New homelessness prevention services launched across West Sussex to help families stay in their homes

More people at risk of homelessness across West Sussex are set to receive practical support following the expansion of services designed to help individuals and families keep a roof over their heads.

Not-for-profit organisation Southdown has been awarded six contracts by West Sussex County Council to deliver its Pathways Home programme, providing personalised help to people who are homeless or facing the prospect of losing their accommodation.

The services are jointly funded by West Sussex County Council and district and borough council housing partners.

From September, Southdown will continue running its established services in Adur and Worthing, Crawley and Horsham, while taking over the existing service in Chichester and introducing new services in Arun and Mid Sussex.

The expansion means people across the county will have access to a more consistent approach to homelessness prevention, with support tailored to their individual circumstances.

Pathways Home works with adults and families experiencing housing difficulties, helping them address problems before they reach crisis point.

Support can include resolving rent arrears, managing benefits, communicating with landlords, preparing for a tenancy and finding suitable accommodation.

People accessing the service will be assigned a dedicated key worker who will help them develop a personal support plan and take steps towards securing and maintaining a stable home.

Face-to-face appointments, home visits and community outreach will also be available to ensure people who struggle with digital services or traditional appointments can still receive help.

West Sussex County Council says early intervention is particularly important in preventing people from becoming homeless.

Last year, 35% of people supported through the existing Pathways Home services were able to remain in their accommodation, while a further 28% moved into social housing.

Councillor 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.”

Southdown says the expansion will allow its teams to work more closely with local authorities, health services, landlords and community organisations to address the often complex issues behind homelessness.

Neil Blanchard, Chief Executive of Southdown, welcomed the additional contracts.

He 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.”

The organisation says that by intervening before housing problems become emergencies, more people will be able to remain in their homes, move into secure accommodation and develop the confidence to live independently.

Residents across West Sussex who are worried about losing their home are advised to contact their local district or borough council's housing department in the first instance.

Further information about finding your local council is available at https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council.

Details about Southdown and its Pathways Home services can be found at https://www.southdown.org/.

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