Friends First exists to see people equipped for employment, established in homes, and connected to community. In the early 1990's, a group of volunteers responded to Brighton's homelessness concern and Friends First was born. ​​Registered in 2002, Friends First has grown from running supported housing and recently a market garden. Today our unique service, comprises of work, support and accommodation. We provide long-term support to 40 people a year.

A Joseph Rowntree Study demonstrated that 71% of those who got a job between 2010 and 2012 moved out of poverty. We want to help people leave cycles of dependency and work has an important role in this. Not only is this hugely beneficial to the wider economy, that person can now use their resources to thrive in their locality as poverty denies many people from active community participation. As one father said to us, "I've got my son back". Changed people results in a changed community.