Where We Work - YMCA DownsLink Group

Where we work

We've been preventing children and young people from facing crisis and supporting them to achieve their potential across Sussex and Surrey for 175 years.

We prevent youth homelessness by providing supported accommodation alongside the wraparound support they need. We give children and young people easy access to support and advice services when they need them. We provide children, young people and families with a range of mental health and emotional wellbeing services

Find out more about our 3 main areas of work; Accommodation, support & advice, and counselling.

Find out more about our services

Helping young people stay safe from sexual exploitation

How you can help

Give £5 a month

Provide vital basics

Gift a young person a warm welcome. Help us provide homely touches such as a toothbrush, clean bedding, and access to hot food.

Help them feel at home.

Give £12 a month

Room Sponsor (40p per day)

Your Room Sponsorship will give a young person near you, a safe, stable home, so they can begin their journey to independence.

Give them the first step to a brighter future.

Give £36 a month

One to one support

Many of our homeless young people have experienced trauma. Your donation will help pay for our caring support staff.

Help rebuild their trust.

Young People's Stories

Young man archie smiling on a street

Archie’s story

After a chaotic few years Archie found stability at the YMCA. Now, with help from YMCA’s Life Change Fund he’s all set to take another big step forwards.

sophie image

Sophie’s story

Sophie* had to leave her foster placement and had nowhere to go. After moving into the Y Centre, she was able to complete a […]

Susie's story

Susie’s story

Susie ended up alone at 18 when her little sister was taken into care. She was struggling to cope and stopped going to college. Since moving into our 24-hour supported accommodation she is thriving. She’s back at college and dreams of being an astrophysicist.

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