How we make a difference

The young people who use our services have usually experienced extremely challenging early lives. Many come from broken or dysfunctional homes. Occasionally their early experiences include neglect and/or abuse in households where alcohol or drug dependence or violence are routine. Others may have behavioural or mental health problems that become unmanageable for their families. When they leave home, these young people often turn to other family and friends, becoming part of the ‘hidden homeless’. Once their hospitality has been exhausted, they may end up sleeping rough or in temporary/emergency accommodation.

Faced with this situation, young people often experience a sense of crisis. They rarely have any funds, may have little support, or be separated from, friends and family, and often lack the knowledge, skills and confidence to stay safe and to deal with their situation.

We offer client-centred support and advice in an open, accepting and safe environment. Our approach enables clients to make informed choices about changes they may want to make in their lives, pursuing these changes at their own pace and with the support of staff and volunteers. Whether service users choose to make, and are able to sustain change in their lives or not, they are welcome to utilise the full range of services offered in our day centre.

The majority of people who come to the Clock Tower Sanctuary are from Brighton & Hove. People from outside the City with no local connection, often visit several times before they are relocated, as they are unable to receive housing assistance from the Council. Young people who do have a local connection with Brighton & Hove are assisted in securing temporary/emergency accommodation, supported housing or to find private rented accommodation, if their circumstances permit. Many become long-term service users at The Clock Tower Sanctuary.

For longer-term service users, success is probably best measured in terms of their ability to cope with life on a day to day basis; ideally to become and stay housed and to develop basic life skills which will enable them to become self-reliant. In a few rare cases, some of our service users make spectacular changes in their lives and go on to achieve academic success and enjoy careers.