Christmas Appeal 2026 - YMCA DownsLink Group

Turning 18 shouldn't mean facing life alone

This Christmas, help young people find safety, support and belonging

For some young people, this will be their first Christmas navigating adulthood alone.

Turning 18 should be exciting. But for some young people, it can also be the moment support starts to fall away, long before they're ready to face adulthood on their own.

At a time of year when many of us are surrounded by family, friends and familiar traditions, some young people face Christmas without the support they still need.

With your help, we can make sure they have somewhere to turn, someone in their corner and hope for the year ahead.

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"When I turned 18, I still needed people around me, help with mental health and a safe space to call home.” 

 

Jahnel

Turning 18 doesn't mean young people stop needing support

Turning 18 may mark the start of adulthood, but young people don't suddenly stop needing support on their eighteenth birthday.

They still need safe places to live. They still need trusted relationships. They still need advice, encouragement and practical help as they take their next steps.

For young people facing challenges with their mental health, housing, finances or future opportunities, that support can make all the difference.

At YMCA DownsLink Group, we help young people across Sussex and Surrey build safe, independent lives, with housing, mental health and wellbeing support and trusted advice when they need it most.
This Christmas, your gift can help provide the support, stability and belonging that every young person deserves, beyond 18.
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Emily

Emily's story

When Emily turned 18, she still needed support.

When Emily was facing homelessness while still at school, YMCA DownsLink Group gave her a safe place to live and the support she needed to rebuild her confidence and plan for the future. 

Today, she is studying at university, progressing in work and looking ahead with confidence, showing what can happen when young people have the support they need beyond 18. 

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“When I turn 18 this December, I will still need somewhere to live, people to talk to and to get advice and support from. I will still need friends, support workers, college mates and colleagues.” 

 

Tia

Why it matters at Christmas

Christmas can be when support matters most. While many people look forward to spending time with loved ones, some young people are facing uncertainty, isolation or difficult circumstances. Your support helps ensure young people have somewhere to turn this Christmas and throughout the year ahead. Together, we can help provide safety, stability and hope beyond 18.  

Help a young person on their journey beyond 18 This Christmas. Help provide the things that shouldn't disappear when someone turns 18.

Donate today and help a young person build their future with confidence.

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