Southdown Impact Report 2024-25 showcases life-changing support for 11,725 people across Sussex 

Posted on 24 September 2025

Southdown has published its 2024-25 Impact Report, showcasing how the organisation has supported 11,725 people across Sussex to live with dignity, respect, and independence over the past year. 

The comprehensive report, launched alongside Southdown’s ambitious new five-year strategy, demonstrates the real-world impact of person-centred support and the power of listening to the voices of people who use our housing, mental health and learning disability support services. 

Southdown’s dedicated teams delivered outstanding outcomes: 

• 95% of people said the support they receive has made a positive difference to their lives 

• 97% of tenants reported their home is safe and well maintained 

• Over 4,500 open-access support sessions were delivered through Staying Well crisis cafes 

• 2,609 people were supported on their journey into employment 

• 982 people received financial inclusion support to improve their wellbeing 

• 2,052 social prescribing sessions helped people explore what matters for their health and wellbeing 

Pauline Ford, Chair of the Board, who unveiled the report, said:
“Every achievement highlighted in this report is a testament to the dedication and compassion of our staff, volunteers, and partners, who consistently go above and beyond to make a difference in people’s lives. What shines through is the resilience of the people we support and the creativity of our teams in responding to their needs.” 

Impact that changes lives 

The report features powerful testimonials from people whose lives have been transformed by Southdown’s support. Sarah from Rye, who has been supported for over twelve years, shares: “For me, Southdown is about kindness, respect and genuine support. They help people like me move forward with our lives and gain independence.” 

Terry, previously homeless for nine years, reflects on his journey at Southdown Steps: “When I first moved in here there was a positivity. The whole ambience felt positive… Took me nine years to get this far. It’s a hell of a long time until you finally feel settled but I feel I’m starting to put roots down.” 

Innovation and excellence in care 

The report highlights several major achievements, including a groundbreaking 65% reduction in the use of physical restraint techniques across learning disability services. This milestone, achieved through positive behaviour support (PBS) approaches, has had a direct impact on people’s quality of life, reducing trauma risk and enabling greater dignity and independence. 

All 24 of Southdown’s registered learning disability services continue to meet Care Quality Commission requirements, providing care that is safe, compassionate, and person-centred. 

Expanding mental health support 

Mental health services saw significant expansion and innovation despite sector-wide funding pressures. Southdown’s Staying Well Crisis Cafes transformed to an open-access model, removing barriers by allowing people to drop in without referral. UOK partnership led by Southdown extended into East Sussex, connecting thousands more people to support. The introduction of Qwell, a free online support service, and a centralised access point has made mental health support more accessible across Sussex. 

Southdown also influenced wider system change through the new Neighbourhood Mental Health Teams (NMHTs) and expanded employment programmes with new NHS investment. The organisation shared expertise nationally through IPS Grow and opened a new city centre office with dedicated space for Brighton and Hove Recovery College. 

Co-production at the heart of change 

Central to Southdown’s approach is its commitment to co-production. Clients and tenants played key roles in major decisions this year, including recruiting the new C-Suite leadership team and developing the Working Together Charter that sets standards for partnership working. 

“It’s not just talk. Southdown actually act on what we say,” noted one client, highlighting the organisation’s genuine commitment to involving people in shaping their services. 

Building on strong foundations 

The impact report demonstrates how Southdown’s values-led approach through the Southdown Beacon framework – combining lived experience, clinical insight, and staff voice – creates a culture rooted in dignity, safety, and hope. 

Neil Blanchard, Chief Executive, said: “This impact report shows what’s possible when we truly listen to people and design support around their needs. Every statistic represents a life changed, and every story reminds us why this work matters so much to the communities we serve. Together, with the continued commitment of our staff, volunteers, and partners, we will build a stronger, more inclusive Southdown for the decade ahead.” 

The dual launch commits Southdown to continue delivering the high-quality, person-centred support that transforms lives while expanding our impact in line with our strategy to reach thousands more people across Sussex by 2030. 

Download the full 2024-25 Impact Report and explore how Southdown is transforming lives across Sussex.

Read about Southdown’s new 2025-30 strategy and our vision to support thousands more people in the years ahead.