16/07/2026
We are delighted that Katie Stibbs from Southdown Housing has joined our Newhaven Chamber Community. Her talk yesterday came from the heart as she spoke about the Connect to Work Initiative which is part of Southdown. The initiative helps people across Sussex who are struggling to find or stay in work – especially those who are neurodiverse, have health conditions, or have experienced major life setbacks. Employment specialists offer up to a year of tailored support, from building confidence and identifying strengths to practical help with CVs, applications, and navigating a tough job market. Recent success stories include individuals who, after years out of work due to ADHD, diabetes, or long-term unemployment, have found renewed energy, purpose, and sustainable jobs through the programme.
Katie explained the value to employers of taking on staff who are neurodivergent and to look beyond gaps in CVs and traditional “tick-box” hiring to see the potential in every person. The message is simple: when our community gives people a genuine chance, lives change. If you know someone who is finding it hard to get into work – or if you’re an employer open to inclusive recruitment – Connect to Work is here to help. People have to self-refer but employers who have taken this step have discovered the exceptional skills, loyalty, and work ethic of neurodiverse team members in particular. https://www.southdown.org/connect-to-work/
