YMCA Brighton - More than a Roof

Despite these challenging times, YMCA Brighton continues to offer life-changing support across the city. We spoke to Marie Macintosh, Head of Fundraising, to find out more about the charity’s work 

Brighton is known for its creativity, compassion, and community spirit but behind the vibrant streets, the city is grappling with a deepening crisis. Homelessness, poverty, addiction, domestic violence and mental health struggles continue to rise, and local charities are under increasing pressure to meet the demand. 

At the heart of the response is YMCA Brighton, a long-established, inclusive charity that has been on the frontline for over 150 years. Their mission is clear: to support people in crisis and empower them to reachtheir full potential. And they do it with values that include compassion, dignity, inclusion, and respect. 

YMCA Brighton provides supported accommodation across the city, helping around 300 people at any one time. Residents face a range of complex issues, including homelessness, trauma, addiction, and mental health challenges. But what sets YMCA Brighton apart is its holistic, person-centred approach. Each resident is matched with a keyworker and given tailored support that goes beyond a place to stay. From mental health guidance to life skills coaching, residents are empowered to move forward at their own pace. 

“We’re not just about putting a roof over someone’s head and that’s that,” said Marie Macintosh, Head of Fundraising. “We’re about helping people recover, grow, work towards their independence, and feel part of a community again.” 

YMCA Brighton is part of the Make Change Count coalition, a vibrant partnership of local charities tackling and supporting people facing homelessness through raising funds on Just Giving page. This allows people in crisis to be supported in a joined-up, collaborative way.

“No one organisation can do this alone,” Marie explained. “Homelessness, poverty and mental health is complex, and it takes coordinated support to truly help someone turn things around. Everyone deserves the resources to get back on their feet.” 

One of YMCA Brighton’s most impactful services is Evolve, a one-to-one coaching programme that supports residents to take their next steps. Whether it’s gaining confidence, preparing for work, accessing training, or improving mental wellbeing, Evolve offers consistent support to help residents move forward in a way that suits them. Coaches work flexibly, building trusted relationships and helping people overcome the barriers that have held them back. 

YMCA Brighton’s approach to wellbeing includes more than just practical support. Residents can take part in creative activities that improve confidence and connection, including the uplifting YMCA Brighton choir and the powerful New Note music sessions, run in partnership with New Note Orchestra. These groups provide far more than entertainment, they offer a chance to be seen, heard, and learn new skills. 

At one of the housing projects, a woman who had been rough sleeping due to illiteracy and eviction is now thriving in stable accommodation, engaging with support services, and motivated to learn and find work. Another resident has made great progress in her recovery journey, taking part in mental health and addiction support, creative groups, and online learning, as she works toward rebuilding her wellbeing and returning to teaching. 

One resident became homeless after a relationship breakdown but is now making steady progress after facing financial hardship, digital exclusion, and isolation. With help from his keyworker, he’s gained access to benefits, food, transport, and a phone, and is working 

towards greater independence and stable housing. Together, these stories show how compassionate, flexible support can truly transform lives. 

Like many charities, YMCA Brighton is under growing financial pressure. “Fundraising is getting more competitive,” Marie remarked. “Demand for our services has increased, but funding has not kept pace. We’ve had to start exploring new fundraising avenues to keep providing as much as we can for our residents.” 

This includes public appeals and community events like the upcoming Raising the Roof comedy fundraiser. On Sunday 28 September, YMCA Brighton is hosting Raising the Roof at Komedia Brighton, a night of top comedy for a vital cause. The line-up includes Zoe Lyons, Mark Thomas, Mark Steel, Elliot Steel, and host Guy Lloyd – all proceeds go straight into the charity’s frontline work with vulnerable adults and tickets are available via Eventbrite on the website below. 

In a city where homelessness is not going away, YMCA Brighton remains a foundation of hope for anyone who needs it. Through supported accommodation, coaching, partnerships, and creative recovery, they help people not just survive but start again and rediscover the spark that’s been missing from their lives. 

We all need support sometimes and YMCA Brighton is there, doing this work – day in and out. And in today’s world, that work has never been more needed. 

www.ymcabrighton.co.uk

Raising the Roof tickets available on Eventbrite