How Chit Chat Corner sessions are creating meaningful connections for our clients
Southdown’s Chit Chat Corner initiative, launched in 2025, is already helping clients from our learning disability services across Sussex form meaningful friendships and stay connected. The sessions provide a supportive space where people can meet, chat over refreshments, and exchange contact details. The initiative addresses a significant gap in quality of life for many people […]
Southdown’s Financial Inclusion team recognised at Parliament event
Members of Southdown’s Financial Inclusion team were invited to the National Association of Welfare Rights Advisers’ (NAWRA) 50th anniversary celebration at the Houses of Parliament last month, marking five decades of work to improve access to welfare rights across the UK. Craig and Lea from the team attended the reception on the historic Parliament terrace alongside MPs, […]
Building apprenticeship pathways at Southdown
To kick off National Apprenticeship Week, we’re delighted to introduce Anna Burgess, our new Apprenticeships and Qualifications Lead. Anna has joined Southdown at an exciting time, as we continue to strengthen our commitment to learning, development, and creating meaningful career pathways for colleagues across the organisation. Below, Anna shares plans for the year ahead: “As […]
Southdown celebrates 25 years of Investors in People gold status
Southdown has reached a remarkable milestone, achieving 25 consecutive years of Investors in People (IiP) accreditation whilst also retaining our Gold status. What the accreditation recognises Investors in People is an independent assessment that examines how organisations invest in their people. The accreditation process involves reviewing policies, speaking with staff at all levels, and evaluating […]
We are looking for a new Chair of the Board
Southdown is recruiting for a new Chair of the Board to lead us through an exciting next phase. For over 50 years, we’ve been supporting people across Sussex to live safe, well and independent lives. Today, we help more than 11,700 people each year through our housing, mental health, care, homelessness prevention and employment services. […]
Brighton & Hove Recovery College Spring term enrolment now open
Enrolment is now open for the Brighton & Hove Recovery College Spring Term 2026, following a successful open day this week that welcomed people from across our communities to explore learning that supports their mental health and wellbeing. The Spring Term will run from Monday 26 January to Thursday 9 April 2026, offering a wide range of free, educational […]
“Our hearts are full”: A Christmas fayre filled with fun and community spirit
This weekend, one of our Learning Disability services in West Sussex opened its doors for a truly special Christmas fayre. Surrounded by festive decorations and a warm sense of togetherness, the event brought the story of Christmas to life for everyone who joined us. A highlight of the afternoon was a sensory storytelling session led […]
A tradition of joy: Highlights from our annual Christmas carol concert
At Southdown, we believe that connection helps people thrive in their communities. And our annual Christmas Carol Concert is one of the most joyful expressions of that belief. Created and nurtured by our Learning Disability services over many years, this much-loved tradition has become a highlight for many across Southdown. Each year, it brings together […]
Our East Sussex Wellbeing Centres now offer Open Access sessions
We have made it simpler to get wellbeing support when you need it. As part of UOK East Sussex, the countywide network of mental health and wellbeing support we lead, our six Wellbeing Centres – in Bexhill, Eastbourne, Hailsham, Hastings, Newhaven, and Uckfield – are open for drop-in sessions. That means you can come along […]
Awaab’s Law: Our commitment to safe homes
Awaab’s Law comes into force today, 27 October 2025, marking a significant turning point in tenant protection. Named after a 2020 case that brought national attention to dangerous housing conditions and demanded change, the legislation sets legal timeframes for landlords to investigate and fix reported health hazards. The law affirms that safe housing is not a privilege, […]
Southdown’s ‘Work in Mind’ service team nominated for Sussex Partnership Positive Practice Awards 2025
We are pleased to announce that our Work in Mind team has been nominated for Team of the Year (Non-Clinical) at the Sussex Partnership Positive Practice Awards 2025. The annual awards recognise staff and teams who make a difference to the people we serve, to colleagues and partners, by living the Trust values of compassion, accountability and optimism. This year […]
Standing together against racism
At Southdown, we are proud to lead the UOK Brighton & Hove and East Sussex partnership, a network of local organisations working together to promote good mental health and wellbeing. We stand firmly with our UOK partners in condemning all forms of racism, religious abuse, hate speech, and discrimination. Racism and hate have no place […]