The work we do every year changes lives. We step in to prevent children and young people from crisis by providing supported accommodation, support & advice, family mediation and counselling. By supporting young people, at this crucial stage in their lives (16-24), we can help them change their lives and create a better future for themselves.
Our impact in numbers
Why your support is needed now
We’re doing all we can to break the cycle of homelessness for young people in your community. We positively impact the lives of over 10,000 children, young people and families each year. But we’re not there yet. The need for our support and yours has never been greater.
70%
cuts in funding to youth services in the last 10 years.
20%
increase in demand for our housing support since the pandemic.
33%
of the young people we help have come from the care system.
1 in 20
children experience the death of a parent before the age of 16.
20%
of all homeless people in the UK are aged between 16 and 24.
40%
of 16 to 24 year olds have been temporarily homeless at some point.
Mapalo's Story
At 19, student Mapalo Bray faced homelessness, until we stepped in. Your gifts help people like Mapalo turn their life around to build a positive future.
How our work makes a difference
Nader’s story
Nader left his home country when he was just 14 and after a difficult journey he arrived in the UK as an unaccompanied asylum seeking child. Nader was given a home at YMCA DownsLink Group and was supported to learn English, attend college and take part in lots of activities.
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.
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.Â
