YMCA Horsham - YMCA DownsLink Group

YMCA Horsham

141 years

supporting children & young people in Horsham and local communities.

65 young people

given a safe home every night.

89%

of residents moved on successfully into independent living.

Preventing youth homelessness in Horsham

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

Our impact in Horsham

In Horsham 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 clubs 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 Horsham 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

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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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.

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Image of Sharon Rawcliffe, Head of Operations West Sussex, YMCA DownsLink Group

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

The Horsham Y Centre provides housing to 50 young people. The focus of the work is to help develop the young people’s skills and confidence so that they can move on from supported accommodation and live independently.

The Y Centre has 48 rooms with 2 emergency rooms. A single room consists of a bedroom, a kitchen and en suite shower-room. Young people can stay at the Y Centre for up to 2 years.

If you are a young person and would like to find out more about our services or if you are interested in supporting the work of the Horsham Y Centre please contact us:

T 01403 213403
E 
[email protected]

How our work helps

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.

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.

Tina’s story

Tina found the support she received from our YMCA WiSE service invaluable following a difficult period in her life when she had been groomed by two older men.

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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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