Off The Fence Trust Limited

Restoring lives and hope for individuals experiencing homelessness, women at risk and vulnerable school children in Brighton & Hove. Off The Fence was set up in 1997 in the City of Brighton & Hove to work with three community areas to provide one-to-one care and sustainable routes out of poverty. Our drop-in centre for rough sleepers and individuals temporarily housed, Antifreeze, offers a place to find community, receive a sleeping bag, wash, get clothes and food, have a haircut and receive health care treatments from specialists, such as the dentist. Antifreeze also refer clients to housing, hostels and employment partners. Nightly our outreach teams monitor the rough sleeper’s welfare and any newcomers to the City, providing immediate information and signposting that allows a quick exit from street life. The Gateway Women's Centre was established to provide a place where women facing difficult times due to abuse, mental health issues or isolation can receive advice and support that will enable them to change and have stability in their lives. Gateway’s drop-ins offer a safe place where women can learn new skills, and be listened to and referred to relevant agencies and support networks. The Schools Team provide mental health support within schools to help students who have found interaction with others difficult. Lunchtime clubs provide a ‘safe space’ where young people who find it hardest to deal with school life have found a place of safety. In conjunction with the head teachers we also offer one-to-one mentoring and a full range of secondary school activities.