YMCA Guildford
155 years
supporting children & young people in Guildford.
33 young people
given a safe home every night.
62%
of residents were helped back into education, employment or training.
Preventing youth homelessness in Guildford
Vulnerable children and young people have never been more at risk. We provide vital services so that young people in Guildford, who may have had a difficult start in life, can create a brighter future.
Our impact in Guildford
In Guildford we provide a range of services for children and young people, 16 to 25, which act as a 'safety-net' to catch those at risk. From providing support & advice, to giving a home to those who are in crisis and facing homelessness, we change lives.
Children and young people facing homelessness in Guildford can find a safe, supportive home with us. Our 24 hour supported housing is so much more than 'just a room'. We provide wraparound support so that our residents can get the emotional support, life skills and help back into education, training or employment to enable them to 'move on' successfully to independence. Our dedicated staff (and volunteers) help young people develop the tools they need to reach their full potential.
More information about our services
- For information on our housing, including referral click here.
- For support and advice click here.
- For mental health support click here.
Guilford Foyer has a new contact number. Their main contact number is now 01483 310437.
Nader’s story
Nader left his home country when he was just 14 and after a difficult journey he arrived in the UK as an unaccompanied asylum seeking child. Nader was given a home at YMCA DownsLink Group and was supported to learn English, attend college and take part in lots of activities.
Other services for young people at risk
Mental Health Support
Our YMCA Dialogue has been delivering counselling and therapy to children and young people since 1994.
Helping young people stay safe
- Our YMCA WiSE supports young people around staying safe in relationships, online and in the community.
How you can help
Contact information for housing advice
We run one 24 hour supported housing projects in the area, for young people between the ages of 16 and 25.
We also manage several 'Transitional Properties' across Guildford for young people who are capable of managing a tenancy and are ready for independent living. These young people still have access to a key worker to provide housing related support.
How our work helps
Kai’s story
After years of struggling with poor mental health, Kai moved into our 24-hour supported accomodation and finally began to get the help he needed.
Vivian’s story
Vivian had a tough time as a teenager and faced multiple barriers which were causing a lot of upset and confusion. He came across our Youth Advice Centre and felt understood for the first time.
Becky’s story
Becky is 19 and left home after her Dad’s drinking became too much for her to cope with. Her mum died when she was 10 and her Dad turned to alcohol to deal with his grief. She moved in with her boyfriend at 17 as a way to get away from her Dad, but when that didn’t work out she found herself facing homelessness.
