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Eggtooth

Mental Health Services for Young People in Hastings

Bridging the gap

In Hastings, mental health services for young people are severely limited, leaving many without the help they need to thrive. 

We offer specialised mental health and well-being services that are designed to meet the unique needs of young people and their families. We provide a lifeline for those struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or emotional challenges.

Our team of highly skilled creative practitioners and therapists deliver evidence-based therapies that make a real difference in the lives of young people. We offer a robust referral system, assessment, and measurable positive outcomes for young people and their families.

 At Eggtooth, we are here to change that. If you would like to support us please click here

National Data

 •  20% of children experience a mental health disorder during childhood –National Institute of Mental Health (MIMH)

•  25% of 15yr olds report low life satisfaction (lowest across 27 countries) – PISA Report 2022 (13,000* UK 15 yr olds (700,000 over 80 European countries)) *numbers participating in assessment

•  11% of 10-17yr olds also had low wellbeing (2,000 10-17 yr olds surveyed in Good Childhood Report)

Our Services for Young People

We help young people express themselves, process emotions, and build resilience.

  • Creative sessions: Through Songwriting, art & making, music production, photography, filmmaking, cooking, martial arts, boxing, walking with horses, DJing, spoken word, woodland experiences and Therapy dogs: we provide young people with safe spaces to express their feelings, explore difficult experiences, and build emotional well-being.
  • Counselling and Psychotherapy: Our therapists work one-on-one with young people to help them navigate challenges such as anxiety, depression, and trauma, using strategies that are proven to help young minds build resilience and self-care.
  • Group Workshops: We offer group sessions focused on self-esteem building, managing emotions, and stress reduction. These groups offer young people a supportive environment to feel understood and supported. These workshops happen in a variety of settings from woodland to kitchen, art and therapeutic spaces.
  • Mindfulness and Well-being Mentoring: Our mindfulness and emotional resilience workshops teach practical skills that young people can use in their daily lives to manage stress, stay grounded, and take control of their mental health.

We believe in a creative, holistic approach to mental health.

Referral Routes into Eggtooth’s Services

If you’re a healthcare professional looking to refer a young person to our services, there are several pathways available to ensure the right support is provided:
Primary Care Network (NHS-Referrals)

 Eggtooth has a service agreement with the Hastings and St Leonards PCN. This means GPs can refer 7-17-year-olds for 8 sessions of 1-1 support, either therapy or a creative activity. This is free for the patient being referred. (PLEASE NOTE: FROM 27/09/24 EGGTOOTH HAS NOT ACCEPTED ANY  NEW REFERRALS FROM THE GP, AS WE CURRENTLY HAVE NO FURTHER NHS FUNDING)

Private Client – Self-Referrals

 For individuals or families seeking support directly, we offer a fee-paying self-referral option. This allows young people and their families to access our services privately, bypassing the wait for statutory services.

Statutory Services

We work alongside statutory services such as CAMHS, social care, and local authorities to provide additional mental health support for young people referred by these agencies.

Schools

We have relationships with both primary and secondary schools across Hastings and Rother and have practitioners working across multiple sites (currently nine schools), supporting young people with varied support needs. Each school is different regarding the provision it has commissioned.

The Virtual School + Interim Provision Service

 Eggtooth partners with the virtual school and educational provisions to offer mental health services to young people who may be in alternative educational settings or experiencing disruptions in their education.

Family & Friends (FF) Service

We receive referrals from The Family and Friends Service for children in kinship  care. These referrals are funded by the Adoption and Special Guardianship support fund  (ASGSF) and are often long term (a year) commitments. 

Why Eggtooth?

At Eggtooth, we understand that the mental health of young people requires specialised care. Here’s how we do it:

Referral System

We make it easy for healthcare professionals, schools, or families to refer young people to our services. Our referral system is quick, simple, and designed to get young people the help they need without delay.

Robust Support

From the moment a young person is referred, we provide ongoing, wrap-around support, not just for the individual but for their families as well. Our team keeps open lines of communication to ensure everyone involved feels supported and informed.

Highly Skilled Practitioners

Our creative practitioners and therapists are highly trained, with extensive experience in working with young people. They use creative approaches that engage young minds, helping them find new ways to process their emotions and gain confidence in managing their mental health.

Proven Outcomes

We are committed to delivering real, measurable outcomes. Time and again, young people who engage with our services experience reduced anxiety, improved emotional well-being, and strengthened family relationships. We work closely with families and referrers to track progress and adjust our care to ensure lasting positive change through the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scales – WEMWBS (AboutWEMWBS)(warwick.ac.uk)

If you are passionate about helping young people we’d love to connect with you,

How We Help Families and Communities

We know that when neurodiverse young people struggle, it affects their whole family. 

That’s why we offer:
The Social Sunday

Sessions run every Sunday between 2-4pm at The Nest, in Hastings Old Town. The sessions are aimed at those who are neuro-divergent and aged 16+. These relaxed and informal  sessions take place in a cafe space which is closed to the public. We know that social events can be overwhelming and Social Sunday’s offer an opportunity for people to be themselves with the company of others in a non-judgmental and supportive environment.

The sessions are free of charge and people can turn up without having to register. Attendees are free to stay as long or as little as they like. There is normally an art activity taking place for those who wish to take part. And tea and biscuits are always provided free of charge!

Parent Support group

We run a weekly group for parents & carers of young
people with autism and/or ADHD. The group is for connection, resources & support.
It runs every Tuesday during term time and is free to attend. Please email
amber@eggtooth.org.uk with any enquiries. It is a drop in group but we ask people
to email before turning up so we can monitor numbers.

Who Can Benefit?

Eggtooth is here for young people in Hastings who need additional support with:

  • Anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns.
  • Trauma, loss, or difficult life transitions.
  • Struggles with self-esteem or emotional regulation.
  • Stress related to school, relationships, or social situations.

If you are a health or social care professional looking for an expert mental health service for young people in Hastings. Eggtooth is here to provide, get in touch

Where we work

Eggtooth has three private venues that practitioners use for sessions, we also work across Schools in Hastings and Rother, our main venues are:

● The Nest, High Street, Old Town, Hastings, TN34 3EW
● 20 Wellington Square, Hastings, TN34 1PB
● Fernbank Woods, Warren Road, Fairlight, TN34 4AG

How can you get started?

Need an expert mental health service for young people. We are here to help!

Together, we can give young people the support they need to thrive, now and in the future.