Home - YMCA DownsLink Group Skip to content

Transforming Young Lives

We believe every young person has the right to discover their potential. Sadly, many don't have that opportunity.

home-banner-mobile

Transforming Young Lives

We believe every young person has the right to discover their potential. Sadly, many don't have that opportunity.

Every night...

we give a safe home to more than 650 young people facing homelessness in Sussex and Surrey

Each year...

we prevent crisis by providing support and advice to 7,146 young people across Sussex and Surrey

We are...

the largest provider of mental health services and counselling for children, young people & families in Sussex

How you can help

myth busting: young man wearing black coat and winter hat sat on a wooden bench

For just 40p per day you could change a life, forever

Josh smiling and holding up his medal after completing the DownsLink Challenge

Get involved, feel good and have fun! Take on a challenge today

Room sponsorship - Becky sat on bed

Stay informed, feel connected, and help us create change

Join our community

Who your donations support

safe home

Becky's Story

"I feel like I've got a future now"

Becky was just 10 when her Mum died. Her Dad started to drink heavily and neglected her. At 17, she decided she couldn't stay there anymore and found herself homeless. Alone and scared, she had nowhere left to turn. Until she found us.

YMCA DownsLink Group gave Becky a safe place to call home, in 24-hour supported accommodation. With the help of her project support worker, she is starting to rebuild her life, and is looking forward to the future. 

Accommodation

Why we need your help

1 in 55

young people are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless

69% cuts

to local youth services, leaving young people with lack of support & fewer prevention services

1 in 6

children & young people are thought to have a probable mental health condition

*stats refer to data collected from across the UK

YMCA DownsLink Group is a charity that works to prevent youth homelessness across Sussex and Surrey. Through our youth advice centre, community and school counselling services, family mediation and other services, we provide additional support to 9,000 children, young people and families each year. Our aim is to prevent young people from reaching crisis and to support them at this crucial stage in their lives so that can fulfil their potential.

Where we work

We've been working in Sussex and Surrey for the last 175 years.

Other ways to get involved

1

YMCA DownsLink Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

2

By volunteering for YMCA DownsLink Group will you gain experience, learn new skills and meet some great people.

3

By partnering with us, your business will be driving positive and lasting change for young people in your community.

Latest news and blogs

World Homeless Day and World Mental Health Day

Today (10 October) is both World Homeless Day and World Mental Health Day. Read how the two are closely interlinked.

Read More โ†’ about World Homeless Day and World Mental Health Day

Weโ€™re FINALISTS in the Youth Matters Awards 2024!

We are thrilled that we have four finalists in the national YMCA Youth Matters Awards 2024.

Read More โ†’ about Weโ€™re FINALISTS in the Youth Matters Awards 2024!

A special visit from YMCA India

We had the pleasure of welcoming members of YMCA India, to talk about the work we do and to learn about the work they carry out in their respective regions across India.

Read More โ†’ about A special visit from YMCA India
YMCA-logo-2022-white

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.