CAPITAL is a lived experience-led mental health charity supporting people across West Sussex through peer support, involvement opportunities, training, events and community connections.
Whether you want to meet new people, have your voice heard, share your experiences, learn new skills or get involved in shaping services, membership is free and open to anyone.
Why Join CAPITAL?
Membership is about more than receiving information – it’s about being part of a community.
As a member, you can:
- Meet and connect with others
- Attend groups, events and social activities
- Share your experiences to influence services
- Access training and development opportunities
- Get involved in volunteering and co-production
- Receive updates on opportunities and projects
- Contribute stories, artwork, photography and creative work
- Help shape the future of CAPITAL
We recognise that everyone’s journey is different, and there is no pressure to get involved in everything. You can participate in whatever feels right for you.
Who Can Join?
CAPITAL membership is open to people across West Sussex with lived or living experience of mental health challenges, as well as those who share our values and wish to support lived experience-led work.
You do not need to attend everything or be ready to share your story. Many people start simply by learning more or attending occasional activities.
What Makes CAPITAL Unique?
CAPITAL is a user-led organisation. This means lived experience is at the heart of everything we do.
Our members help shape projects, influence mental health services, develop resources, support campaigns and create opportunities for others.
Over the years, members have gone on to become volunteers, trainers, peer support workers, facilitators and leaders within their communities.
We believe people with lived experience should not only be heard, but actively involved in creating change.
What Opportunities Are Available?
Groups & Community Activities
Local groups, social activities, opportunities to connect, monthly online peer group.
Events & Outings
Regular events, workshops, community activities.
Training & Development
Opportunities to build confidence, learn new skills, develop your lived experience expertise.
Service Improvement &
Co-Production
Work alongside organisations and decision makers to improve mental health services. Apply to join the West Sussex LEAG
Lived Experience Leadership
Contribute to projects, campaigns, consultations and advisory groups that help influence change.
Volunteering
Members can explore a variety of volunteering opportunities across CAPITAL. Apply to volunteer
Locations
Mid Sussex
Including Crawley, East Grinstead, Haywards Heath, Burgess Hill and surrounding areas.
- Monthly Burgess Hill Community Support Hub. Usually Thursdays
- Independent Patient Viewpoint at Langley Green Hospital in Crawley (inpatient ward)
Adur, Arun & Worthing
Including Worthing and surrounding areas.
- Independent Patient Viewpoint at Meadowfield Hospital in Worthing (inpatient ward)
Did you know?
Our Lived Experience Recovery Workers (LERW) work in partnership with Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, to bring lived experience to inpatient settings. Currently Meadowfield in Worthing, Oaklands in Chichester and Langley Green in Crawley.
Western West Sussex
Including Bognor Regis, Chichester and surrounding areas.
- Weekly Bognor Community Support Hubs (CAPITAL Connections + Creative group) Monday and Thursday afternoons
- Independent Patient Viewpoint at Oaklands Hospital in Chichester (inpatient ward)
CAPITAL Arts & Crafts Stall + Weekly Craft Group
Pictured:
Members & volunteers enjoying crafting together at our weekly CAPITAL group held at Bonito Lounge in Bognor.
Plus fundraising stall with members wonderful handmade arts & crafts!
CAPITAL Wakehurst Outings
Pictured:
Volunteers, members and Trustees at wonderful Wakehurst Place.
Our members enjoy the community access scheme with access to workshops, events and supported walks and meetings.
Applying for CAPITAL Membership?
Becoming a member is simple.
Sign up in our Memberzone or get in touch with our friendly team if you have any questions. We’d love to welcome you to our community!
After your application form has been processed, a member of our team will reach out to you via email, phone or post with a Membership pack.
Membership Options
We offer a range of membership tiers designed to suit different needs and levels of involvement.
Whether you’re looking to engage with our weekly groups and come along to our events, or if you’d prefer to have one to one phone support once a month, we will make sure your membership works for you.
Members Agreement
CAPITAL Members are asked to follow agreements to ensure safety and respect to all, these can be found in the document below.
By completing the application form, it is understood that you will fully adhere to the agreements listed. We updated these at our previous Members Day event and updated in 2026.
How to Become a Member
Joining CAPITAL is free.
Complete our membership application form and a member of the team will be in touch to welcome you and discuss how you would like to get involved.
We welcome people from across West Sussex who have an interest in mental health, lived experience, peer support and improving wellbeing within their communities.
[Membership Application Form Button]
Step 1: Create a ‘site user’ account.
Step 2: Fill in the Membership Form and Data Capture Form once you have created your online account.
Step 3: We will confirm your details and be in touch with you soon after!
If you are unable to log in online, need help filling in the form or would prefer to fill out a paper copy please email us and we will be happy to help.
Word and PDF versions are available – please contact us if needed.
‘CAPITAL is a rare and invaluable organisation that provides a sense of community for a section of society that is often ignored and ostracised’
CAPITAL Member Anonymous