This is what I learnt about the support needed for homeless people when I visited one of Turning Tides' hubs in West Sussex

Turning Tides is urging local people, businesses and organisations to support its homelessness hubs, which provide vital frontline services for hundreds of vulnerable people across West Sussex every year.

Often described as the A&E of homelessness, Turning Tides’ hubs are frequently the first place people turn when they have nowhere else to go and need immediate support – as well as to some of the other wonderful homelessness charities in West Sussex like Crawley Open House and Stonepillow.

Far more than just buildings, the Turning Tides’ hubs offer safety, stability and hope to people facing some of the most challenging circumstances of their lives. Every day, individuals experiencing homelessness can access housing advice, healthcare services, mental

health support, benefits guidance, employment assistance and practical help, all under one roof.

Richard Erdelyi, Deputy Head of Operations at Turning Tides, said when I met him: “Our hubs are the heartbeat of everything we do. They are often the first point of contact for people in crisis, providing urgent intervention when someone is at their most vulnerable.

"Every person who walks through our doors is met with compassion, dignity and understanding. We know that homelessness is different for everyone, so our skilled teams work alongside individuals to understand their circumstances and help them build a path towards recovery and independence.”

By bringing multiple services together in one location, Turning Tides removes many of the barriers that can prevent people from getting the support they need. As well as meeting immediate needs, the hubs help prevent homelessness from becoming entrenched by providing early intervention and long-term support.

For many people, the journey does not end at the hub. The organisation’s integrated approach means individuals can move into supported accommodation while maintaining relationships with familiar staff and support networks. This continuity helps build trust, confidence and stability, all crucial foundations for lasting change.

The success of the hubs relies heavily on the support of the local community.

Volunteers play an essential role in creating welcoming environments, while donations of money, food, clothing and other resources help ensure vital services remain available to those who need them most.

"Our volunteers, supporters, local businesses and partner organisations are an indispensable part of the Turning Tides organisation,” added Clive Mills, Head of Income and Engagement at Turning Tides.

Like many charities, Turning Tides is facing growing demand for its services while operating in an increasingly challenging funding environment.

Clive stated: “We are transforming lives every day, but we cannot do it alone. Continued community support is essential if we are to keep our hubs running and ensure that every person has the opportunity to recover, thrive and build a life beyond homelessness.”

Anyone wishing to support Turning Tides can donate, volunteer or find out more at www.turning-tides.org.uk.

I could see first hand from chatting to the team members, volunteers, and those being served breakfast just what a superb job Turning Tides does. Last year it supported 978 people experiencing homelessness in West Sussex.

How fortunate we are to have it and the marvellous Stonepillow and Crawley Open House as well as so many smaller organisations providing comfort, food and support on a daily basis across the county.

From my observations though, one of the big challenges is secure and ongoing funding for all these organisations so they can focus on delivering front line help to those that most need it rather than constantly seeking fresh sources of income – often short-term and lasting at best three years.