The Wellbeing Hub at Preston Park

16/05/2025

For many, walking through the door of a local wellbeing service is more than accessing support. It’s the beginning of feeling part of something.

Zorenah is a client volunteer at Southdown's Wellbeing Hub. Her quote: "I never knew that the day I walked into what is now the Wellbeing Hub would save my life" - reminds us of the difference a nurturing community can make, and how life-changing it can be to find spaces where people feel welcome, supported, and seen.

We’re so proud to create spaces where community can grow. These are places where people can connect, heal, and thrive together.

Find out more about the mental health and wellbeing services delivered as a part of Southdown-led UOK partnership, please visit www.uok.org.uk

23/04/2025

We are so proud of our clients who have worked on this wonderful podcast!

Do listen.

We’re thrilled to share Park Life, a brand-new podcast series created by a group of individuals who use one of the Southdown’s local mental health services. These are produced by people who understand the power of creative expression in supporting wellbeing.

This inspiring project is the result of months of collaboration and creativity, and most importantly, a dream to have a space where people with lived experience of mental health challenges come together to share their voices, stories, and talents with the world.

In each episode, you’ll be treated to a rich mix of interviews, music, poetry, creative writing, and comedy. The first episode explores the theme of Favourites – a warm and moving insight into the things that bring joy, comfort, and meaning to people’s lives. Whether you're in need of a gentle boost, a laugh, or simply some great listening, Park Life offers something special. We hope this will inspire more people to indulge in their ‘favourite’ things to bring them calm and a little everyday joy.

You can tune in now on all major platforms:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/park-life/id1803377130

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2RLiEtnflHNRraXRdONv3S

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZxUNFCFWzU

Park Life on Podbean: https://parklifebrighton.podbean.com/e/episode-1-favourites/

Pop in your headphones and enjoy it over a long weekend, on a peaceful walk, or during a moment of calm in your day. However you choose to listen, we hope this podcast becomes a companion and brings a smile.

Please share it with your networks and don’t forget to leave a rating and review as it helps others discover the podcast too.

23/04/2025

Come along to our Recovery College Open Day for the upcoming Summer Term.

📅 Wednesday, 30th April 2025 | 🕒 11am - 3pm (drop in anytime) | 📍 Brighthelm Centre, North Road, Brighton, BN1 1YD

Run by Southdown as part of the UOK Brighton & Hove partnership, the College offers FREE mental health and wellbeing courses, co-designed by people with lived experience and professionals.

The Open Day will offer you the chance to:
- Meet friendly tutors and peer trainers
- Find out more about upcoming courses
- Apply for the summer term on the day

Enrolment forms will be available from 30th April and applicants will have time till 12th May to send them in.

For any queries, please reach out to:
Paul Turk: paul.turk@southdown.org
Steph Whitehead: steph.whitehead@southdown.org

23/04/2025

We understand that last week’s Supreme Court ruling on the legal definition of 'woman' under the Equality Act will have raised questions and concerns for some of you.

For over 50 years, we have remained steadfast in our commitment to providing person-centred support rooted in dignity and respect for all. That commitment remains unchanged. We continue to create safe, fair, and inclusive spaces and services where everyone feels valued and supported to be themselves.

Importantly, this ruling does not alter the protections afforded to transgender people under the Equality Act and organisations are not obligated to exclude trans people from single s*x spaces.

Southdown will continue to stay true to our values in everything we do.

09/01/2025

Huge appreciation for all the lovely men who access activities and support at the Wellbeing hub, and are proactive in seeking connection and open and vulnerable about their struggles.❤️💙🩵💚 We salute you and love your company and walking alongside you on your mental health journey.

26/12/2024

16/08/2024

We must be doing something right 😄

At Southdown, we think it's really important to shout about the amazing work our colleagues and teams do 🎉

This week, one of our Team Managers at the The Wellbeing Hub at Preston Park wanted to thank their fabulous team for their hard work and dedication to our clients 💚

To find out more about the Hub, click here: https://www.uok.org.uk/service/the-wellbeing-hub-at-preston-park/

| UOK Brighton & Hove

29/07/2024

17/06/2024

We are really grateful for all the men that access our service and are valuable and loved clients at the hun. We hope that we provide a safe space where men can feel comfortable and share their challenges with others and feel supported

Understanding the truth about men's mental health is crucial.

Let's break down the myths and embrace the facts. This can be the first step to remove the stigma and barriers for men who struggle with their mental health.

If you or someone you care about needs to talk, please call our Central Access Point on 0808 196 1768 or visit our website www.uok.org.uk to learn more about our partners and how they can help.

24/05/2024

This weekend is your final chance to visit the Artist Open House at our Wellbeing Hub at Preston Park. Justine, one of our clients and artists at the Hub, shares why they love participating in the Artists Open House festival 👇

“I feel like art here should be how art is everywhere.

At the Wellbeing Hub it’s about bringing out your individual creativity rather than a fixed idea of what art should be. It’s about people expressing themselves and people produce great art through that.
You can express anything in art. It’s really safe. The boundaries are what you decide.

Usually, I find it very hard to concentrate, but if I’m drawing, I get completely lost in a really good way. It feels wonderful. I can lose time.

It just feels really good to be part of the Artists Open Houses Festival. It’s really nice to see your art in frames – it feels like proper art. And it’s less scary as it’s part of a group. Everyone’s so encouraging and enthusiastic about everyone else’s art.

I tend to do quite absurd, ridiculous artwork. Here, I know no-one will be fazed and there’ll be no judgement if I express something about mental health or neurodiversity. The rest of the world doesn’t feel like that.”

Visit the Hub on Saturday 25th or Sunday 26th between 11am and 2.30pm, at 18 Preston Park Avenue, Brighton, BN1 6HL.

To find out more, click here: https://lght.ly/jb898f2

UOK Brighton & Hove | Artists Open Houses

13/05/2024

Today marks the beginning of the Mental Health Foundation's Mental Health Awareness Week and UOK Brighton & Hove are very proud to support it.

This year’s theme is movement: moving more for our mental health. We are going to be doing a walk from Brighton Palace Pier to Hove Lawns for a picnic on Thursday with our partners - stay tuned for photos!

You can get involved with Mental |Health Awareness Week by finding your moments for movement. Join in and help to create a world with good mental health for all. 💜

Find out more here:
https://lght.ly/eg9b5lf

If you are looking for mental health support in Suss*x, take a look at our service directory here:
https://lght.ly/3nk2mij