Off The Fence Trust

Who we are

Homelessness: Working for and at the heart of Brighton & Hove

Off The Fence was founded in 1997 in response to a challenge set down at a forum for the local church, charity, and council leaders to explore what could be done to deal with the issue of homelessness in Brighton & Hove. The gathering was exhorted to ‘Get off the fence’ and our founder and CEO Paul Young picked up the gauntlet and with his wife Wendy and a couple of volunteers set up ‘Off The Fence with a vision to end poverty in all forms around Brighton & Hove. Our organisation now operates across two day centres, three outreach vans, and fifteen local schools, with a team of over 20 trained volunteers, staff, and interns. Last year, we served over 15,000 residents of Brighton and Hove, and have been appointed as one of the Mayor’s Charities of the year in three of the past five years.

Off The Fence runs:

• Emergency outreach to those living on the streets with a homeless centre, Antifreeze which provides emotional and practical assistance for exiting homelessness and supports those who have struggled with life-destroying addictions, mental health issues, job loss, family breakdown, violence and bereavement which have led to homelessness.
• Support for women facing financial, health, domestic crises and emotional and physical abuse at the Gateway Women’s Day Centre in Portslade.
• A Schools & Youth programme that provides mentoring, mental health initiatives and other supportive services for pupils aged 5-18 in local schools.
• Off The Fence offers a way forward and the opportunity to live a better, fuller and secure life.

What is the Off The Fence mission?

The mission of Off The Fence is to eradicate social and spiritual poverty in Brighton & Hove. We engage with those who need us and those who want to support us to bring hope and transformation across the City.