A CHARITY making a difference to some of the most vulnerable people in the community is celebrating 20 years of service.

Off the Fence has been helping the homeless and vulnerable women in Brighton and Hove for two decades.

The charity runs one of the city’s largest and busiest homeless day centres, in Portland Road, Hove, which gives life-saving support to the homeless and provides a night outreach for those sleeping rough.

Approximately 9,000 people visited the day centre in 2015.

Off the Fence also supports local schools by offering a variety of programmes led by its youth team, and runs Gateway, a day centre for women experiencing crisis or recovering from emotional difficulties.

The charity was founded in 1997 by Paul and Wendy Young, along with a few volunteers, who wanted to end poverty and see long lasting, positive change in the lives of those who need supporting.

The couple saw the need in the city and were attending a church meeting when they were struck by the phrase, “we really need to do something to tackle poverty in the city and get off the fence and do something”.

To celebrate its milestone year, Off the Fence is holding a number of anniversary events, including one at the Hilton Metropole in King’s Road, Brighton, next month and a celebration prayer gathering on the date Off the Fence was founded.

Mr Young said: “We started small and over the years we have been able to support thousands of people in need thanks to the grace of God, careful planning and many supporters in prayer and giving.

“We couldn’t have done it on our own.

“We want to say a huge thank you to all who have and continue to support this vision and the work.”

Hugh Burnett, Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex, said: “Off the Fence is a remarkable organisation that provides three key services for Brighton and Hove.

“This organisation needs our fullest support. We are lucky that it is such an important part of the Brighton and Hove Community.”

You can find out more about Off the Fence by heading to its website at offthefence.org.uk.