BHT Sussex’s 2025 Christmas Appeal highlights the voices of First Base clients — over 500 people supported last year with food, essentials, and guidance out of homelessness.
Help keep our doors open this winter.
This winter, people who are forced to sleep rough in Brighton and Hove are facing freezing nights, isolation, and danger. First Base day centre is a lifeline — a place of warmth and dignity, and support to move away from homelessness.
We are determined to be there for people who need us, but we face big challenges. The cost of living keeps climbing and donations are falling, while our everyday running costs are increasing, along with the number of people asking for support. First Base is a vital service but is now at real risk, and we urgently need your help to keep going.
Will you give the gift of hope this Christmas?
Coming to First Base has definitely made a positive difference in my life. Everyone here is so welcoming — there’s good food, a warm place to come in from the cold, and kind people who really care.
Having somewhere safe to come with food, showers, and people who treat you with respect, makes all the difference.”
It’s really unsafe being a woman out on the streets, but coming to First Base gave me safety, warmth, and support.
Coming here gives me hope. I’m so grateful for First Base — the kindness and support here can truly change lives.
Before I knew about this place, I was completely on my own. Life felt impossible, but First Base has changed that.
Everyone here treats me so kindly and makes me feel welcome and safe. I really appreciate that. The staff genuinely care and listen, and I’ve had great advice about my life.
You can get advice too — really good advice — and it’s made such a positive difference. I’ve had help with housing advice, and now I’m on the right track to getting housed.
How your gift makes a difference:
You can help First Base provide practical essentials such as hot food, showers, laundry facilities and clothes, alongside in-depth advice and support to move people away from homelessness for good. Together we can help people find safe accommodation, secure employment, and access the vital services they need to rebuild their lives.
A donation of £30
could provide a personal care package for someone sleeping rough
A donation of £50
could provide breakfast and lunch for 60 clients at First Base for a day
A donation of £100
could provide essential support and advice to help someone secure housing
Help us reach our target of £30,000
Please donate to our Winter Appeal - even the smallest donation can make a big difference.
Your donation will directly support those in need at First Base Day Centre, providing:
- A warm welcome from our dedicated support workers
- Hot nutritious meals
- Access to shower and laundry facilities, with towels, toiletries, and clean clothes provided
- Medical treatment, including optician and podiatrist services
- A dedicated caseworker for long-term support
- Expert advice on housing, employment, and benefits
- Ongoing support to help people move away from the streets towards independent, healthy lives
- Access to activities, trips, and wellbeing programmes
Your kindness can help someone survive the winter — and take the first step towards a better future. Thank you so much for your support.