Southdown unveils new strategy to reach thousands more people across Sussex by 2030

Posted on 17 September 2025

Today, Southdown launched its bold new strategy for 2025-2030, setting out a vision to expand support to thousands more people across Sussex while breaking down the barriers between housing, mental health, and disability services.

The comprehensive five-year plan, unveiled at a sector gathering at our head office in Lewes, Sussex, responds directly to the mounting challenges facing communities across the county – from the housing crisis leaving people without stable homes, to growing mental health needs and fragmented support systems.

“People’s lives don’t fit into neat boxes, and neither should their support services,” said Neil Blanchard, Chief Executive of Southdown. “This strategy is our commitment to breaking down barriers, fighting for better housing, championing independence, and building a stronger, more resilient organisation that will stand the test of time.”

The strategy, shaped by extensive consultation with clients, staff, and partners, is grounded in Southdown’s core belief that everyone has the right to access support that enables them to feel safe, be well, and live the life they choose.

Our Strategic Aims for 2030

We aim to expand our reach and impact by breaking down barriers in housing and support services, anchored in person-centered, accessible and collaborative approach. Our key areas for action are identified as:

Breaking down silos – Creating integrated support pathways that connect housing, mental health, and learning and physical disability services, ensuring people get the right support at the right time without having to navigate complex systems alone.

Expanding housing access – Developing new funding models and investment approaches to sustain and scale our impact in underserved communities, provide more safe, secure homes while supporting people to maintain successful tenancies for the long term.

Enabling independence and meaningful purpose – Helping individuals find meaningful roles and connections within their communities by strengthening employment support services and creating more opportunities for people to find work and volunteer. Developing employment and progression pathways within Southdown for clients and tenants.

Creating financial flexibility and resilience – Diversifying income streams and strengthening financial planning to ensure sustainable, high-quality services that can adapt to future challenges.

Responding to growing need

The strategy directly addresses the stark realities facing Sussex communities: soaring housing costs, record homelessness levels, growing mental health needs, and stretched public services. For people already facing disadvantage through disability, poor mental health, or poverty, these pressures can be devastating.

“We’re seeing the impact of these connected challenges every day,” said Pauline Ford, Chair of the Board. “Too many people are falling through the cracks of fragmented systems. Our strategy is about joining the dots between housing, health, work, and care – designing support around people’s lives, not services.”

The strategy also emphasises partnership working, recognising that lasting change requires collaboration across the voluntary sector, local authorities, and the NHS.

Southdown stories

The human impact of Southdown’s work shines through in client testimonials woven throughout the strategy. One tenant shared: “To be a Southdown tenant is to finally feel settled in my own home and in my own space, and to have the freedom and the time to work on myself as a person.”

Another client described how “Southdown gave me the space to be and do. Their Employment Support service and Wellbeing Centres are like a warm blanket. They feel like coming home. They saved my life.”

Looking ahead

As Southdown embarks on this ambitious five-year journey, the organisation remains committed to its founding values: being a force for good, brilliant with people, united in partnership, trustworthy in all operations, and responsive to changing needs.

“This strategy belongs to all of us,” concluded Neil Blanchard. “Together, we are building a stronger, more inclusive Southdown.

Explore the full Strategy document below: