Supported Accommodation - YMCA DownsLink Group

Supported Accommodation

We provide supported accommodation to vulnerable young people aged 16-25

We run or manage a variety of housing accommodation throughout Sussex and Guildford. Between them they ensure that more than 750 young people, who are homeless or, at risk of homelessness, are provided with accommodation each night.

The underpinning aim of our accommodation model is to equip young people with the skills and support needed to move on to independent living. This is achieved through a range of housing-related support services.

Our accommodation includes 24 hour staffed services, projects which have daytime support staff, transitional housing schemes with visiting support, and, 'Move On' accommodation for more permanent, independent living.

One to one key work sessions are provided as well as group work and activities which are linked to individual independence plans. Our Key Workers provide help, support, information and access to employment, training and education opportunities. We also provide links with statutory and other agencies/organisations who give specialist services and support such as counselling.

Through our 'More Than a Room' programme we recognise that every young person is different so our services are the opposite of one size fits all – we develop unique solutions, tailored to the needs of individuals, ensuring the support provided is exactly what they need. This could be as simple as providing access to sport and exercise to help their mental health and wellbeing; it could mean giving them the opportunity to learn core life skills like money management or cooking on a budget; it may even be ensuring they have access to counselling, on their terms, to help them understand and manage their emotions. Sometimes it will be a combination of all of the above and more. Importantly, we also ensure every young person receives the support and guidance they need to prepare them for work or a return to education.

Our main supported accommodation projects are in Brighton & Hove, Worthing, Mid Sussex, Guildford, Crawley, Horsham, Eastbourne and Hastings.

There is no direct access to any of our supported accommodation projects. Young people are referred to our projects via a statutory or voluntary sector agency for example, local councils, Social Services, Probation, etc.

 

Supported Accommodation: More Information

Find out more about our different types of accommodation.

The Role of our Key Workers

What does a key worker do & how do they support vulnerable young people?

More Than a Room

Find out more about our 'More Than a Room' programme and the path to independence.

Empty Homes

Discover more about our Empty Homes scheme.

YAC - Housing advice for young people

Our Youth Advice Centre is the first point of call for a young person facing homelessness in Brighton.

Looked After Children

Find out more about our Looked After Children (LAC) project in West Sussex.
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YMCA enables people to develop their full potential in mind, body and spirit. Inspired by and faithful to our Christian values, we create supportive, inclusive and energising communities, where young people can truly belong, contribute and thrive.

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