Southdown has been awarded six contracts to deliver homelessness prevention services across West Sussex, helping people across the county who are homeless or at risk of losing their homes.

The services are co-funded by West Sussex County Council and district and borough housing partners.

Through the new contracts, we’ll continue delivering our established Pathways Home services in Adur and Worthing, Crawley and Horsham, while taking over the existing service in Chichester and introducing brand-new services in Arun and Mid Sussex.

Together, these services will provide a consistent, locally responsive approach to homelessness prevention across West Sussex, helping more people stay in their homes, find secure accommodation and build the skills and confidence to live independently.

Providing practical, personalised support

Pathways Home supports adults and families who are homeless or at risk of losing their home, with a focus on stepping in early and providing support that’s shaped around each person’s circumstances.

Last year, 35% of clients supported through our existing Pathways Home services sustained their current accommodation, while 28% moved into social housing, demonstrating the difference that early intervention and ongoing support can make.

Each person has a named Key Worker who listens to what matters to them, agrees a plan and helps them take manageable steps forward. This could include:

• Resolving benefits, debt or rent arrears issues
• Liaising with landlords and housing providers
• Preparing for and sustaining a tenancy
• Accessing specialist services and community support
• Settling safely into a new home

Support is flexible and accessible, with face-to-face appointments, home visits, outreach and community appointments available for people who may find traditional appointments difficult or cannot use digital services.

Building on our work across West Sussex

Southdown has delivered homelessness prevention services in parts of West Sussex for many years and has seen first-hand the difference early, personalised support can make.

Richard Bates, Cabinet Member for Adults Services at West Sussex County Council, said:

“We know how important a safe and stable home is to people’s health, wellbeing and independence. Through joined up support we can make it easier for people at risk of homelessness to get the right help at the right time.

“Pathways Home is about intervening early and providing practical, personalised support, so people don’t have to navigate complex systems alone or repeatedly tell their story. This joined-up approach will help more people stay in their homes where possible, find secure accommodation and build the confidence to move forward.”

Neil Blanchard, our Chief Executive, said:

“We are proud to continue serving Adur and Worthing, Crawley, and Horsham, and look forward to bringing the same commitment and local focus to Chichester, Arun, and Mid Sussex. These awards enable us to build on trusted local services and extend practical, compassionate support to more people across West Sussex.

“A safe and stable home is the foundation for wellbeing, independence, and connection. We know that homelessness is rarely caused by one issue. Our teams will work in close partnership with councils, health services, landlords, and community organisations, to provide tailored support so that families and individuals can settle into a home and build the confidence to move forward.”

Need housing support?

If you are worried about losing your home, contact your local district or borough council’s housing department as soon as possible.

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