YMCA DownsLink Group is a charity working to transform the lives of vulnerable young people across Sussex and Surrey. We work to prevent youth homelessness and supply a home to 763 young people each night. We reach a further 10,000 young people and their families through our other key services, such as counseling, assistance and recommendation, mediation and youth work, so that all young people can belong, contribute and thrive. YMCA is the broadest and oldest youth movement in the world operating in 120 countries and supplying vital services for over 65 million people. YMCA DownsLink Group is a formation of local YMCAs across Sussex and Surrey. We can trace our legal history to Hove YMCA and in 2019 we celebrated our 100th anniversary which coincided with YMCA 175th anniversary. Our fascinating and insightful book, History of the YMCA in Sussex and Surrey was produced to mark these monumental milestones.

Who we help

Children, young people, and families are at the heart of YMCA DownsLink Group with a particular concentrate on the wants of young people who find themselves on the fringes of society and need assistance.

What we do

Our work covers a large diversity of fields involving assisted accommodation, Youth Advice Centres (YAC), sexual exploitation, mental health, housing advice, childcare, counseling, mentoring, and apprenticeships.

Transforming communities

YMCA DownsLink Group is committed to transforming local communities so that all children, young people, and families exactly belong, contribute and thrive. We supply a place and space for young people to feel safe through accommodation, training, learning, assistance and advice, counseling, and mediation that will lead to better life chances and a positive future.

How you can help

We are the charity giving young people in crisis throughout Sussex and Surrey life-long tools to thrive. Donate today, and you could help us make a difference in the lives of even more young people, children, and their families.