We Out Here in aid of The Clock Tower Sanctuary

Each month with our digital shows we will be raising funds for a different charity close to our hearts. As this month's show has a focus on Brighton talent, we are supporting a charity that is very close to home - The Clock Tower Sanctuary.

What do they do?

The Clock Tower Sanctuary work with 16-25-year-olds who are experiencing homelessness or who are insecurely housed. As the only day centre for young homeless people in Brighton & Hove, their services help clients to move out of crisis and into more stable lives.

Why are they needed?

Each client has a different story and reason for coming to The Clock Tower Sanctuary for help. But they often share things in common – wanting somewhere safe to live; to look and feel good and to get help with their problems, just like any young person. They want to find work or pursue their passions; be happy and enjoy life. But this can be really tough without somewhere stable to live, sleep, wash, cook and just ‘be’.

They are also often coping with mental health problems; usually have little family support and can be vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. Once a young person becomes homeless, things can quickly spiral out of control. They are at much higher risk of poor health or being the victim of violence. The CTS’s small team of three Support Coordinators work closely with each person to identify their goals and challenges, to build a pathway out of homelessness. You can read their 2019-20 Impact Report and what young people say about how they have helped them to get their lives back on track.

Vital help in an unprecedented crisis

Since the first lockdown last March, The Clock Tower Sanctuary have worked with the Council and other services to ensure all their clients who were rough sleeping had a roof over their heads - for now. This accommodation is often less than ideal, with older homeless people, or in towns they don’t know, which can be very isolating.

They are also working with young people who are newly homeless due to the pressures of the pandemic, through losing jobs and no longer being able to afford rent. The frontline team are providing a daily hot lunch to sit down and enjoy in the centre; care parcels of basic necessities; helping with issues like benefits payments; medical appointments and just ‘being there’ for scared and lonely young people, which can be literally lifesaving.

As Ben, aged 25 said, “If it wasn’t for [The Clock Tower Sanctuary] a lot of us would have given up ages ago”.

£10

Could pay to top up a client's phone, so that the CTS can stay in touch with them during the Covid-19 crisis.

£21

Could pay for cooking equipment and some food supplies for a young person living in temporary accommodation. 

£48

Could pay for a Support Coordinator to spend a few hours with a young person who is having a really difficult time.  

TUNE IN TODAY VIA WEOUTHEREFESTIVAL.COM to listen to some of Brighton's best live musicians & DJs.