“I was hugely impressed by the work being done at Amber. Amber offer a supportive and nurturing environment where young people, whose lives have gone badly wrong, can recover their self esteem, and learn respect for others, and other important life skills. Amber help their residents to think through what they wish to achieve, and provides practical help and advice as how to achieve these goals. The very low re-offending rate amongst Amber’s former residents is proof of their success. As a Judge I only wish there were many more such places".  - His Honour Judge Hayward, Lewes Crown Court

Amber provides 24 hour care and support and whilst the atmosphere is friendly and relaxed, our programme is carefully structured and tailored to the individual. It provides young people with a challenging and engaging step-by-step rebuilding process designed to help them overcome each of the obstacles that have previously stood between them and independent living. Working in teams they experience positive peer support and feel valued and motivated.

Learning becomes relevant, interesting and fun. Accredited training courses are taught in a practical way, whether it is adult literacy and numeracy or tenancy and housing related issues. Broader, transferable skills are developed in our Team Work and Leadership courses that involve personal fitness and a wide range of outdoor activities.

There are many opportunities at Amber that can include art, crafts, music, drama and sport. A few days on our narrow boat, the Mary Rose, provides experience in boat handling and conservation work and then there’s the sense of achievement and value gained with the number of projects we undertake in the local community and further afield.

Everyone is encouraged to set their own goals and work to achieve them and they begin to realise that with work, commitmnet, enthusiasm and determination, they can achieve.