Where We Work - YMCA DownsLink Group

Where we work

We've been preventing children and young people from facing crisis and supporting them to achieve their potential across Sussex and Surrey for 175 years.

We prevent youth homelessness by providing supported accommodation alongside the wraparound support they need. We give children and young people easy access to support and advice services when they need them. We provide children, young people and families with a range of mental health and emotional wellbeing services

Find out more about our 3 main areas of work; Accommodation, support & advice, and counselling.

Find out more about our services

Helping young people stay safe from sexual exploitation

How you can help

Give £5 a month

Provide vital basics

Gift a young person a warm welcome. Help us provide homely touches such as a toothbrush, clean bedding, and access to hot food.

Help them feel at home.

Give £12 a month

Room Sponsor (40p per day)

Your Room Sponsorship will give a young person near you, a safe, stable home, so they can begin their journey to independence.

Give them the first step to a brighter future.

Give £36 a month

One to one support

Many of our homeless young people have experienced trauma. Your donation will help pay for our caring support staff.

Help rebuild their trust.

Young People's Stories

Temesgen smiling holding his medal at the end of the DownsLink Challenge

Temesgen’s story

At just 16, Temesgen had to leave his family in Ethiopia and start a new life in the UK. He was given a home with us and received support to learn English, take part in volunteering and join in with YMCA activities.
Mapalo sat at a desk smiling at he camera

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.
Kai's Story

Kai’s story

After years of struggling with poor mental health, Kai moved into our 24-hour supported accomodation and finally began to get the help he needed.
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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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