Support to help you live the life you choose
We support over 160 people with learning disabilities across Sussex to live the lives they choose - with dignity, independence, and a sense of belonging.
Whether someone lives in one of our registered care homes or a supported living service, they receive the same person-centred support. We work alongside each person to understand what matters to them, how they communicate, what support they need, and what a good life looks like for them.
Support can include help with health, personal care, communication, relationships, daily routines, interests, and being part of the community. It is shaped around the person, including their strengths, preferences, culture, relationships, and goals.
Different homes. The same person-centred approach.
We provide support in registered care homes and supported living services. People with a wide range of support needs can live in either type of service. The main difference is the legal arrangement for the home, not the complexity of someone’s needs.
Wherever you live, our approach is consistent. We train and support staff to involve you, communicate in ways that work for you, and help you take an active part in your life.
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people with learning disabilities supported across Sussex0
registered services - all rated Good or Outstanding by the CQC0
supported living services across SussexFinding the right support for you
The right support looks different for everyone.
We offer two options – both shaped around your goals, your choices, and what a good life looks like for you:
Living with 24-hour care
Accommodation and personal care are provided together. You live as a resident in a welcoming home, with staff available 24 hours a day. You do not hold a tenancy.
All our care homes are rated Good by the CQC.
This might be right for you if…
You need higher levels of care and support throughout the day and night, or want the reassurance of a settled environment with consistent staff around you.
Living in your own home with support
In a supported living service, you have your own tenancy. This is your home in law, and you have the rights that come with that. Most of our supported living services provide 24-hour support — with staff always nearby.
We also support some people in their own homes in the community, with support shaped around what they need. We support people across 22 supported living services in Sussex.
This might be right for you if…
You want more independence and control over your daily life, with support that can flex as your needs and goals change over time.
Explore supported living
Your local authority or NHS team will usually help decide which options can be considered.
This will take account of your assessment, funding, available homes, compatibility with other people, and what matters to you.
How to get support
Most people start by speaking to Adult Social Care or a health professional.
Families are welcome to contact us for information, but a formal referral will normally need to come from a social worker, care coordinator, or another health or social care professional.
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Ask for an assessment
Contact your local authority’s Adult Social Care team. In some circumstances, an NHS or other health team may also be involved.
2
Assessment and funding are agreed
The local authority or NHS will consider what support is eligible for funding and which options can be explored.
3
A professional refers you to Southdown
We talk with you and the people involved in your support, learn what matters to you, and explore whether there is a suitable home and support arrangement.
Learn more about how we work:
Our approach to support
How we help people take part, communicate, make choices, build skills, and have more control in everyday life.
Read about our approach to supportClient and tenant involvement
How people who use Southdown services help shape their own support, recruit staff, review services, and influence decisions.
See how people shape SouthdownLooking for support?
Find out what services are available to you or someone you care about.