YMCA Hastings - YMCA DownsLink Group

YMCA Hastings

140 years

supporting children & young people in Hastings and local communities.

140 young people

given a safe home every night.

5,015

people have been supported by our counselling service

Preventing youth homelessness in Hastings

Vulnerable children and young people have never been more at risk. We provide vital services so that young people in Hastings, who may have had a difficult start in life, can create a brighter future.

Our impact in Hastings

Our YMCA in Hastings provides a range of services for children and young people, 16 to 25, which act as a 'safety-net' to catch those at risk.

Children and young people facing homelessness in Hastings 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

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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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.

Nichole - Hastings 1
Eden - Hastings
Hayley - Hastings

Other services for young people at risk

Helping young people stay safe

How you can help

Donate

£12 could give a young person facing homelessness a safe place to stay

Sponsor a room

40p a day could change the life of a young person in your area.

Fundraise

Taking part in fundraising challenges means we can keep transforming young lives.

Contact information for housing advice

We run one 24 hour supported housing projects in the area, for young people between the ages of 16 and 25.

We also manage several 'Transitional Properties' across Hastings 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, contact us through the following;

  • Enquiries relating to accommodation can be directed to [email protected] or 01424 612831
  • Referrals for supported accommodation to be made through the single allocation point at [email protected]
  • Enquiries and referrals for transitional housing to be directed to [email protected]

For more information about our supported housing click here

How our work helps

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.

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.

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.

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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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