YMCA DownsLink Group has a Christian foundation and inclusive vision. Our chaplaincy service helps ensure our YMCA supported accommodation is unique. Our multi-faith chaplains make a difference to the lives of young people in our supported accommodation by providing a space to be heard, to have fun and to eat together.
Chaplaincy sessions centre around hospitality. Most revolve around weekly shared meals within our housing projects which helps build confidence, friendships, and a sense of family.
Our chaplains offer non-judgemental support to residents and staff with their spiritual, emotional, and social wellbeing. They are here for people of all faiths, no faith, and for those exploring faith, belief and spirituality.
As well as weekly sessions our chaplains also offer one-to-one support in an informal way, by being available for walks or a chat over a cuppa, and they offer support at times of crisis and loss.
Fundamental to our chaplaincy service are our teams of highly committed volunteer chaplains who are passionate about supporting young people.
“Thank you soooo much for everything you do and always bringing a warmness and light to the house.”
- Young Resident
“Come more often. You do great work. If it weren’t for you we wouldn’t want to be here. Chaplaincy is the best part of the week… Amazing food and great company.”
- Young Resident
“To cook a meal and for us all to sit down at the table together, it gives you that sense of family.”
- Chaplain
Where does our chaplaincy service operate?
We currently have chaplaincies running in Brighton & Hove, Crawley, Horsham, Worthing, Eastbourne and Guildford.
Contact us
To find out more about becoming a volunteer chaplain or supporting the chaplaincy service at YMCA DownsLink Group contact Elly McKay-Smith via email [email protected] or call 07884 549308
What does Chaplaincy really mean to the young people we support?
When I first moved to the Foyer I didn’t speak to anyone for the first 2 weeks. I don’t know why, but Chaplaincy seemed like a safe place to introduce myself. I didn’t, and don’t see Chaplaincy as anything to do with the Foyer, not related, but more of an outside group, with people to talk to outside of the YMCA and with people who are the same age as me in similar positions – the other residents who attend Chaplaincy. Chaplaincy was a space...
Read our stories to find out how we make a difference:
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.
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Susie’s story
Susie ended up alone at 18 when her little sister was taken into care. She was struggling to cope and stopped going to college. Since moving into our 24-hour supported accommodation she is thriving. She’s back at college and dreams of being an astrophysicist.
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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.
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