Sussex Central YMCA held a celebration event on 23rd November in line with Brighton & Hove City Council's Supported Housing month. The event, held at Lansworth House, one of the YMCA’s housing projects, showcased some of the amazing work undertaken by residents throughout the year.

 

Guests enjoying the Lansworth House celebration event

Visitors included neighbours, staff of partner agencies, Council Housing Managers, local councillors and the Mayor. The residents’ creative work was exhibited and included poems, paintings and illustrations depicting stories of their lives and how the YMCA have helped them turn things around.

Visitors enjoyed a great selection of food and drinks, including a range of homemade West Indian delights, lasagne cooked by residents and a BBQ. In addition to all this, delicious free pizzas were donated by the local takeaway La Cucina.

Sussex Central YMCA Chief Executive David Standing and the Mayor with one of the residentsThe young people got the opportunity to talk to substance misuse and sexual health workers and also plan their move on into more independent accommodation. The night was a huge success and staff and residents genuinely felt that they celebrated the positive work of the YMCA over the last year. Next year’s event will be bigger and better, although some have been worried that we can't improve upon this year… nothing like a good challenge!

Three friends are about to embark on an adventure of a lifetime to raise much needed funds for Sussex Central YMCA.

In October Simon and Sarah Colquhoun along with their friend Glenn Stubbs will be racing motorised rickshaws (Tuk Tuks) across Southeast Asia.

 

Simon said “About a year ago, we were inspired to consider our life goals ... a light bulb moment occurred and thus we came to two significant conclusions that life is too short and that life will simply drift on by... work, sleep, work, pub, sleep, hangover, work, sleep. Before you know it, you are knackered and can't remember what you did last month. We are very fortunate with our lives, friends and family and we can do more for others. If we always look inward then we never realise that others are less fortunate. They need our help.” 

In January Sarah and Simon raced motorised rickshaws (tuk tuks) across the amazing landscape of India. With the help of friends, family and colleagues, they raised over £2000 for charity. The adventure didn’t come without it’s challenges which included accidents, hospital visits and rickshaws set on fire.

Now with the desire to even more, they are off again in October to undertake a challenge that has never been done before: trying to get tuk-tuks from Jakarta in Indonesia, through Sumatra and Malaysia, to Bangkok in Thailand.

This means they will have to brave jungles, shipping across pirate infested seas, bad roads, borders and of course, nutty traffic.

As well as being an experience that they will remember forever they are more importantly, raising money for those who are less fortunate than themselves and for causes that impact on the world around them. Monies raised will go towards three charities:

The official race charity is Birdlife international who do amazing work in the jungles of Sumatra, helping to stop the destruction of the forests and the extinction of the native wildlife. www.birdlife.org/

They are also fundraising for two local charities, Sussex Central YMCA’s Crawley Foyer and Crawley Open House. These charities operate a wide range of services that support and help the less fortunate. Services include those for young people, families and the homeless: www.sussexcentralymca.org.uk/crawleyfoyer
www.crawleyopenhouse.co.uk/

To sponsor Simon, Sarah and Glenn visit their JustGiving page www.justgiving.com/teams/tallyho-whatwhat

You can also read about their India adventure and follow them at their website and blog - www.teamtallyho.co.uk

 

 

The event was held to celebrate the successful transition of the Crawley Foyer services and the ownership of the building to Sussex Central YMCA.  

 

The launch event was attended by The Mayor of Crawley Carol Eade, delegates from The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) and other local supporters of the Foyer. Sussex Central YMCA Deputy Chief Executive Chas Walker introduced the attendees and discussed the future plans of the charity. Some of the residents shared their stories of how the Crawley Foyer helped them to turn their lives around. One ex-resident said: “I had issues at home and I was made street homeless. I went to Crawley Connexions for support and they got me a place here and this is where I learnt everything. I was 18 when I moved in but I have now got my own place. I learnt everything here from washing to cooking to cleaning. It also taught me skills like budgeting. I think its nice it feels strange to be back, but I have made a lot of mates here who were in the same position. I’m now a respectable young man and it’s changed me as a person.”

