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Safeguarding

Abuse can happen to anyone and be caused by anyone. Adults with care and support needs, and unable to protect themselves are at higher risk of abuse. Care and support needs may relate to a person’s age, physical or learning disability, mental health needs or other illness, whether or not the person receives care or support services.

If you think you, or someone you have caring responsibilities for is being abused or neglected you can talk to a Southdown team member about this. Either speak to your usual worker, or if they are unavailable or you are concerned about how they are treating you, then please contact a manager of the service. We will talk to you about your concerns, what you want to do, and how we can help you with this.

In an emergency or if you think a crime has been committed, call 999, or if you would rather speak to the local Adult Safeguarding Teams direct, below are their contact details. In addition, click here to access an easy-read document about Adult Safeguarding. 

West Sussex

Phone: 01243 642121
Email: socialcare@westsussex.gov.uk
Fill in a safeguarding concern form online at: www.westsussex.gov.uk/reportadultabuse
Typetalk: 018001 01243 642121

East Sussex

Phone: 0345 60 80 191
Email: HSCC@eastsussex.gov.uk
Typetalk: 18001 0345 60 80 191
Mobile SMS text: 07797 878111

Brighton and Hove

Phone: 01273 295 555
Email: accesspoint@brighton-hove.gov.uk
Fill in a safeguarding concern form online at: www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/reportadultabuse
Typetalk: 01273 296205

Domestic abuse

Are you experiencing domestic abuse?  Do you know of someone who is experiencing abuse and may need help and support?  There are a number of national and local organisations that can provide support and guidance to anyone in the above situations.

If you are ever in immediate danger contact the Police by calling 999. If you can’t talk because the perpetrator is nearby, you can then press the numbers ‘55’ into your mobile phone which will alert the operator to your situation.

Your local GP, Health Visitor or Midwife may also be able to provide help, support and guidance.

National services

For women

National Domestic Violence Helpline, run in partnership by Refuge and Women’s Aid: 0808 2000 247 (24 hours) www.nationaldomesticviolencehelpline.org.uk

For men

Men’s Advice Line:  0808 801 0327 www.mensadviceline.org.uk

For LGBT+

National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline 0800 999 5428 https://writix.co.uk/blog/domestic-abuse

For anyone concerned that their behaviour is, or may be, abusive

Respect: 0808 802 4040 www.respectphoneline.org.uk

Victim support

0845 30 30 900, www.victimsupport.org.uk

Free, fast emergency injunction service to survivors of domestic abuse

National Centre for Domestic Violence: 0800 970 2070, www.ncdv.org.uk

Forced marriage unit

0207 008 0151, www.gov.uk/stop-forced-marriage

Local services

Sussex wide

RISE: www.rise.org.uk
Safe in Sussex: 01903 231 939, www.safeinsussex.org

West Sussex

Worth Services: 033 022 28181, email: DomesticAbuseServicesCentral@westsussex.gov.uk

Mental health support

There is a wide range of support available across Sussex from a variety of providers, including Southdown. The UOK and West Sussex Pathfinder websites signposts to local mental health support.

How to apply for housing

To be eligible for a Southdown tenancy a person must be on the Housing Register with their Local Authority Housing Options team. We do not hold our own waiting list so cannot respond to direct enquiries about housing. When a property becomes available, the Local Authority will nominate an eligible person off their waiting list to become our next tenant. If you believe that you require the kind of supported housing that Southdown provides, you should make it clear to the Housing Options team that you consider yourself to require extra support.

Details of how to apply for housing with the Local Authorities we work with can be accessed through the links listed below:

Local Authority Adult Social Care teams

To be eligible for support from our Learning Disability Services you must have received an Adult Social Care Assessment from your Local Authority and been assessed as eligible for a care and support service. Please see below website links for further information.

West Sussex County Council’s Adult Social Care

Brighton and Hove City Council’s Adult Social Care

East Sussex County Council’s Adult Social Care

All referrals to our Learning Disability Services come directly via Local Authorities.