2023
People’s Choice Award 2023 £5-20 million
Judges’ Award 2023 £5-20 million
Mapalo had a difficult childhood. Her mum suffered a heart attack when Mapalo was just 7 and it left her unable to cope. At 18 Mapalo moved into 24 hour supported accommodation provided by @YMCA DownsLink Group . With the support of YMCA staff she's been able to get her life back on track and she's about to go to university to study midwifery.
YMCA DownsLink Group is the biggest youth charity in Sussex & Surrey. Every night, we provide accommodation to more than 780 young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. We work to tackle the causes of youth homelessness, break the cycle of despair, and give young people in crisis the opportunity to create a brighter future.
Through our youth advice centres, community and school counselling services, family mediation and other youth focussed services, we provide support to a further 10,000 children, young people and families each year. Together, we can transform young lives.
We align with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals:
