Transforming Young Lives - YMCA DownsLink Group

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

9,378

children, young people and families used our services

672

young people given a home every night

71%

of families who have gone through our family mediation have stayed together

5,423

children and young people provided with counselling support

86%

residents ready to move on do so successfully

444

chaplaincy meals shared across our housing projects

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

Mapalo sat at a desk smiling at he camera

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

Mapalo’s story

A heart attack permanently altered Mapalo’s mum’s personality. Forced to go to school with a suitcase full of her belongings, Mapalo would present herself as homeless. Things changed when she turned 18.

Andre’s Story

With exams looming Andre was getting into trouble at school. Counselling sessions with YMCA Dialogue enabled him to face up to his fears and develop plans for the future.

Dani’s story

Dani’s life had been chaotic and unstable. Her social worker referred her to YMCA DownsLink Group, and, with the help of her YMCA WiSE project worker, she began to make better decisions around relationships and her future.

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.

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