Homelessness prevention support strengthened across West Sussex

Southdown, a not-for-profit organisation, has been awarded six contracts by West Sussex County Council to deliver support services to help prevent homelessness. These services are co-funded by West Sussex County Council and district and borough housing partners.

From September, Southdown will continue its established Pathways Home services in Adur and Worthing, Crawley, and Horsham. It will take over the existing service in Chichester and create new services in Arun and Mid Sussex. Together, they will provide a consistent, locally responsive approach to homelessness prevention across the county.

Pathways Home supports adults and families who are homeless or at risk of losing their home. These new contracts mean that more people will avoid homelessness, stay in their homes, and build skills and confidence to live independently.

Cllr 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.”

Last year, 35% of clients supported through the existing Pathways Home services sustained their current accommodation and 28% moved into social housing, demonstrating the value of acting early and staying alongside people when their housing is at risk.

Support will be practical, flexible, and shaped around each person. A named Key Worker will listen to what matters to them, agree a plan, and help them take manageable steps. From resolving benefits or rent problems and speaking with landlords, to preparing for a tenancy, accessing specialist support, and settling safely into a new home, Pathways Home offers support tailored to the person and their needs.

To make the service accessible and to address the needs of those who find traditional appointments difficult or who can’t use digital services, support will be face-to-face and offered through home visits, outreach, and community appointments.

Neil Blanchard, Chief Executive of Southdown, 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.”

If you are at risk of losing your home, you should contact your local district or borough council’s housing department in the first instance: https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council

Find out more about Southdown at https://www.southdown.org/