YMCA Eastbourne & Hailsham - YMCA DownsLink Group

YMCA Eastbourne and Hailsham

144 years

supporting children & young people in Eastbourne and local communities.

111 young people

given a safe home every night.

10,273

children and young people supported across Sussex.

Preventing youth homelessness in Eastbourne

Vulnerable children and young people have never been more at risk. We provide vital services so that young people in Eastbourne and Hailsham, who may have had a difficult start in life, can create a brighter future.

Our impact in Eastbourne and Halisham

In Eastbourne and Hailsham we provide a range of services for children and young people, 16 to 25, which act as a 'safety-net' to catch those at risk. From providing youth clubs and support & advice, to giving a home to those who are in crisis and facing homelessness, we change lives.

Children and young people facing homelessness in Eastbourne or Hailsham can find a safe, supportive home with us. Our 24 hour supported housing is so much more than 'just a room'. We provide wraparound support so that our residents can get the emotional support, life skills and help back into education, training or employment to enable them to 'move on' successfully to independence. Our dedicated staff (and volunteers) help young people develop the tools they need to reach their full potential.

More information about our services

Rukshi’s story

Rukshi was left homeless at 20 and lost custody of her daughter during a couple of difficult years. She’s now living in our 24 hour supported accommodation and has begun to rebuild her life and her relationship with her daughter.

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Meet the team

Our staff provide young people with the support they need to reach their full potential. We wouldn't be able to transform young lives without them.

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Other services for young people at risk

Helping young people stay safe

How you can help

Donate

£12 could give a young person facing homelessness a safe place to stay

Sponsor a room

40p a day could change the life of a young person in your area.

Fundraise

Taking part in fundraising challenges means we can keep transforming young lives.

Contact information for housing advice

We run two 24 hour supported housing projects in the area, Eastbourne Foyer and Grove House, for young people between the ages of 16 and 25.

McKendrick House in Eastbourne and Newton Park in Hailsham are a 'Pathway 2 Move On Accommodation' for young people who need less support and are moving towards independent living.

We also manage several 'Transitional Properties' across Eastbourne, Hailsham and Rother for young people who are capable of managing a tenancy and are ready for independent living. These young people still have access to a key worker to provide housing related support.

If you are a young person at risk, or have concerns about someone, contact us through the following;

  • Enquiries relating to accommodation can be directed to [email protected] or 01323 735618
  • Referrals for supported accommodation to be made through the single allocation point at [email protected]
  • Enquiries and referrals for transitional housing to be directed to [email protected]

For more information about our supported housing click here

How our work helps

Kara’s story

Changes in Kara’s behaviour at school were causing concern. Counselling with YMCA Dialogue helped Kara identify and express her feelings, letting light into a dark period in her life.

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.

Becky’s story

Becky is 19 and left home after her Dad’s drinking became too much for her to cope with. Her mum died when she was 10 and her Dad turned to alcohol to deal with his grief. She moved in with her boyfriend at 17 as a way to get away from her Dad, but when that didn’t work out she found herself facing homelessness.

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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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