Our Story
For over 20 years, Off The Fence’s vision has been to see an end to social and spiritual poverty in Brighton and Hove.
In 1993, CEO Paul Young responded to the question,
“When are Christians going to get off the fence and do something about social poverty?”
Paul and his wife, Wendy, decided to go out into the streets of Brighton and Hove to help the most vulnerable in the city. Paul started with one friend, speaking with rough sleepers, guiding them to areas and services in the City where they could receive help.
This team of two soon turned into a team of four. Eventually, 35 volunteers from across a range of local churches and different denominations joined them - all working to save lives falling through the cracks of society.
“We started to give out the sleeping bags, clothes, hot drinks and it continued to grow from that. Over the years we used a coach that would house the homeless especially over the Christmas months. We had 6 people in that van and we looked after them as they struggled through the bitter winters.”
In 1997, Off The Fence became an official registered charity.
Since then…
…poverty has increased nationwide and Brighton is no exception. Off The Fence has grown alongside those who need us, helping them back to fulfilling and independent lives. We now operate across three main areas: homelessness, women at risk and schools and youth.
We provide long-term solutions, through our 2 day centres, 3 outreach vans and 6 core local schools. This work takes the support of just over 150 trained volunteers, staff and interns.
The mission of Off The Fence is to eradicate social and spiritual poverty in Brighton & Hove. We engage with those who need us and bring hope and transformation across the City.
Please donate to our work today.
Please help us continue to deliver vital services to those most in need in Brighton & Hove.