Brighton Charities: Practical Guide to Supporting & Getting Involved!

Local charities in Brighton are at the heart of day-to-day support — from services for people sleeping rough to youth projects, mental health help, domestic abuse support, environment work and LGBT+ services. This guide explains who many of these groups are, what they do, and some of the simplest ways both residents and visitors can help: volunteering, donating or joining events. Lots of people arrive keen to get involved but don’t know where to begin — so we’ve broken things down into clear, practical steps.

You’ll find short charity profiles, actionable tips on volunteering and donating, a compact events calendar for 2025, and reasons why backing smaller local organisations matters for Brighton’s social and economic life. Brighton Up Your Day aims to make it easier to spot local opportunities and to sign up for curated volunteer alerts and event reminders. Read on to find charities that match your interests, plan short-term volunteering on a visit, and spot upcoming fundraisers to join.

Which local charities work in Brighton, and what causes do they cover?

Brighton’s local charities often fill gaps where statutory services can’t always reach. Many run frontline work — day centres, youth clubs, helplines, conservation projects — delivering real benefits for local wellbeing and inclusion. Knowing a charity’s focus and main services can make it easier to match your time or money to what’s actually needed. Below we list key organisations by cause, give quick one-line descriptions, and include an easy reference table so you can compare services and immediate support options at a glance.

Which charities tackle homelessness in Brighton?

Charities working on homelessness and poverty provide urgent essentials, street outreach and routes toward longer-term housing stability through day services and casework. Many run food provision, outreach teams and help with welfare and rehousing referrals — practical services that aim to reduce immediate harm for people sleeping rough or in precarious housing. Donors commonly support these groups with cash, food or other in‑kind gifts (when asked). Volunteers often help in day centres, with meal shifts or outreach prep. Supporting these services can help stabilise individuals and link them into wider support networks.

Practical ways to help homelessness charities in Brighton:

• Donate money to hardship or outreach funds so charities can spend where it’s most needed.
• Volunteer at day centres — meal prep, reception or packing outreach parcels.
• Only give in-kind items when a charity lists specific needs to help avoid wasted donations.

These straightforward actions can strengthen the local safety net and open routes from crisis toward recovery.

Which youth and children’s charities operate in Brighton?

Youth and children’s charities provide mentoring, safe spaces, after‑school activities and mental health support designed to help prevent isolation and improve life chances. Programmes can include one‑to‑one mentoring, group projects, school partnerships and youth‑led events that aim to build skills and resilience. Volunteers commonly work as mentors, activity leaders or admin support; short‑term volunteers often help at events or holiday schemes without long commitments, depending on the organisation. Visitors who want to pitch in often look for one‑off event volunteering or back fundraising that helps keep youth programmes running.

Common volunteer roles with youth charities:

• Mentoring: often involves regular monthly or weekly sessions that aim to provide steady support.
• Activity leaders: commonly run arts, sports or digital workshops.
• Event volunteers: help at community fundraisers and open days.

The table below compares several local charities by their focus and the kinds of support they need.

Different Brighton charities do different things and ask for different types of help. Use this quick table to compare causes and typical ways to support.

Charity	Cause	Key Services	How to Support
Allsorts Youth Project	Youth & LGBT+ support	Safe spaces, youth groups, mentoring	Volunteer at sessions; give to core funding
Off the Fence	Homelessness & poverty	Day services, outreach, housing advice	Donate food or money; help on day centre shifts
Together Co	Mental health & inclusion	Counselling, befriending, employment support	Volunteer as a befriender; fund specialist services

How can you volunteer or donate to Brighton charities?

To help your volunteering and donations count, it can be helpful to be clear about the kinds of commitments charities need, follow safeguarding rules, and use secure donation channels. Volunteer roles often fall into one‑off event shifts, regular placements, or skilled volunteering that uses professional experience — all useful in different ways. For giving, it’s generally advisable to stick to verified charity donation pages, check registration with the Charity Commission where possible, and consider monthly gifts (they can help charities plan). Below are practical steps to choose the right opportunity and a table summarising common volunteer roles and time commitments for residents and visitors.

What volunteer opportunities exist with Brighton youth charities?

Volunteer roles for youth groups can include mentoring, activity leadership, admin support and event staffing — allowing people to give time in ways that fit their skills. Mentoring often asks for a weekly or fortnightly commitment plus basic training and safeguarding checks. Activity leaders commonly help at weekend or after‑school sessions, with short training often available. Admin volunteers can support fundraising, comms and general office tasks — often flexibly and sometimes remotely. Short‑term visitors can help at organised events or holiday programmes where DBS checks aren’t always needed, but it’s always important to check each charity’s volunteer policy first.

