{"id":21770,"date":"2025-09-24T13:46:02","date_gmt":"2025-09-24T12:46:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.turning-tides.org.uk\/dev\/?page_id=21770"},"modified":"2025-11-05T09:24:36","modified_gmt":"2025-11-05T09:24:36","slug":"history","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.turning-tides.org.uk\/dev\/about-us\/history\/","title":{"rendered":"Our History"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ specialty=”on” admin_label=”Hero” module_class=”tt-hero” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https:\/\/www.turning-tides.org.uk\/dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/hero-images-5.png” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ specialty_columns=”2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_row_inner admin_label=”Content” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column_inner saved_specialty_column_type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

Our History<\/h1>\n

Standing alongside local people for over three decades<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column_inner][\/et_pb_row_inner][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Quote” module_class=”tt-quote” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Quote” module_class=”quote-text” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

We used to do a meal on a Wednesday night and a Sunday night for any homeless people and we used to get <\/span>a good number<\/span>, about 20+, of people coming to that. <\/span>Of course<\/span> at that time there was nothing for homeless people in Worthing at all. But then there was the other group of people, with Rupert Bacon, and various other people from Worthing Churches Together who were trying to get a <\/span>hostel.<\/span> And<\/span> they eventually got the Queen St hostel, which <\/span>wasn\u2019t<\/span> terribly suitable, and then they got Byron Road<\/span>.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Attribution” module_class=”quote-attribution” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

Ann Maggs<\/h4>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Supporting People throughout West Sussex” module_class=”tt-blurbs four-up” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” saved_tabs=”all” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row disabled_on=”on|on|on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” disabled=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Supporting Single Adults Throughout West Sussex<\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”1990\u20131991: Where it all started” image=”https:\/\/www.turning-tides.org.uk\/dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/history1.png” admin_label=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

A small group of visionary Christians began supporting rough sleepers in Worthing. At the instigation of Rev Rupert Bacon, Worthing Council of Churches purchased its first property on Buckingham Road. In January 1996, Rev Bacon was awarded an OBE for his dedication to the cause.<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”1992: WCHP is formed” image=”https:\/\/www.turning-tides.org.uk\/dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Cake-scaled.jpg” admin_label=”2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

What began as the caring deeds of a few volunteers grew into a formal charity: Worthing Churches Homeless Projects (WCHP).<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”1993: Hostel doors open” image=”https:\/\/www.turning-tides.org.uk\/dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/2-Queens-Road.png” admin_label=”3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Queen\u2019s Lodge was converted into a hostel, welcoming people experiencing homelessness in Worthing.<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”1994: Future secured” image=”https:\/\/www.turning-tides.org.uk\/dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Byron-Road-WCHP-004.jpg” admin_label=”4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

WCHP purchased Byron Road, securing a permanent base for its expanding services.<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”1996: Housing Act” image=”https:\/\/www.turning-tides.org.uk\/dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/houses-1014074_1280.jpg” admin_label=”5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

The Housing Act laid the groundwork for statutory duties around homelessness, shaping the support WCHP and local authorities could provide.<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”1998: Adapting to change” image=”https:\/\/www.turning-tides.org.uk\/dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/history6.png” admin_label=”6″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

2 Queens Road, a stepping-stone facility, was sold due to the high costs of 24-hour staffing. At the same time, Frazer Lodge in Wykeham Road opened, offering vital support for people moving towards independence.<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”1999: Growing recognition” image=”https:\/\/www.turning-tides.org.uk\/dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Screenshot-2025-09-27-at-15.41.24.png” admin_label=”7″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Awareness of WCHP\u2019s work increased and vital partnerships developed. Bishop Lindsay, Anglican Bishop of Horsham, described WCHP as \u201cThe Jewel in the Crown of West Sussex.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”2002: Homelessness Act and expansion” image=”https:\/\/www.turning-tides.org.uk\/dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/history-8.jpeg” admin_label=”8″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Alongside the Housing Act of 1996, the Homelessness Act set out duties for local authorities, including providing advice, assistance, and accommodation. In the same year, St Clare\u2019s Day Centre opened in Marine Place, Worthing and WCHP was awarded \u2018Investors in People\u2019 recognition for its commitment to staff development.<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”2005: A pathway out of addiction” image=”https:\/\/www.turning-tides.org.uk\/dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Outside2.jpg” admin_label=”9″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

The Recovery Project opened, offering a lifeline to people struggling with addiction.<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”2013-2016: A truly West Sussex charity” image=”https:\/\/www.turning-tides.org.uk\/dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/John-Niall-and-Mayor-discussing-complexities-of-homelessness.jpg” admin_label=”10″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Our services expanded beyond Worthing, supporting homeless people across West Sussex.<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”2018: Same values, new name” image=”https:\/\/www.turning-tides.org.uk\/dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/1V5A1233-2.jpg” admin_label=”11″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

WCHP rebranded as Turning Tides, reflecting our wider work and commitment to supporting people throughout the county.<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”2025: Largest provider in the county” image=”https:\/\/www.turning-tides.org.uk\/dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/blurb-images-6.png” admin_label=”12″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Turning Tides is now the largest provider of support for single homeless people in West Sussex, helping thousands of people find safety, stability and hope each year.<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Newsletter Signup” module_id=”tt-footer-newsletter” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_module=”21349″ saved_tabs=”all” locked=”off” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ width=”100%” max_width=”2560px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

You can also support us by signing up to our newsletter<\/h3>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_code admin_label=”– Newsletter Signup Code –” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

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