Mental health & neurodiversity One in four adults and one in 10 children experience mental illness. Health Innovation KSS is working with NHS commissioners and systems leads, the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration Kent, Surrey and Sussex (ARC KSS), industry partners, other health innovation networks, voluntary and community sectors, and those with lived experience to support the spread and adoption of innovation in mental health. Our work Health Innovation KSS is helping to tackle mental illness and improve mental wellbeing by focusing on key priorities including: Children and young people’s mental health Peri and post-natal mental health Neurodiversity Adult mental health, including community, acute and crisis care We have supported the implementation of national programmes tackling mental health such as the adoption of early intervention models for eating disorders and the roll-out of an objective test for diagnosing ADHD. We have also supported the implementation of key mental health programmes locally, such as the evaluation of the introduction of Mental Health Practitioners in Kent and Medway as part of the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS). We enable digital mental health innovation by supporting innovators and helping local systems to identify and evaluate digital interventions that could benefit their mental health services. Current programmes 1/1. School mental health About one in five children and young people aged 8 to 25 years old have a probable mental health disorder (NHS Digital, 2023). Read more News and case studies Unlocking potential in a neurodiverse workforce: Enablement as the key to improved experience and performance Jo Barosa, an experienced ADHD and neurodiversity consultant, shares her insights into how supporting a neurodiverse workforce can unlock an organisation’s potential. Blog 7 Jan 2026 More Digital Therapy for eating disorder showcased in expert webinar Health Innovation Kent Surrey Sussex hosted a well-attended webinar spotlighting Credo Therapies’ digital programme-led treatment for binge eating. News 6 Nov 2025 More Transforming school mental health: embedding and evaluating the Whole School and College Approach (WSCA) A range of programmes supporting a Whole School and College Approach (WSCA) to mental health and wellbeing have been developed and implemented on a national scale, demonstrating meaningful and measurable impact across educational settings. Case Study 17 Oct 2025 More New guide to support clinicians working with young people in adult mental health services A new guide aimed at supporting clinicians in addressing the mental health needs of young people between ages of 18 and 25. News 9 Sep 2025 More Connecting children and young people digitally to improve mental health wellbeing We worked in partnership with YMCA DownsLink Group to develop the e-wellbeing website for children up to the age of 18, and their families. Case Study 4 Sep 2025 More Growing Health Together: Connecting communities and primary care to reduce health inequalities The project has successfully improved wellbeing for citizens, strengthened community organisations, and enabled more proactive primary care while demonstrating how joined-up working can effectively address broader health challenges. Case Study 3 Jul 2025 More Innovative digital programme shows real-world impact in treating binge eating in the NHS Digital CBTe, the digital version of Enhanced Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT-E), has shown clinical benefits in reducing binge eating episodes and impact on people’s lives Case Study 9 Jun 2025 More NHS Sussex and Health Innovation KSS partner to tackle health-related employment barriers NHS Sussex has partnered with Health Innovation Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS) to support scoping and evaluation of an employment support programme aimed at helping individuals facing health-related barriers get back into work. News 19 Feb 2025 More New study highlights opportunities and challenges to delivering a system-wide dementia care coordinator service Dementia is one of the UK’s most significant health challenges. Currently, around 900,000 people are living with dementia in the UK, and... News 9 Dec 2024 More Neurodiversity roadshows highlight innovative approaches for autism and ADHD support NHS England South East and the three health innovation networks within the region (Oxford & Thames Valley, Wessex, and Kent... News 8 Nov 2024 More Why Black History Month is important to me Dr MaryAnn Ferreux shares how her passion for health equity drives her to raise awareness of the inequalities that face the black community. Blog 17 Oct 2024 More World Mental Health Day 2024: Every mind matters One in four adults and one in 10 children experience mental illness. Every 10th October, World Mental Health Day brings people together to talk about mental health. News 10 Oct 2024 More ← → Contact us If you’d like to find out more about our work in mental health and neurodiversity or are interested in collaborating with us, get in touch. Meet the team Get in touch