Volunteer role checklist for youth charities:

• Mentoring: often requires a regular commitment with safeguarding training.
• Activity leadership: commonly involves session‑based support for clubs and workshops.
• Admin & events: can involve flexible contributions for fundraising and logistics.

These roles can help increase capacity and sustain youth services across the city.

Note: the table below helps volunteers compare roles, typical time commitments and how to sign up.

Organisation	Volunteer Roles Available	Typical Time Commitment	Sign-up / Contact
Allsorts Youth Project	Mentors, session leaders, event staff	2–4 hours weekly or ad hoc for events	Contact the charity’s volunteer coordinator
Youth-focused drop-ins	Activity assistants, reception volunteers	2–6 hours per shift	Apply via the charity’s volunteer form
School-linked programmes	Classroom assistants, project leads	Term-time weekly support	Referral via the school or charity

Smart donations combine security, convenience and clear impact. The next section outlines safe giving and things to watch for.

How do you donate to charities in Brighton and Hove?

Donating locally often means choosing secure channels, deciding whether to give once or regularly, and understanding how funds are used. A common best practice is to give via a charity’s official donation page, check charity registration where available, and consider monthly gifts for predictable income. In‑kind donations can be helpful when they match specific appeals — such as food, warm clothing or craft materials — so it’s always advisable to check current requests to help avoid unwanted items. If you’re visiting, cash donations at events, taking part in fundraising activities or buying from charity stalls can be practical ways to help while you’re in town.

Safe donation steps:

• It’s generally advisable to verify a charity’s registration or public presence before giving cash or card.
• Consider donating directly through named charity pages rather than unknown intermediaries.
• Check in‑kind appeals to help ensure items match what’s needed and are accepted.

These simple checks can help reduce fraud risk and aim to ensure your contribution reaches frontline services.

Which mental health and domestic abuse charities serve Brighton?

Mental health and domestic abuse charities offer confidential specialist help — helplines, counselling, refuge places and advocacy — to support people in crisis and through recovery. They commonly combine immediate crisis response with longer‑term support such as group therapy, befriending and employment support. If you’re thinking of supporting these services, it’s important to approach with sensitivity: follow safeguarding guidance and respect confidentiality. Below we outline common mental health supports and how domestic abuse services often work, plus guidance for volunteers and donors on responsible engagement.

What mental health services do Brighton charities provide?

Mental health charities in Brighton run counselling, group therapy, helplines and community wellbeing projects tackling loneliness and supporting recovery. Services can range from drop‑in wellbeing cafés and peer groups to structured therapy pathways that need referral or appointment. Volunteers commonly act as befrienders, reception staff or group facilitators, and organisations typically provide training and supervision so volunteers can manage sensitive interactions safely. Donations can help fund staff time and subsidised therapy places — money that often directly increases counselling hours for people on low incomes.

Volunteer and donor considerations:

• Volunteers commonly receive safeguarding training and should not deliver clinical therapy unless qualified.
• Donors can fund counselling sessions, volunteer training or crisis-line capacity.
• Confidentiality and clear boundaries are generally essential in all roles.

Following these principles helps keep services safe and effective for people who need them.

How do domestic abuse charities help people in Brighton find safety?

Domestic abuse charities provide helplines, emergency refuge, advocacy and legal support to help survivors escape danger and rebuild their lives. Pathways commonly include confidential phone or online advice, safety planning, refuge placement and coordination with statutory services for housing and protection. Supporters are generally advised to respect privacy and understand that many volunteer roles require enhanced safeguarding checks and specialist training. Financial giving can help keep refuge spaces open and fund specialist caseworkers, while trained volunteers often help with supervised community support, children’s activities or admin tasks that keep services running.

How donations and volunteering help:

• Donations can help keep emergency refuges and specialist staff funded.
• Volunteers commonly provide supervised support in community programmes rather than direct crisis intervention.
• Training and confidentiality rules are designed to protect survivors and help services work well.

Respectful, well‑trained engagement is essential to help protect the dignity and safety of people using these services.

What environmental and LGBT+ charities are active in Brighton?

Brighton’s environmental and LGBT+ groups run conservation work, community clean‑ups, learning programmes and safe spaces that aim to boost local cohesion and protect natural assets. Environmental charities commonly organise habitat restoration, species monitoring and coastal clean‑ups; LGBT+ organisations run youth support, helplines, social groups and advocacy that aim to keep the city inclusive. Below we outline typical projects and volunteer roles, and give tips for joining seasonal conservation work or supporting LGBT+ services.

How do environmental charities protect nature in and around Brighton?

Environmental groups protect local nature through habitat restoration, wildlife surveys, community clean‑ups and public education. Tasks can include planting native species, removing invasives, recording species sightings and organising coastal clean‑ups — activities that aim to improve habitat and build public stewardship. Volunteers commonly do hands‑on work, help with citizen science recordings or support community events; many projects peak in spring and autumn. Donations can fund tools, training and coordination, so financial support can directly increase the scale and impact of conservation work.

