About us
Discover who we are and what drives our work
Turning Tides is a charity dedicated to ending homelessness in West Sussex. Founded in 1991, we’ve grown from a small group of kind-hearted Christians to the largest homelessness charity in the county. We work to reduce rough sleeping in our communities and support our clients to take steps towards independent living and a more stable future. While our central office is in Worthing, our work spans the county – from East Grinstead to Littlehampton and across areas in between. Our location means we have a deep understanding of rural and coastal homelessness, where available services can be even more stretched, and this less visible side of rough sleeping is a large focus of our work. Our long-standing roots in the local community are a real strength. We work hard to raise awareness about the causes of homelessness and to challenge the stigma around it, helping to create a more understanding and welcoming society where our clients can feel at home.
As strong believers in the importance of transparency, we’ve shared here the driving purpose behind our work as well as our values and commitments.
Our Mission
To end local homelessness in West Sussex.
Our purpose
To provide safe and inclusive pathways out of homelessness through outreach, supported housing and engaging communities.
Our commitments
- Reduce the number of people sleeping rough
- Continue growing a resilient and talented organisation
- Innovate and deliver quality services with our clients
Our values
- Compassionate: Be respectful and kind to everyone
- Person centred: Put people at the heart of what we do
- Ambitious: Be bold in the change we seek to achieve
- Collaborative: Work together to reach our vision
- Accountable: Act ethically and with integrity
We respect all beliefs and value our Christian roots.
Our approach
We put our values into practice – from person-centred practice peer support to compassionate, trauma-informed care. Discover the philosophies that guide our approach.
Recognition that inspires us forward
We’re proud to have been recognised for the impact of our work through several prestigious award nominations and wins:
- Most recently, we were shortlisted at the national Charity Awards 2025 – the longest-running and most prestigious awards scheme in the charity sector. Our nomination in the Social Care, Advice and Support category celebrated the life-changing outcomes of our Housing First programme and the dedication of our team.
- Earlier that same year, we were deeply honoured to receive an award from the High Sheriff of West Sussex. This special recognition highlighted the vital role Turning Tides plays in supporting people facing hardship in our communities. This award was accepted on behalf of our entire team of staff and volunteers.
- We also hold with great pride The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, presented in 2021. Often described as the MBE for volunteer groups, this national honour recognises the exceptional commitment of our volunteers and their extraordinary contribution to our work and the local community.
Each of these moments reminds us why we do what we do and fuels our drive to go even further.
Celebrating our Christian foundations
We joyfully recognise our Christian heritage and the tremendous sacrifices made by founders of our organisation. Leading up to our rebrand in 2018 we consulted a wide range of stakeholders before changing the name from Worthing Churches Homeless Projects to Turning Tides. Many of our staff, volunteers, supporters and donors identify as Christians and we continue to cherish strong, ongoing connections with our local churches. We value our Christian roots as part of a commitment that respects other faiths or where no faith is held.
Prayer pointers
We would be very grateful if you and/or your Church would like to include Turning Tides in your prayers.
Father God we pray:
For people who have recently lost accommodation and will be sleeping rough
The presence of God be felt even in the loneliest of places on the streets
For resilience and a kind hand on those under pressure
For peace and harmony, particularly within relationships under strain
Your blessing on all whom generously support Turning Tides
Get to know us
As long as anyone is sleeping rough, there’s still work to do — no matter how hard it is.
John Holmstrom
Chief Executive