To provide a range of practical services to help families or individuals with the multiple urgent needs often caused by poverty. Over 2,500 unemployed and homeless people were supported by the Centre last year. Our ethos is empowerment through self help: families disadvantaged by unemployment, ill health, lack of opportunity or housing can access the integrated services while at the same time coming together to help improve their own and other's quality of life in a safe community space.

People come to the Centre at times of crisis, their needs are acute and multiple, whether as a result of mental health issues, unemployment, homelessness, domestic violence or long term ill health. We are based in the Tarner area of Brighton where indicies of income, employment and health deprivation all fall into the lowest 1% in the country. The project meets the immediate needs and then works with families and individuals over time to improve their situation and the lives of their families.

Last year we served 11,000 meals, supported 1,865 people with advice or advocacy, provided 2,310 playroom spaces to children under 8, ran 74 different courses, gave family support to 116 families, and worked with 284 volunteers, 148 of them new. As a result of coming to the Centre, 83% of our users felt more confident, 76% less isolated and 69% felt their skills had increased. Our ethos of self-help and empowerment equips people with lasting benefits that enable them to realise their potential.