YMCA Brighton and Hove
104 years
supporting children & young people in Brighton and local communities.
138 young people
given a safe home every night.
71%
of families who have gone through our family mediation have stayed together.
Preventing youth homelessness in Brighton
Vulnerable children and young people have never been more at risk. We provide vital services so that young people in Brighton and Hove, who may have had a difficult start in life, can create a brighter future.
Our impact in Brighton and Hove
In Brighton and Hove we provide a range of services for children and young people, 16 to 25, which act as a 'safety-net' to catch those at risk. From providing counselling and support & advice, to giving a home to those who are in crisis and facing homelessness, we change lives.
We offer a range of supported accommodation in Brighton and Hove. Children, young people and adults facing homelessness in Brighton and Hove can find a safe, supportive home with us. Our 24 hour supported housing is so much more than 'just a room'. We provide wraparound support so that our residents can get the emotional support, life skills and help back into education, training or employment to enable them to 'move on' successfully to independence. Our dedicated staff (and volunteers) help young people develop the tools they need to reach their full potential.
In Brighton our Young Families Project provides holistic housing support for young parents in housing crisis.
More information about our services
- For information on our housing, including referral click here.
- For support and advice click here.
- For mental health support click here.
- To find out more about our Youth Advice Centre click here.
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.
Meet some of the team
Our staff in Brighton and Hove provide young people with the support they need to reach their full potential. We wouldn't be able to transform young lives without them. Here is what some of our staff, past and present, have to say about their job.
Other services for young people at risk
YMCA Youth Advice Centre (YMCA YAC)
Support & Advice
A safe and friendly service for 13–25-year-olds in Brighton & Hove offering drop-in support for:
- Drugs and alcohol
- Debt, benefits and money
- Education, employment and training
- Sexual health (C cards and relationship advice)
- Referrals to other services including free counselling and mental health services for young people
- For information on family mediation, take a look at our 'Talk it Over' service.
Visit the Brighton YAC page here.
Housing Advice
From 31 March 2024, the Youth Advice Centre (YAC) will no longer operate a housing advice drop-in clinic.
- Young people requiring housing advice (including emergency assessments for homelessness) should approach Brighton and Hove City Council for assessment.
- If you are an existing client and need to update your YAC Housing Advisor, they will be based at the council until Friday 3 May 2024.
Call 01273 294400 for more info.
YMCA YAC Food Market
A Youth-Led sustainable social grocery store. The aim of this project is to support young people in accessing healthy, low-cost foods and shopping products at a simple one-stop shop – an easy way for young people to access locally produced fresh foods and supermarket surplus, providing a modern and sustainable approach to food waste and food poverty. Find out more.
Mental Health Support
Our YMCA Dialogue has been delivering counselling and therapy to children and young people since 1994.
Helping young people stay safe
- Our YMCA WiSE supports young people around staying safe in relationships, online and in the community.
How you can help
How our work helps
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.
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.
