Stories

Southdown Stories

Personal journeys from the people we support and our colleagues.

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A woman is making a hot drink in the kitchen

6 April 2026

“I enjoy spending time with other clients”

Jennie, one of our clients at our Learning Disability Support Services, explains what hobbies she enjoys and how she is supported to participate in them.

A man is sat at a table inside with a laptop in front of him. Behind him is a window and a plant.

6 April 2026

“I’ve had amazing experiences working at Southdown services”

Mark is the Service Manager for Staying Well East Sussex. He tells us about his career journey at Southdown, starting as a Support Worker in our Learning Disability Services, to....

A woman is sitting down on a sofa in a living room. She is smiling whilst looking at the camera.

6 April 2026

”I enjoy running around”

For Mental Health Awareness Week, we spoke to one of our clients about the activities they enjoy for this year's theme of movement.

A woman is stood in a garden. She is looking at the camera and is smiling.

6 April 2026

“I feel proud of myself”

For Mental Health Awareness Week, we spoke to one of our clients about the activities they enjoy for this year’s theme of movement.

A staff member is sitting down at a table near a window and is looking at the camera.

6 April 2026

‘Movement improved my quality of life’

We spoke to Eden, a Peer Trainer at our Recovery College about the theme of movement for this year's Mental Health Awareness Week. “There is

A white woman is smiling warmly to the camera. She is wearing a dark floral top and there are love hearts on the green wall behind her.

6 April 2026

“It’s amazing to have my own independence”

Jessica lives in one of our registered care homes. In her story she tells us about the independence she's gained since moving into a Southdown service.

A white man with dark hair and a beard sits in his wheelchair in the kitchen. He is smiling at the camera.

6 April 2026

“I feel like the staff are here for me”

One of our clients shares what he likes to do in his supported living service and the difference having more support staff has had on his life.

6 April 2026

“I have more time to do stuff for myself”

A client from our Learning Disability Support services tells us about her life at home.

A white man with a smooth head and a grey beard is sitting on a garden bench. He is dressed in black and has a black bag next to him.

6 April 2026

“Opening up took away the burden that I was carrying”

Simon is a Peer Support Worker at our Staying Well Brighton & Hove service. He tells us how his own experiences have led him to working in the mental health....

A woman with dark brown-black hair wearing glasses and a bright red lip

6 April 2026

“I felt I could really make a difference”

Eden received support from our Employment Support service and is now a Peer Tutor at our Recovery College. Read Eden's story to find out how they are supporting students with....

6 April 2026

“It’s about trying to keep warm and safe”

Our Digital Solutions Programme Manager, Sam, shares what happened when she and Chief Executive, Neil Blanchard, shadowed the Move On and Outreach Team on an early morning walk around to....