Southdown Summer Fiesta celebrates the power of social connection
Hundreds of people came together last week as Southdown’s annual Summer Fiesta was held at Plumpton Racecourse, celebrating the importance of community, friendship, and social connection. The event brought together people supported by Southdown’s learning disability services, alongside families, staff, Board members, commissioners, and volunteers. The afternoon was filled with music, entertainment, and activities. It […]
Vagrancy Act repeal marks a more compassionate approach to homelessness
The repeal of the Vagrancy Act is an important step towards recognising that people experiencing homelessness need understanding and support, not punishment. For more than 200 years, the Act made rough sleeping and begging a criminal offence. It hadn’t been used much in recent years, but its repeal reflects a wider shift in how society […]
Southdown appoints new Chair of the Board to lead next phase of five-year strategy
Southdown has appointed Jonathan Senker as the new Chair of its Board, following a competitive recruitment process. Jonathan joined Southdown’s Board in 2025 and will formally take up the position at the organisation’s Annual General Meeting in September 2026. He will succeed Pauline Ford, who is stepping down after seven years of dedicated service on […]
Southdown launches redesigned UOK Wellbeing Service across Brighton & Hove and East Sussex
Southdown has launched their redesigned community mental health and wellbeing service across Brighton & Hove and East Sussex, making it easier for people to access support when they need it. Launched on 13 July, The UOK Wellbeing Service brings together local mental health and wellbeing support into a clearer, more joined-up service. Delivered by Southdown […]
Southdown recognised through Great Care Employer campaign
Southdown has been recognised through West Sussex County Council’s Great Care Employer campaign, which celebrates adult social care providers that put staff first. The scheme supports care organisations to review and strengthen their employment practices, with a focus on creating positive workplaces where colleagues feel supported, valued and able to develop. As part of the […]
Refugee Radio joins UOK partnership to deliver mental health support for migrants, refugees and asylum seekers
Southdown is pleased to welcome Refugee Radio as a new UOK partner, following a recent expression of interest process for mental health support for migrants, refugees and asylum seekers in Brighton & Hove. UOK is a partnership of voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations working together to improve access to mental health and wellbeing support […]
Learning Disability Week 2026: Celebrating involvement and co-production
This Learning Disability Week we are celebrating the people we support and the impact they make in their communities through their involvement and co-production. Involvement is when someone has a voice in the decisions and services that affect them. Co-production means listening to clients and tenants, valuing their insight, and working alongside them to shape […]
People, Purpose, and Partnership: 25 Years at Southdown
Neil Blanchard reflects on 25 years at Southdown.
NHS England funding to expand IPS employment support across Sussex
NHS England has awarded funding to Southdown, working in partnership with Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, to expand Individual Placement and Support (IPS) employment services across Sussex over the next two years. The investment supports the NHS ambition to help more people with mental health challenges access employment support and move into paid work. The […]
Community football and wellbeing session launches Mental Health Awareness Week in Brighton
Earlier this week, UOK teamed up with Brighton & Hove Albion Foundation to kick off Mental Health Awareness Week with a free community football and wellbeing session in Brighton. Held on Monday, 11 May at Brighton Youth Centre, the event brought people together in a welcoming and supportive environment designed to encourage movement, connection, and […]
Marking National Hoarding Awareness Week 2026
Did you know that hoarding is considered a mental health condition? For this National Hoarding Awareness Week, we wanted to shine a light on this often misunderstood condition and help you get support if you are struggling. Hoarding disorder is when you keep or collect lots of things and it is affecting your life and […]
Commissioning Excellence in East Sussex: strengthening trust, transparency and partnership
Commissioning shapes the services and opportunities available to communities, yet it often operates under financial pressure, organisational complexity, and transactional relationships. The East Sussex VCSE Commissioning Excellence Programme – co-created by East Sussex County Council and the East Sussex VCSE Alliance (including Southdown, East Sussex Age UK and Care for the Carers) – explored a […]