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

7,146

children, young people and families used our services

1,094

young people given a safe home

71%

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

5,000

children and young people provided with counselling support

89%

residents ready to move on do so successfully

464

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

Amanuel’s story

Amanuel travelled to the UK from Ethiopia when he was just a teenager. He’s been living in our supported accommodation for a year and a half and with help from his Project Worker, he’s embraced everything about YMCA.

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.

Ben’s story

Ben had a difficult time growing up and was thrown out of home at just 15. Through the perseverance of a teacher, Ben was given a home in our 24-hour supported accommodation and life got better. 

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