About us
YMCA DownsLink Group is a charity working to transform the lives of vulnerable young people across Sussex and Surrey. We work to prevent youth homelessness and provide a home to 763 young people every night. We reach a further 10,000 young people and their families through our other key services, such as counselling, support and advice, mediation and youth work, so that all young people can belong, contribute and thrive.
Our History
YMCA is the largest and oldest youth movement in the world operating in 120 countries and providing vital services for over 65 million people. YMCA DownsLink Group is a formation of local YMCAs across Sussex and Surrey. We can trace our legal history to Hove YMCA and in 2019 we celebrated our 100th anniversary which coincided with YMCAs 175th anniversary. Our fascinating and insightful book, History of the YMCA in Sussex and Surrey was produced to mark these monumental milestones.
Who we help
Children, young people and families are at the heart of YMCA DownsLink Group with a particular focus on the needs of young people who find themselves on the fringes of society and need support.
What we do
Our work covers a wide range of areas including supported accommodation, Youth Advice Centres (YAC), sexual exploitation, mental health, housing advice, childcare, counselling, mentoring, and apprenticeships. Find out more.
Transforming communities
YMCA DownsLink Group is committed to transforming local communities so that all children, young people and families truly belong, contribute and thrive.
We provide a place and space for young people to feel safe through accommodation, training, learning, support and advice, counselling and mediation that will lead to better life chances and a positive future.
How you can help
We are the charity giving young people in crisis throughout Sussex and Surrey life-long tools to thrive. As a charity we need your help. DONATE TODAY, and you will make a difference to the lives of even more young people, children and their families. For as little as 40p per day, you can become a ROOM SPONSOR and you can choose where we will use your donation so that you are reaching a young person in your local community - Brighton&Hove, Worthing, Eastbourne, Hastings, Crawley, Horsham or Guildford.
