SUSSEX CHARITY PROFILE:
CHARITY
SUSSEX CHARITY PROFILE:
THE CLOCK TOWER SANCTUARY
INTERVIEW BY LISAMARIE LAMB
FOR THE HOMELESS AND VULNERABLE IN SUSSEX, THE COLD WINTER MONTHS CAN BE PARTICULARLY HARD. WE SPOKE TO THE CLOCK TOWER SANCTUARY, A CHARITY THAT AIMS TO HELP THE HOMELESS, ABOUT WHAT THEY DO AND WHY THEIR WORK IS SO IMPORTANT.
WHAT DOES THE CLOCK TOWER SANCTUARY DO?
The Clock Tower Sanctuary is a day centre, located in the heart of Brighton’ s South Laines. We’ re the only drop-in service specifically for 16-25-year-old homeless young people in Brighton and Hove. If you live or have visited Brighton, it may come as no surprise that Brighton has the third largest homeless population in the UK.
When a young person first presents, they may just have their rucksack and feel alone and frightened. They are able to access our shower and laundry facilities, IT and postal service and make use of our kitchen facilities, but our main work is focused on getting them back on track and away from a life living on the streets.
WHAT IS THE CHARITY’ S HISTORY?
The Clock Tower Sanctuary is coming up to its 20th anniversary this year! The charity was set up by a group of individuals from local churches who were concerned about the high levels of homelessness in Brighton and Hove. They consulted with the local council and it was recognised that there was a gap in support for young people.
HOW DO YOU RAISE MONEY?
We receive no statutory funding, so we fundraise throughout the year. Funding comes from trusts, foundations and from the generosity of individuals, schools, business, churches and associations from the local community. I first got involved with the charity as a volunteer and I ran Brighton Marathon to help raise money. By mile 20 it was literally the only thing that was keeping me going!
CAN OUR READERS GET INVOLVED WITH ANY UPCOMING EVENTS?
We have places available for the Brighton Marathon 2017. It’ s the perfect challenge for the New Year and certainly a memorable experience. We also have our Phoenix 10K run event on the 12th July.
HOW IMPORTANT ARE VOLUNTEERS TO YOU?
They are essential! We have a team of around 40 volunteers who dedicate one day a week to help with running the drop-in service, mentoring young people, running workshops, supporting our programme of activities, fundraising and spreading awareness of youth homelessness. We wouldn’ t have a service without them. Our volunteers are great at building young people’ s trust and they each have different skill sets, interests and have had different life experiences, so when a young person comes to us, there is always a volunteer who they connect with.
WHAT ARE YOUR ULTIMATE AIMS?
To inspire, motivate and support young people to move away from homelessness and have a chance for a brighter future. Please watch Will’ s Story on our website to hear in his own words how The Clock Tower Sanctuary helps make a difference.
www. thects. org. uk
thectsbrighton thectsbrighton
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