Your own home or tenancy with the support you need

About supported livingWhat to expectWhat we offerWho it's forHow to access
Supported living means having your own home or having a tenancy — with the support you need to live your life the way you want.

Supported living does not mean that someone has low support needs. Many people receive 24-hour support, including people with complex health, physical, communication, mobility, and personal care needs. Other people receive a smaller number of planned support hours in their own home.

We support people through 22 supported living services across Sussex. Most of these have staff available as part of a 24-hour model.

What to expect

What supported living looks like

Supported living can look very different depending on the person.

What stays the same is the approach: support shaped around you, your goals, and how you want to live.

Types of home

  • self-contained flats with your own front door, kitchen, and bathroom
  • shared houses where you have your own bedroom and share some living spaces
  • services with individual flats and shared communal areas
  • support in a home you already rent or own, where this is agreed and can be provided safely

Your support can change as your life circumstances change, and we will support you at every step.

I like my home. I feel comfortable here. Being here is freedom. I can go out when I like, come back when I like. I've got a lot more independence.
  • Southdown tenant
What we offer

What support can include

Your support is shaped around what matters to you.

It may include:

  • personal care, health appointments, medication, and staying well
  • mobility and physical support
  • communication support
  • cooking, cleaning, shopping, and looking after your home
  • managing money, bills, and your tenancy
  • building confidence and learning new skills
  • relationships, interests, and spending time in your community
  • education, volunteering, employment, or other goals

As your needs, goals, or circumstances change, we work with you and the people involved in your support to review what is provided.

Who it's for

Supported living or a care home?

The main difference is the housing and legal arrangement, not how complex a person’s needs are.

In supported living, you have a tenancy or own your home. In a registered care home, accommodation and care are provided together and you live as a resident.

Your local authority or NHS team will help explore which options can be considered, based on your assessment, funding, availability, compatibility, and what matters to you.

How to access

Accessing supported living

A formal referral normally comes from Adult Social Care or a health professional after an assessment and funding decision.

We will talk with you and the people involved in your support to understand your needs, preferences, communication, and the kind of home and support arrangement that may work well.

Discuss a referral or check availability

LDReferrals@southdown.org

01273 405 800

Looking for support?

Find out what services are available to you or someone you care about.