The Clock Tower Sanctuary is the only drop-in day centre in Brighton & Hove for young people who are experiencing homelessness. We work with 16-25-year olds to help them move out of the chaos of homelessness and to get their lives back on track. Through our Crisis Support project we provide hot meals, food parcels, use of bathrooms and laundry, storage for personal effects and help with accessing medical and other services. We also run a weekly programme of classes and workshops such as yoga, fitness, music, cookery, Men's Group, Women's Group and Evolve for LGBTQ+ young people to help our clients develop their skills and confidence. This is supported by one to one case working, which enables each individual to identify their own pathway out of crisis and into stability.
Why the community needs us
Brighton & Hove has the fourth largest homeless population in the UK (Shelter, 2019). Being young and homeless is one of the most traumatic, frightening and damaging experiences - a life that no one deserves. Almost all of our clients have experiencing trauma in their early lives, where relationships with family have broken down. When they come to us, they are often extremely vulnerable and in a state of crisis. We offer the practical and emotional support they need, along with a friendly place to just 'be', where they will feel welcome.
Our impact on the community
In 2021 we worked with 108 young people. People like Sarah, who was 21 when she came to us for help. She said: "I've been living on my own since I was 17 and I’ve had a tough time of it, especially these past couple years. But I’ve learned from it, I understand it all, and I know now how to keep myself secure and on the right track. CTS is a safety net for when you keep on falling down. It’s a lovely safe place you can go and talk to anyone about anything. The clubs and activities here are amazing, and they make it so easy for you. I love the yoga and I love the Women’s Group"
Thank you for helping to change the lives of young people in our community.