High Sheriff hopes shared learning from his ground-breaking mental health conferences will lead to sustained, measurable change
A unique resource for people working in mental health in the NHS and the voluntary sector has been produced following a series of conferences organised by the High Sheriff of West Sussex, Dr Tim Fooks.
Around 400 people took part in the seven community conferences, held in Bognor Regis, Shoreham, Crawley, Chichester, Worthing, Horsham and Mid-Sussex between November 2025 and January 2026, and the Mental Health Matters report produced in February 2026 rounds up the various presentations and discussions.
Dr Fooks said: "This report – our report – is an informative and inspiring read to anyone who has an interest in the mental health and wellbeing of our population; no one should be left in any doubt as to the commitment, energy and expertise of those who are involved in this area.
"But it is also a unique resource for those who have the challenging task to ensure that those with mental health difficulties can access the best possible care in a timely way, whether this be in the NHS or voluntary sector.
"Our hope – and, I would say, our expectation – is that our work in these conferences will provide better understanding about the issues that many face with their mental health, clarity to those who must set priorities, connection between those working in the same areas and a louder voice to those who are in need of mental health support."
The High Sheriff Community Conferences Mental Health Matters Report February 2026 covers discussions on the key issues regarding mental health in West Sussex. Dr Fooks said he was impressed by the breadth, depth and expertise that was apparent in each of the discussions.
The conferences were established by Dr Fooks to create a safe, practical and locally-grounded space for conversations about mental health across West Sussex.
They brought together voluntary and community organisations, statutory services, public health, education, emergency services and people with lived experience.
Dr Fooks said: "The conferences were designed to complement the introduction of the NHS Neighbourhood Mental Health Service and Pathfinder service, while strengthening collaboration at neighbourhood level.
"Since the conferences were convened, the Sussex Community Foundation’s Improving Health Report (February 2026) has reinforced the scale of mental health inequalities across Sussex, particularly with regard those factors that are linked to deprivation, housing insecurity, isolation and access to services.
"The themes emerging from the HSCC conferences closely mirror these findings, underlining both the urgency of action and the value of locally-informed solutions.
"Although three consistent priority themes emerged – access to services, stigma, and men’s mental health – the open, place-based, non-hierarchical structure of the conferences enabled a much wider range of interconnected issues to be explored.
"Participants repeatedly emphasised that mental health is inseparable from wider social conditions, and that fragmented systems can compound distress. A strong and consistent message was the importance of community-based, relational support."
The 'No Wrong Door' principle that is integral to the new NHS and voluntary sector Pathfinder West Sussex partnership was widely endorsed. It means people should be welcomed and helped wherever they first reach out for support.
Dr Fooks said: "Encouragingly, the conferences have already led to tangible outcomes. Strategic boards are reviewing findings; new partnerships are forming between statutory, voluntary and academic sectors; and locality-based actions are being progressed, including enhanced outreach, joint training, and strengthened referral pathways.
"The report captures both the insights generated and some of the practical next steps now underway. Above all, it calls for a more connected, responsive and equitable system — one that builds on the remarkable commitment already present across West Sussex and translates shared learning into sustained, measurable change."