Common conservation volunteer tasks:

• Habitat restoration: often involves planting and removing invasive plants with supervised teams.
• Citizen science: commonly involves recording wildlife sightings to inform local plans.
• Community clean‑ups: often involves regular events that aim to improve beaches and parks.

These activities combine practical environmental gains with community learning and connection.

What support do LGBT+ charities offer in Brighton and Hove?

LGBT+ charities in Brighton provide safe spaces, youth groups, helplines, advocacy and social programmes that support wellbeing, visibility and legal rights. Services can include facilitated youth groups, peer support, counselling referrals and community events that aim to reduce isolation and build networks. Volunteers commonly help run groups, lead workshops or support outreach and events; donations can help pay for subsidised counselling, venue hire and outreach work. Visitors can back LGBT+ events or make small donations that help sustain youth provision and safe meeting spaces.

Ways to support LGBT+ charities:

• Volunteer at youth groups or community events after completing any required training.
• Donate to fund counselling, venue costs and outreach activities.
• Attend charity events and fundraisers to raise money and visibility.

Your support can help keep inclusive, safe spaces available for the people who rely on them.

What charity events and fundraisers are coming up in Brighton for 2025?

Charity events for 2025 can offer many ways to get involved — participatory runs, community fairs, benefit concerts and challenge events that raise funds and bring in volunteer help. Taking part can give charities both money and practical volunteer hours they can use year‑round. Below is a short guide to joining events and a simple table of representative 2025 activities and how to take part; Brighton Up Your Day also offers an opt‑in for event reminders to help you plan visits and volunteering.

How can you take part in Brighton charity events and fundraisers?

You can join events as a participant, volunteer at the event, sponsor a stall or support online through fundraising pages — all flexible ways for locals and visitors to help. Register early for events with limited spaces; sign up in advance to volunteer as many roles require planning and short shifts (stewarding, kit distribution, etc.). Visitors can do one‑off volunteer shifts or attend events while in town — buying tickets or supporting online can still help reach fundraising targets. Check event pages for accessibility, travel and ticketing details and sign up for reminders so your visit runs smoothly.

Quick participation checklist:

• Register or book early for events with limited places.
• Volunteer through the event organiser and choose a shift.
• Support remotely via fundraising pages or local ticket sales if you can’t attend.

These steps can make it easier to give your time or money in ways that matter.

Introductory note: the table below shows representative event types and how to take part in 2025.

Event	Date (2025)	Organiser	How to Participate / Buy Tickets
Community fun run	Various dates	Local charities & groups	Register as a runner; join a fundraising team
Charity fair / market	Seasonal weekends	Community organisers	Volunteer on stalls; attend or donate
Benefit concert / fundraiser	Scheduled seasons	Arts & charity partners	Buy tickets or sponsor a segment

This snapshot helps you plan whether you want to run, volunteer or attend as a supporter.

Brighton Up Your Day can send curated reminders for major charity events and occasional volunteer opportunities so you don’t miss the fundraisers you want to join in 2025.

Which charities run regular community events in Brighton?

Many local charities host weekly or monthly activities — youth sessions, wellbeing cafés, conservation volunteer days and support groups — that offer ongoing ways to get involved. These regular events are commonly promoted in charity newsletters and on social channels, with recurring roles for volunteers who want steady involvement and one‑off slots for casual helpers. Finding a recurring programme can be a reliable way to build relationships with organisations and see long‑term impact. Sign up to local newsletters or volunteer alerts to stay on top of schedules and immediate needs.

Types of recurring events to look out for:

• Weekly youth sessions and drop‑ins that need consistent volunteers.
• Monthly conservation days and community clean‑ups.
• Regular wellbeing cafés and peer support groups looking for hosts or volunteers.

Showing up regularly can help build trust with partner charities and create more meaningful, lasting impact.

Why does supporting local charities matter for Brighton’s community and economy?

Backing local charities can boost social cohesion, fill service gaps and keep money circulating in the city — delivering both social and economic benefits. Small and medium charities are often nimble and responsive to local need, providing targeted help that prevents more costly statutory interventions down the line. Donations and volunteering can help build community resilience by sustaining services that aim to reduce loneliness, support mental health and keep vulnerable people safe. The sections below outline measurable wellbeing outcomes and explain why micro charities often deliver strong local impact.

How do Brighton charities affect social wellbeing and inclusion?

Charities in Brighton run programmes that aim to reduce isolation, improve mental health and support marginalised groups — all of which can strengthen community inclusion and public health. Measurable results can include greater service access, fewer crisis admissions when preventive supports are in place, and improved housing or employment stability for users. Volunteers can help deliver those outcomes directly and enable charities to reach more people; trained volunteers often provide the steady relationships that underpin recovery. Working with partners such as Brighton & Hove City Council, the Charity Commission and local trusts can improve coordination across the city.

