YMCA DownsLink Group is the biggest youth charity in Sussex & Surrey
Every year we support over 10,00 children, young people and their families - transforming young lives. We work to tackle the causes of youth homelessness and give young people in crisis the opportunity to create a brighter future.
2020 was a tough year for us all, but, for already vulnerable young people, the impact of COVID-19 was dramatic. As the largest youth homelessness charity in the South-East, we saw a staggering 61% increase in the number of young people presenting as homeless compared to the previous year.
2019/2020 in Statistics
For young people there were also additional family pressures caused by lockdown, so family breakdown became the number one cause of youth homelessness. Despite the challenges, we continued to deliver our vital housing & support projects, and adapted our counselling and advice services to ensure we could still help all young people in need, to belong, contribute and thrive in our local communities.
“Just walking through the doors of the YMCA and seeing the staff and the residents and having banter with them and talking to them. It’s just like having a home away from home and having a sense of family. I think you can’t really put a price on that…”
YMCA DownsLink Group Resident
How our work makes a difference
Kai’s story
After years of struggling with poor mental health, Kai moved into our 24-hour supported accomodation and finally began to get the help he needed.
Sam’s story
Following family issues, Sam moved into our supported accommodation and found the confidence to pursue his dream career.
Poppy’s Story
Poppy didn’t realise she was being subjected to sexual exploitation. Spending time with a YMCA WiSE project worker opened her eyes to the reality of her situation.
