The transition into adult life rarely follows a straightforward path at the precise age of 18.
These complexities formed the centrepiece of a collaborative gathering held in Brighton, examining how services can more effectively assist young people as they progress from childhood provisions into adult support systems.
Attendance exceeded 60 participants from across Sussex and Surrey at the conference, staged by YMCA DownsLink Group during the period coinciding with World Homeless Day and World Mental Health Day.
Representatives from housing, social care, public health, safeguarding, education, and local authorities convened to examine conclusions drawn from research conducted jointly with the University of Sussex and Resonant Collaboration.
Panel participants included Jess Gibbons from Brighton & Hove City Council, Meghan Roach leading New Horizon Youth Centre, Emily Brock heading YMCA DownsLink Group, and Nicola Rosenberg representing West Sussex County Council’s public health team.
Colin Michel from Resonant Collaboration and Lucy Cavell moderated proceedings.
The investigation scrutinised the circumstances encountered by individuals between 16 and 19 years old as they navigate the passage into independent adulthood.
Professor Michelle Lefevre, who delivered the research outcomes, observed that individuals do not instantaneously mature into adulthood upon reaching 18 years of age.
Kathy Linford from YMCA DownsLink Group was also present.
Evidence revealed encouraging instances of relationship-focussed methods and specialist assistance.
However, significant obstacles were also documented, encompassing disjointed service handovers, inadequate inter-agency cooperation, and restricted exchange of relevant information.
Throughout the programme, presenters underscored the value of dependable connections, timely preparation, and improved dialogue between agencies.
Jess Gibbons, chief executive of Brighton & Hove City Council, noted that young people do not inquire which institution manages a particular aspect of the system.
Instead, they seek reassurance about personal safety, clarity regarding upcoming steps, and knowledge of who will support them through the process.
Emily Brock, chief executive of YMCA DownsLink Group, pointed out that reaching 18 can represent a positive achievement, yet for numerous young individuals it simultaneously introduces anxieties surrounding accommodation, mental wellbeing, relationships and available help.
She added that both the research findings and subsequent discussion demonstrated that young people do not encounter these matters in isolation.
Achieving improved results requires agencies to collaborate more cohesively around young people’s actual circumstances.
Discussions also addressed the intricate connections between housing, mental health, and safeguarding, reinforcing that coordinated partnership working remains essential to ensure young people do not lose vital support during transitional periods.
The complete findings of the independent review will be made publicly available in the near future.