 

The formal presentation was followed by an informal reception in the Crawley Foyer garden. A celebration cake was cut by the Mayor of Crawley who then addressed the guests with a speech, expressing the importance of the work that the Foyer does to help local young people. She said: “I have been really impressed in hearing the young people’s life events. You just can not put a price on the centre, it’s invaluable. It’ll make them all such strong people in the future.”

A long standing supporter and friend of the Crawley Foyer Jim Mulsgrave, owner of prestigious beauty salon Jimmy Chop Chop, presented a cheque for £2,300, to Sussex Central YMCA Board Chair Ian Chisnall. The money was raised through a music concert organised by the salon. Jimmy Chop Chop has built up a great relationship with the Foyer by providing training and work opportunities for the residents. “We are quite proud to be involved in helping this cause, the youngsters are inspirational.”

 

Achieving the purchase of such a large building and project wouldn’t have been possible without the support of RBS who were willing to work closely with Sussex Central YMCA to provide the necessary funds to make the purchase of the building possible.

After enjoying tea and cakes the guests had a chance to take tours of the Foyer, which were led by the residents. The building has become a state of the art facility with a life skills centre, computer suites and digital music centre. The event was a huge success, it was a chance for Sussex Central YMCA to set out it’s vision and plans for the future and also a networking opportunity for local businesses. Sussex Central YMCA is always keen to hear fromm local businesses who would be interested in supporting and working with the Foyer.

 

HCCS has recently merged with Sussex Central YMCA and is now part of Dialogue, Sussex Central YMCA's Family and Therapeutic Services.

 

On 17th June, Barbara Green, the HCCS Co-ordinator, welcomed guests to the newly refurbished HCCS for their open day. The Chief Executive of Sussex Central YMCA, David Standing, spoke and representatives from the local councils and organisations were present, including; Crawley Borough Councillor, Brenda Burgess and Sarah Kane from the Three Oaks Trust, both pictures right. David commented on the organisations delight at merging with HCCS as, "this merger presents us with more opportunities to make a difference to the lives of people in the local community across Sussex."

Set in an old chapel, HCCS has a very calm atmosphere with each room having its own colour theme. HCCS was established over fifteen years ago, to provide accessible and affordable counselling to the local and surrounding community. They have 16 counsellors who have experience helping with a variety of issues. Barbara spoke about how the HCCS  provides “an incredibly beneficial support and counselling service” and how important this service is to local people.

HCCS are an important part of the community and are committed to providing the best services to those who need it. Clients can refer themselves, although HCCS is frequently recommended by GP’s and other health professionals.
In addition, by using the service clients may (according to their financial situation) benefit from reduced cost fees and can be assured that any fees paid are helping to provide counselling for someone else who might otherwise not be able to afford it.

 

 

To find out more about Horsham and Crawley Counselling Service please call 01403 217900 or email hccsdialogue@sussexcentralymca.org.uk or visit the website at www.hcctherapy.org.uk

For any further information on counselling services across Sussex please visit The Dialogue Centre

 

 

The Big Lottery Fund (BIG) has awarded Sussex Central YMCA almost £1 million to help young offenders in Sussex get back on their feet. The awarded grant of £990,615 has been provided to use over 3 years to work specifically with young people leaving young offenders’ institutes to help minimise the risk of re-offending.

Chas Walker, Deputy Chief Executive at Sussex Central YMCA said “This is a unique opportunity for a partnership of statutory and voluntary sector organisations to work together to make a real difference in the lives of young people who find themselves on the wrong side of the law. We’ve already worked on a pilot project in Sussex which saw an almost 40% drop in re-offending rates amongst young people, so we know our approach works.”

Canoeing

 

The project will work with Sussex-based young people aged 15-18 years of age who are about to leave custody and will provide them with individual action plans and activities that will improve their confidence and increase their life skills. A panel of young people will have direct involvement in deciding what activities and services are needed, such as help with accessing employment, education, training, or family support.

