising from the matters reported on in this report.
Name of lawyer consulted: Victoria Simpson Date consulted 13/4/2026
8.1 None directly for the city council. Improving mental health is a core priority for Brighton & Hove and effective neighbourhood mental health services are a key driver for this. An ineffective neighbourhood mental health system risks creating unsustainable demands for acute services, worsening health inequalities and increasing unemployment.
9.1 None directly for this information report. Some people with protected characteristics may be more likely than average to experience mental health problems, potentially including younger people, older people, people leaving care, and people with disabilities. High quality neighbourhood mental health services which are readily accessible, especially for those with mobility issues, and which are fully integrated with physical health and social care services are important for all residents, but particularly so for those with disabilities or frailty.
10.1 None identified.
10. Health and Wellbeing Implications:
10.1 Nothing specific. The development of integrated neighbourhood health, mental health and social care services is a key national and local priority.
11. Procurement implications
11.1 not relevant to this information report.
12. Crime & disorder implications:
12.1 None for this information report.
13.1 Members are asked to note information provided by SPFT and by Southdown on changes being made to the community mental health services each organisation provides.
Supporting Documentation
1. Information on changes to neighbourhood wellbeing services (provided by Southdown)
2. Information on the reconfiguration of community mental health services (provided by SPFT)