Last Updated on 22 May 2026 by Dave King
Brighton has a strong network of local charities covering homelessness, youth support, domestic abuse, LGBTQ+ services and social connection. If you want to help but are not sure where to start, this guide lists the main Brighton charities by what they do, how to volunteer and where to donate. All organisations listed here are registered charities or established community groups with a current online presence.
Table of Contents
Charities Featured in This Guide
| Charity | Focus | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Off the Fence | Homelessness outreach and day centre | offthefence.org.uk |
| BHT Sussex | Homelessness, mental health, housing | bht.org.uk |
| YMCA Brighton | Advice, accommodation, coaching | ymcabrighton.co.uk |
| The Clock Tower Sanctuary | Day centre for 16-25 year olds | thects.org.uk |
| Sussex Nightstop | Emergency host-home accommodation for 16-25s | sussexnightstop.org.uk |
| RISE | Domestic abuse support, helpline, refuge | riseuk.org.uk |
| Allsorts Youth Project | LGBTQ+ youth support | allsortsyouth.org.uk |
| Together Co | Loneliness, befriending, social connection | togetherco.org.uk |
| Community Works | Volunteering hub for Brighton and Hove | communityworks.org.uk |
Homelessness
Several Brighton charities work together on homelessness through the Make Change Count campaign, which has run since 2016 and is supported by Brighton and Hove City Council. Donations go directly to frontline services, with no funds used for administration.
Off the Fence runs afternoon and evening outreach through its Antifreeze programme, plus a day centre offering IT access, clothing, hygiene facilities, laundry and showers.
BHT Sussex provides a day centre, supported accommodation, mental health services and homeless prevention teams.
YMCA Brighton has been operating in Brighton and Hove since 1870, providing advice, accommodation and coaching to help people move towards independence.
The Clock Tower Sanctuary is the only day centre in Brighton and Hove specifically for 16 to 25 year olds experiencing homelessness, offering food, clothing, showers and emotional support.
Sussex Nightstop provides same-day emergency accommodation in volunteer host homes for 16 to 25 year olds.
The most direct way to help is to donate to the Make Change Count campaign via its JustGiving page. If you want to volunteer, check each charity’s website for current volunteering, fundraising or support opportunities.
Domestic Abuse
RISE (Refuge, Information, Support and Education) is a Brighton-based charity supporting people affected by domestic abuse. Services include a helpline, refuge accommodation, counselling, legal advice and support for children and young people. RISE also offers specialist LGBTQ+ support.
The RISE helpline number is 01273 622 822 and is currently listed as open on Monday and Tuesday mornings, 9:30am to 12:30pm. Visit riseuk.org.uk/get-help for referral options.
Youth and LGBTQ+ Support
Allsorts Youth Project supports children and young people under 26 who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer or exploring their identity. Services include youth groups, one-to-one sessions, and support for parents and carers. Allsorts is Komedia’s charity partner for 2026 through the Down the Hatch comedy night.
Loneliness and Social Connection
Together Co is a Brighton-based charity working on loneliness and social isolation. It runs befriending services, connector programmes and community events to help people build social connections. Together Co recruits volunteer befrienders and connectors, with training and support provided. The charity is based at Nile House, Nile Street, Brighton, BN1 1HW.
How to Volunteer or Donate
Community Works is the main hub for the voluntary sector in Brighton and Hove. Its volunteering portal at volunteer.communityworks.org.uk lists current opportunities across dozens of local Brighton charities, searchable by cause, time commitment and role type. If you are not sure which charity to approach, start there. Some Brighton charities also run adult education courses alongside their support services.
For donating, go directly to each charity’s website and check the current donation options. If you want a single donation to support multiple homelessness charities, the Make Change Count JustGiving page distributes funds across all participating organisations.
In-kind donations (food, clothing, supplies) are accepted by some charities, but check what each organisation currently needs before dropping items off. Unwanted items can create extra work for small teams.
FAQs
How do I find volunteering opportunities in Brighton?
The Community Works volunteering portal lists current roles across Brighton and Hove charities. Individual charities also advertise volunteer vacancies on their own websites.
Can I volunteer in Brighton if I am just visiting?
Some charities offer short-term or one-off volunteering, such as community clean-ups or event support. Contact the charity directly to ask about opportunities that do not require a long-term commitment.
Where should I donate if I want to help homeless people in Brighton?
The Make Change Count campaign distributes donations across Brighton’s main homelessness charities. You can also donate directly to any of the individual organisations listed above.
Final Thoughts
Brighton charities cover a wide range of needs, and most of them actively recruit volunteers and accept donations. The Community Works portal is the single best starting point if you want to get involved but are not sure where. For homelessness, Make Change Count keeps things simple by pooling donations across several organisations. For everything else, the charities listed here all have clear routes to volunteering and giving on their websites.
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