We need a Staying Well Centre for Chichester, so people in serious mental health distress have somewhere local and proper to go instead of being left with only the A&E department. A&E is often crowded and not set up to give the right kind of support, especially when someone needs urgent help and calm, specialist care.

At the moment, the Chichester end of West Sussex is struggling with lack of funding and an increasing number of people needing mental health support. We have also heard that the Government is planning another centre at Eastbourne, not far from Worthing, while this part of West Sussex is still without a local option. That leaves many people facing long journeys to Worthing or nowhere suitable at all.

For many sufferers, travel is a real barrier. Some do not have transport, some find public transport difficult because of their mental health problems, and many simply cannot afford the cost of getting there. When help is needed urgently, distance can make everything harder and can stop people getting support at all.

We are asking for enough names on this petition for our local MP, Jess Fuller-Brown, to act on our behalf and press for a Staying Well Centre in Chichester. Please add your name if you are affected or know someone who is. Everyone in West Sussex deserves timely, local mental health support when they need it most.