YMCA Crawley
124 years
supporting children & young people in Crawley and local communities.
80 young people
given a safe home every night.
62%
of residents were helped back into education, employment or training.
Preventing youth homelessness in Crawley
Vulnerable children and young people have never been more at risk. We provide vital services so that young people in Crawley, who may have had a difficult start in life, can create a brighter future.
Our impact in Crawley
In Crawley 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 youth groups, counselling and support & advice, to giving a home to those who are in crisis and facing homelessness, we change lives.
Children and young people facing homelessness in Crawley 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.
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.
Dylan’s story
Dylan ran away from home when he was 14 and got involved with drugs to help him cope but ended up in hospital after suffering from a nervous breakdown.
Meet some of the team
Our staff 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 11–25-year-olds in Crawley offering drop-in support for:
- Mental health and emotional wellbeing
- Physical and sexual health
- Employment & education
- Money, welfare and debt
- Substance misuse
- Exploitation
- Gender & sexuality
Visit our YMCA YAC Crawley page here.
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
Contact information for housing advice
Crawley Foyer is a 24 hour supported housing project in the area, for young people between the ages of 16 and 25.
We also manage several 'Transitional Properties' across Crawley and West Sussex for young people who are capable of managing a tenancy and are ready for independent living. These young people still have access to a key worker to provide housing related support.
If you are a young person at risk, or have concerns about someone, you can access our service by speaking to another agency such as Connexions or Crawley Borough Council.
If you are a referring agent and working with a young person who could benefit from our service please contact us for vacancy details and referral information: T 01293 514222
For more information about our supported housing click here
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.
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.
Becky’s story
Becky is 19 and left home after her Dad’s drinking became too much for her to cope with. Her mum died when she was 10 and her Dad turned to alcohol to deal with his grief. She moved in with her boyfriend at 17 as a way to get away from her Dad, but when that didn’t work out she found herself facing homelessness.
