Web Banner T44C-01

Web Banner T44C-01

Introducing 'The 44 Challenge'

Your support enables us to continue making a difference to over 10,000 young people, children, and families in Sussex and Surrey every year.

Take part in our latest challenge 'The 44 Challenge'

The 44 Challenge Idea YMCA

Sadly, 44 is the average age of death for someone experiencing homelessness. We work tirelessly to prevent vulnerable young people (16-24) facing difficulties from becoming part of this terrible statistic.

By taking part in the 44 Challenge and fundraising for us, you will help change lives in your local community. So, will you join us and make a change that will be good for you and change the future for others?

Create your fundraising page now

Challenge ideas pack:

We've created a challenge pack to get you started, in addition to a colouring page which you can download and print at home. Download here

Shareable graphics for social media:

sea dip T44C-01

Bake T44C-01

Cycle T44C-01

You'll be helping someone like Jack...

Jack came out as gay when he was 15. His family struggled to accept it and it caused tension and arguments at home. The situation came to a head when Jack was 16. After a huge argument, Jack's Dad threw him out and Jack became homeless.

YMCA Stories

Find out how we have supported young people.

Josh sat on a sofa smiling, wearing a red jumper and blue jeans

Josh’s story

A year ago, Josh was facing homelessness. He was having trouble at home and didn't get on with his parents. After moving into our supported accommodation, Josh took every opportunity he could to help other people like him.

Dee at Hailsham boxing club smiling

Dee’s story

Dee dreams of being a champion. She wants to represent Britain as part of the GB boxing team. Despite facing challenges as a teenager, with our support, she’s thriving and is working hard to turn her dreams into reality.

Jack’s story

Jack came out as gay when he was 15. His family struggled to accept it and it caused tension and arguments at home. The situation came to a head when Jack was 16. After a huge row his Dad threw him out.

Image of young woman smiling with brown hair, wearing a yellow tshirt.

Maya’s story

Maya’s childhood was filled with instability as she constantly moved around the country. She found a home in our supported accommodation when she was just 16 and started to build up her life skills and create some consistency with our support.

Chloe’s story

When her mental health took a turn, Chloe found a safe space with our support and advice service at our Youth Advice Centre in […]

Nathan’s story

Nathan was struggling with his family relationships and mental health after coming out to his family at 15. Our Youth Advice Service found him specialist help.

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.

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.

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 […]

Tina’s story

Tina found the support she received from our YMCA WiSE service invaluable following a difficult period in her life when she had been groomed by two older men.

Stacy, a teenage girl with blonde hair smiling, wearing a red top.

Stacy’s story

Stacy was referred to our support and advice service after having trouble with her mental health. She started working with one of our support workers and has been feeling a lot happier in herself since.

A young man Liam, stood outside wearing a white t-shirt

Liam’s story

After a confusing period of time, Liam was made to leave his mum’s house and ended up living in an airport for two months. Eventually, Liam was given a home in our supported accommodation and began to rebuild a stable life.

Read all our stories

Sign up to our Newsletter

Copyright © 2025 YMCA DownsLink Group.