John Barradell, Chief Executive at Brighton and Hove City Council, said “Sussex Central YMCA have a track record of delivering innovative services for the benefit of disadvantaged young people, so I am delighted to hear they will be working so closely with our Youth Offending Service to deliver this life-changing project for young offenders. I am confident that this project will deliver results and that we will see a reduction in youth re-offending rates.”Climbing Wall

Peter Evans, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Children and Families said "I welcome the extra support this funding will provide, because giving young people leaving custody assistance as they move towards independent living can only be of benefit in helping them turn their lives around for the better."

The project will be delivered in partnership with the Youth Offending Teams in Brighton and Hove, East Sussex and West Sussex, and with Eastbourne YMCA and Sussex Nightstop, a charity offering accommodation to homeless young people.

The grant application was written in consultation with young ex-offenders who put forward ideas to make the project relevant to young people about to leave a Young Offenders Institute. John aged 19, from Brighton said: “I wish there was a service like this when I came out of prison when I was 17. I was seriously worried about having nothing to do and nowhere to go. My biggest concern was working things out with my family. It would have been amazing to have support and advice on where to start.”

A week before Christmas 26 young people and their youth workers from Brighton went to Gambia to visit a local school and hospital. The 2010 trip was run by Sussex Central YMCA in partnership with Brighton City College.

 

Brighton students with pupils from Kafuta Lower Basic School A group of students, workers and volunteers from Sussex Central YMCA delivered a range of sporting activities and donated some much needed equipment to the pupils at Kafuta Lower Basic School in Gambia. The school children were taught how to play football, cricket, frisbee and also got involved in multi skills activities. The students and staff members from Brighton City College together with pupils and teachers from Gambia built goals for the football field, shelves for the school library and hung doors in the school building.    

 

 

  Building shelves for the school libaryThe trip not only benefited the school in Gambia but also gave many of the young people from Brighton a life changing experience. Some of them have been excluded from school numerous times but after spending just seven days in Africa and witnessing people’s lifestyle they have changed beyond recognition. Yolandi Taylor who is a Sports Development Manager at Sussex Central YMCA and also the organiser of the Gambia trip said: “It is amazing to see the changes in these young people. They have come back more mature and with a changed attitude towards life and their education. After returning I have received emails from surprised parents and teachers who can not believe the changes they have seen."

Visisting Royal Victoria teaching hospitalThe group also visited two children’s wards at the Royal Victoria teaching hospital in the capital Banjul. It was a breathtaking experience for the young Britons seeing the overcrowded hospital with each bed being shared by two children. This was Kirsty’s first trip to Gambia and she found herself overwhelmed by how people appreciate everything they have and get on with their lives despite the hardships. “Going to the hospital was such an eye opener for me. To see all the sick children who don’t have much but are still smiling and happy.” Brighton visitors gave toys and clothes to the children in the hospital, which were much appreciated by the children and their parents. 

After coming back from Africa all of the Sussex Central YMCA Key Stage 4 students have decided to sponsor a child in Gambia for a year. Only £10 will pay for a school uniform, books and school meals. “The school was unbelievable. I loved it so much and I wish I could sponsor all of them but I am glad I can change one boy’s life,” said Jazz, Key Stage 4 student who went to Gambia for the first time.  

Seeing the obstacles and hardships school children face in Gambia the Brighton students can really appreciate the opportunities they have back here in the UK. When asked what was the biggest eye opener, Jazz said: “The biggest thing was walking around Gambia and seeing their life style. It's so harsh out there and the school is quite basic. Now I really want to go back to college and do well.” 

 

 

Come and support the YMCA runners at the Brighton Marathon taking place on Sunday 10th April 2011. Sussex Central YMCA have recruited 11 brave runners who will be racing round the course to raise money for the work they do with children, young people and families across Sussex.

One of the runners is Max, a 21 year old resident at the Sussex Central YMCA Y Centre in Horsham. The Y Centre is a supported accommodation project that houses 50 young people each night. Max wants to run the Marathon for Sussex Central YMCA to give something back for providing him with a secure home and giving him a chance to get back on track in life.

