News

10/03/08 Southdown makes the Sunday Times 100 best companies list!

Southdown Housing Association has been officially recognised as one of the best companies to work for in the UK.

The results of the award were gained this week and as well as being in the Top 100, it is rated in the top ten businesses nationwide for its 'giving something back' factor and its 'good feeling around what it does.'

The Association's Chief Executive Aideen Jones said:

“It's great achievement and we’re delighted to be in the list for the third time. The results highlight the sound basis on which the organisation is built and also show that, while our staff enjoy good working conditions and know that they are valued, their biggest reward is from seeing the difference their support makes to service users.”

Over 868 companies battled it out for a place in this elite top 100 and the list gives an open and frank insight into the working lives of staff and their levels of employment satisfaction.

20/02/08 The Key to Independent Living

Home Ownership for people with Long term Disabilities (HOLD) is providing supported housing and community services to vulnerable people in the District.

The HOLD project was developed by Southdown Housing Association in partnership with Mid Sussex District Council to offer an independent lifestyle to people who need help and support because of disabilities.  The scheme is funded as part of the Housing Corporation’s National Affordable Housing Programme.  It has already helped five vulnerable people with a range of long term disabilities to buy their own homes in West Sussex. 

As demand for the service far outstripped supply, the Mid Sussex District Council is supporting Southdown’s bid for further funding to expand the project.

Haywards Heath Case Study: Jane

Despite mild learning disabilities, Jane has a regular job and 18 months ago decided that she wanted to strike out for independence by moving out of the parental home.  She told id Sussex District Council’s housing services department of her interest in Low Cost Home Ownership. On examining her case, the Council thought that she would qualify for the HOLD project, and put her in touch with Southdown Housing Association.

Southdown began negotiations with Jane and her family in November 2006 and the purchase of her new home in Haywards Heath was completed in July 2007.

The three-bedroom flat, near the railway station and town centre, provides accommodation for Jane and her Homeshare* flatmate who provides extra security and stability.

Southdown continues to perform the landlord duties for the property and the support provided is managed by Jane’s family.

If you would like more information about HOLD please contact Neil Blanchard at Southdown Housing Association on 01273 405821 or e-mail: n.blanchard@southdownhousing.org

*Homeshare is a scheme that provides accommodation for key workers who share a home with somebody who needs a little additional support and security.   For more information about the scheme, please contact Dawn Blake, Homeshare coordinator at West Sussex County Council on 01243 752026 or email: dawn.blake@west sussex.gov.uk

06/02/08 West Sussex Signpost Service launched

The West Sussex signpostservice offered by Southdown Housing Association was recently launched in Mid Sussex and Horsham and has now been set up in Worthing and Adur.

But, what is the Signpost service?

The service is available to anyone who needs advice or support to assist them to resolve their housing related problems. Many people have already used Signpost for help and advice in solving problems such as: homelessness, rent arrears, anti social behaviour, debt, claiming benefits and accessing health and community care services.

One of their clients said: ‘ We were in crisis, facing eviction and the service helped us to save not only our tenancy but to sort out our bills.’

The service provides telephone advice, face-to-face support and referral onto specialist care and support services. If you would like more information please contact the signpost team:

Horsham and Mid Sussex service

Tel: 01403 263202 or email: signpost.north@southdownhousing.org

Worthing and Adur Mid Sussex service

Tel: 01903 705108 or email: signpost.south@southdownhousing.org

The signpost service is a supporting people commissioned service aimed at providing pathways to greater independence, including an increased range of move on options. Signpost is a partnership between Supporting People, Southdown Housing Association, Sussex Oakleaf and Stonham and the seven districts and boroughs in West Sussex.