Turning 18: supporting young people into adulthood
Overview
We brought together leaders, practitioners, researchers and partners from across Sussex and Surrey on 8 October to explore how we can better support young people as they move from children's to adult services.
The event shared findings from an independent review commissioned by YMCA DownsLink Group into support for young people aged 16–19, creating space for discussion, reflection and collective learning.
The review
We commissioned Resonant Collaboration to undertake the review, with independent academic oversight from the University of Sussex.
Drawing on the experiences of young people, local and national evidence and frontline practice, the review explores what helps young people stay safe, supported and connected as they turn 18 and move into adulthood.
The full report will be available to download soon.
Key themes
Trusted relationships
Multiple and Intersecting challenges
Support beyond 18
Collective accountability
Turning concern into action
Key reflections from the event
"Everybody knows something, but nobody knows everything."
Michelle Lefevre, Professor of Social Work, University of Sussex
"Young people don't ask which organisation owns this part of the system. They ask: do I feel safe? Do I know what happens next? Do I know who's alongside me?"
Jess Gibbons, Chief Executive of Brighton & Hove City Council
"The 16 to 25 age group remains one of the biggest gaps in terms of mental health need and support."
Nicola Rosenberg, Public Health Consultant, West Sussex County Council
"We know what the harm is. We struggle to coordinate a multi-agency response to that harm."
"The system isn't somewhere else. It's all of us."
Colin Michel, Resonant Collaboration
"The findings [of the review] provide evidence for challenges practitioners have recognised for years and create renewed impetus to go further."
Emily Brock, CEO, YMCA DownsLink Group
"We often measure activity. Young people measure experience."
Jess Gibbons
Event sponsors
We're grateful to Pryer Construction for supporting this event and helping us bring together leaders, practitioners, researchers and partners from across Sussex and Surrey to share learning and explore how we can better support young people as they move into adulthood.
As a valued member of our Partners for Change programme, Pryer Construction has been a committed supporter of our work over several years.
Contributors
The event brought together expertise from research, public health, local government, youth homelessness, safeguarding and trauma-informed practice.
Contributors included:
- Lucy Cavell (event moderator), Resonant Collaboration Associate and trauma-informed consultant
- Colin Michel, Resonant Collaboration
- Michelle Lefevre, Professor of Social Work, University of Sussex
- Jess Gibbons, Chief Executive, Brighton & Hove City Council
- Nicola Rosenberg, Public Health Consultant, West Sussex County Council
- Meghan Roach, Interim CEO, New Horizon Youth Centre
- Emily Brock, Chief Executive, YMCA DownsLink Group
Partnerships
We work with local authorities, housing providers, schools, colleges, NHS partners, businesses and community organisations across Sussex and Surrey.
Stay connected
Follow YMCA DownsLink Group on LinkedIn and sign up for updates to hear about future research, events and opportunities to collaborate.
