YMCA Guildford - YMCA DownsLink Group

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

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.

chaplaincy (1)

Meet some of the team

Our staff provide young people with the support they need to reach their full potential. We wouldn't be able to transform young lives without them. Here is what some of our staff, past and present, have to say about their job.

6
3
support worker quotes

Other services for young people at risk

Helping young people stay safe

How you can help

Donate

£12 could give a young person facing homelessness a safe place to stay

Sponsor a room

40p a day could change the life of a young person in your area.

Fundraise

Taking part in fundraising challenges means we can keep transforming young lives.

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

Alysha smiling in the Horsham Y Centre Garden

Alysha’s story

Alysha had a difficult childhood, full of arguments and tension, which led to her battling with her mental health. Thrown out at 17 with nowhere to go, she sofa surfed at friend’s houses until she was given a safe home with us.

YMCA DownsLink Group Dani's Story

Dani’s story

Dani’s life had been chaotic and unstable. Her social worker referred her to YMCA DownsLink Group, and, with the help of her YMCA WiSE project worker, she began to make better decisions around relationships and her future.

sophie image

Sophie’s story

Sophie* had to leave her foster placement and had nowhere to go. After moving into the Y Centre, she was able to complete a […]

Sign up to our emails

Sign up to our emails to stay updated on our work, events, campaigns, opportunities and young people’s stories. You can unsubscribe at any time. Please visit our privacy policy to learn more about how we safely manage your data.

Subscribe

* indicates required
Would you like to hear about chaplaincy support?
YMCA-logo-2022-white

Copyright © 2025 YMCA DownsLink Group.

Scroll to Top