Potential social wellbeing impacts can include:

• Less isolation through peer groups and befriending schemes.
• Better access to counselling and crisis support.
• Greater stability via housing, employment and youth mentoring programmes.

These outcomes highlight why charities can be a vital part of Brighton’s social infrastructure and why supporting them benefits the whole city.

A comprehensive audit of Brighton and Hove’s third sector highlights its significant — if sometimes under‑documented — social and economic contribution.

Brighton and Hove Third Sector Audit: Social and Economic Impact

The 2007/08 social and economic audit of Brighton and Hove’s third sector (the follow‑up to a 2003 study) confirmed the sector’s wide reach and local importance, while noting gaps in the available evidence on impact.

The report, titled ‘Taking Account’, highlighted the third sector’s dynamism in Brighton and Hove and aimed to: • explore the sector’s social value locally • quantify its economic contribution in the city • highlight the role charities play in strengthening communities and lifting local voices • assess how third‑sector activity influences public services • place the sector in context alongside other parts of the local economy • build a fuller understanding that supports better use of these local assets.

What are the benefits of supporting small and micro charities in Brighton?

Small and micro charities are often agile, locally rooted and can turn modest funds or volunteer time into immediate, visible change. With lower overheads and strong neighbourhood networks, small donations can fund direct services or essential supplies straight away. Volunteers with micro charities build close relationships that can improve service quality and trust, which makes their time especially valuable. Supporting small organisations can also broaden the local care ecosystem so residents can access culturally and geographically appropriate help.

How to support micro charities in practical ways:

• Make small regular donations to provide steady, predictable income.
• Offer in‑kind help or short‑term skilled volunteering to plug capacity gaps.
• Promote and attend local charity events to raise visibility and funds.

These actions help small organisations stay resilient and continue delivering the targeted support local people rely on.

This article maps Brighton’s charity scene, practical ways to volunteer and donate, and where to find events and ongoing opportunities in 2025. For regular updates, curated volunteer alerts and event reminders with a local angle, consider signing up to Brighton Up Your Day to stay connected with the city’s charitable activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of volunteer roles are available for visitors in Brighton?

Visitors can take part in short‑term volunteering that fits a holiday schedule. Many charities offer one-off event roles — helping at fairs, fundraisers or conservation days — that don’t need lengthy training. Seasonal activities like beach clean‑ups or charity runs can be suitable for visitors who want to give time while enjoying their stay.

How can I find out about urgent needs from local charities?

To help spot urgent needs, consider subscribing to charity newsletters or follow them on social media — they post real-time asks for food, clothing or extra volunteers. Brighton Up Your Day can also curate alerts and reminders about immediate needs and quick ways to help, so you can respond quickly when charities put out urgent appeals.

What are the benefits of donating to smaller charities compared to larger organisations?

Smaller charities can turn donations into visible local impact quickly. They often have lower overheads and can direct funds to immediate needs, and they tend to work closely with beneficiaries so support is tailored. Donating to smaller groups can allow you to see how your gift makes a difference in the neighbourhoods you care about.

How do charities in Brighton help ensure the safety of their volunteers?

Charities commonly prioritise volunteer safety through training and safeguarding policies. Many roles — particularly those involving vulnerable people — require background checks. Training often covers confidentiality, boundaries and emergency procedures so volunteers and service users can stay safe and respected.

What impact can charity events have on the local community?

Charity events can bring people together, raise vital funds and raise awareness of local issues. Fun runs, fairs and benefit concerts both generate income for services and help build social connections. Funds raised commonly go towards programmes tackling homelessness, mental health and environmental care, potentially improving overall community wellbeing.

How can one support charities in Brighton with limited time?

If time is tight, considering small regular donations or one‑off event volunteering can be options. Many charities accept online gifts, and single‑shift roles or item donations during appeals can allow you to contribute without a long commitment. Small actions can add up and make a real difference.

What are some key considerations for donating in-kind items to charities?

Before dropping off items, it’s generally advisable to check a charity’s current appeals and acceptance policy. Charities often request specific things — such as food, clothing or activity materials — and unsolicited items can sometimes create extra work. It’s helpful to ensure anything you donate is in good condition and meets any safety requirements so it can be used straight away.

Conclusion

Backing Brighton’s local charities can strengthen community ties and tackle urgent social needs, improving wellbeing across the city. Whether you give time, money or show up at an event, your involvement can make a real difference. Explore the opportunities listed here and pick the ways that suit you — together we can help keep Brighton’s community services strong and welcoming.

If you’re looking to contribute to Brighton charities, you’ll probably be interested in our blog covering Volunteering in Brighton!