News & Views

On Wednesday, the Magenta team had a tour round the Clocktower Sanctuary, a charity which provides information, advice and support to young people between the ages of 16 and 25 who are homeless or insecurely housed, in Brighton. Magenta is a long time supporters of the charity and has raised several thousand pounds over the past four years through a mixture of company donations and research projects.

Natalia Borg, the charity’s chief administrator and fundraising assistant,  gave a tour around the centre, which comprises of a small office/admin space, living area – with sofas, boardgames and books, washing and utility facilities and large kitchen – where hearty meals are cooked for visitors daily.

Since The Clocktower Sanctuary began in 1998, they have helped thousands of vulnerable young people – offering a friendly safe space, food and drink, access to computers and the internet, signposting to housing, health, education, employment and social services – as well as practical and emotional support to help young people get their lives back on track.

Established by a group of people from local churches who wanted to do something about rising street homelessness, they are still motivated by the values of the founders and remain a community-run organisation with a predominantly volunteer staff. Their principal aim is to encourage, challenge and inspire young people who are homeless to transform their lives and, through early intervention, prevent them from becoming homeless over the longterm.

Natalia said: ‘It was great to have the chance to show Magenta how their much appreciated donations have made such a positive and very real impact on our charity. Thank you for taking the time to visit us and for your continued support. It was a lovely start to the morning! 

The charity’s ultimate vision is of a society where all young people who are homeless or insecurely housed feel safe, cared for and respected and are encouraged and supported to realise their potential.