The Jog Shop in Kemp Town has provided Max with everything a runner needs to train up for the marathon. Most importantly new running shoes and good running clothes that will protect Max from rain and wind as he trains. To help Max kick off his training Performance Foods in Hove have given him a range of different sport supplements to use before, during and after exercising.

Jason Anderton who is an Engagement and Learning Co-ordinator at the Y Centre has been helping Max with his training and will be running the Brighton Marathon along side him for Sussex Central YMCA. Jason says “we are training together once a week but Max goes running regularly on his own. It’s great to see his progress and determination.”

All the runners hard work and training will be worth the effort as the monies raised will go directly towards supporting Sussex Central YMCA projects. The majority of the money raised will go towards their youth advice centre in Moulsecoomb called Safe + Sorted. This project has been running in the local community for the past 6 years and has impacted the lives of hundreds of young people living in the area. Due to funding cuts the project is under threat, but the money you raised will help to keep this vital project in this deprived area open until longer term funding is secured. One of the other projects the marathon money will help is the Give2Gambia project where local young people undergo a life changing experience by taking out much needed sports equipment to schools in Gambia.

Max and the other YMCA Marathon runners need your support. Sponsor them today by visiting their JustGiving pages, click here to sponsor Max or to make general donation to all the runners click here.


You can also cheer the runners on at our designated cheering points on 10th April. The points are at the bottom of Holland Road near the 15 mile mark between 10.30am and 12pm and then across the road at the 25 mile mark between 12pm and 2.30pm.


For more information about the Jog Shop visit their website www.jogshop.co.uk.

For more information about Performance Foods visit their website www.performancefoodsbrighton.co.uk.

Images courtesy of (c) Tony Mould – My Brighton and Hove Website

 

Support the work of Sussex Central YMCA and get sponsored to sleep rough for the night in January 2011.

Sussex Central YMCA has been supporting young people across Sussex for 90 years. Every night they provide over 130 bed spaces for young people who would otherwise be homeless. They also run a variety of support services including advice centres, counselling, mediation, family support, youth work and sports programmes.

Resident and volunteer Kim says of Sussex Central YMCA: "they helped me when I needed a roof over my head.  When I wasn't very well and had no one to turn to they supported me.  I don't like to think about what would have happened to me if Sussex Central YMCA wasn't there."

Challenge yourself, have fun and raise money to support Sussex Central YMCA's work with children, young people and families by spending a night sleeping out under the stars (cardboard boxes provided!). It'll be a fun-packed night with live music, story telling and giant games.

Sleep Easy is taking place in Horsham:

Friday 28th January 2011 7pm - 7am

St John the Evangelist RC Church, Springfield Road, Horsham

Registration fee is £10 and includes supper and breakfast. Click here to sign up.

Support our event!

Help Sussex Central YMCA continue this vital work with young people and sign up for Sleep Easy today!

For more information or to sign up click here or contact the communications team on 01273 222550 or email communications@sussexcentralymca.org.uk 

 

 

 

Sussex Central YMCA would like to thank the following organisations for their support and sponsorship:

 

Following the success of this year’s inaugural Brighton Marathon a date has been set for next year’s race – 10th April 2011. All the individualplaces have sold out, however, Sussex Central YMCA have 12 charity places up for grabs. 

Charity Places

By signing up to run for Sussex Central YMCA you will not only be guaranteed a place to run in the Brighton Marathon but you will also have the opportunity to raise money to support the work we do with disadvantaged children, young people and families across Sussex.

As well as a prize for the top fundraiser we will provide every runner of the Sussex Central YMCA team with: Ian Manwaring

• Fundraising advice and support

• Vest to wear on the day

• Goody bag

• Cheering pack

• Access to the runners charity village at the start and end of the race

Each place costs £50 and runners will need to commit to raising £500 sponsorship money. Places are available on a first come first served basis.

To sign up for the marathon or for more information click here or contact the Communications Team on 01273 222581.

About the Marathon

The Brighton Marathon course is mainly flat and stretches along the seafront and around the town centre. For more information aboutthe race see the official website www.brightonmarathon.co.uk.

Sign up today to guarantee your place!

2010 Marathon Group