Accommodation
We provide much more than a room. We give vulnerable young people a safe place to call home and the chance to reach their potential
At YMCA DownsLink Group, we believe every young person deserves a safe place to live. We offer a range of supported housing services as well as housing advice to young people across Sussex and Surrey.
Supported Accommodation at YMCA DownsLink Group
We offer a variety of accommodation throughout Sussex and Guildford. Every night give a home to more than 650 young people, who are homeless or, at risk of homelessness. On average young person stays with us for two years.
Our 'advantaged thinking' model of supported accommodation aims 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 with daytime support staff, transitional housing schemes with visiting support, and, 'Move On' accommodation for those ready for independent living. Find out more.
Youth Advice Centre (YAC): Housing Advice for Young People
YAC Brighton Drop in Housing Advice Service
From 31 March 2024, the Youth Advice Centre will no longer operate a housing advice drop-in clinic.
- Young people requiring housing advice (including emergency assessments for homelessness) should approach Brighton and Hove City Council for assessment.
- If you are an existing client and need to update your YAC Housing Advisor, they will be based at the council until Friday 3 May 2024.
Call 01273294400 for more info.
20% of all homeless people are aged 16 - 24. YMCA DownsLink Group helps over 9,000 a year who have faced significant challenges in life, including the death of a loved one, neglect or abuse. But we can't do this alone.
More than a room...
We recognise that every young person is different. Our 'More Than a Room' programme is the opposite of 'one size fits all'. We develop unique pathways, tailored to the needs of the individual, to ensure that the support we provide is what's needed. It could be as simple as providing access to sport and exercise to help a young person with their mental health and wellbeing; it could be giving them opportunities to learn core life skills like money management or cooking on a budget; or, ensuring they have access to counselling 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.
Services for young people in Accommodation
Chaplaincy
Our chaplaincy service is a big part of why our supported housing offer is unique. They help create a sense of family.
Our multi-faith chaplains make a difference to the lives of young people in our supported accommodation by providing a space to be heard, to have fun and to eat together.
“To cook a meal and for us all to sit down at the table together, it gives you that sense of family.”
Read young people's stories
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.
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.
