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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