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

Temesgen’s story

At just 16, Temesgen had to leave his family in Ethiopia and start a new life in the UK. He was given a home with us and received support to learn English, take part in volunteering and join in with YMCA activities.

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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.

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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.

If you are a young person at risk, or have concerns about someone, contact us through the following;

How our work helps

Dee at Hailsham boxing club smiling

Dee’s story

Dee dreams of being a champion. She wants to represent Britain as part of the GB boxing team. Despite facing challenges as a teenager, with our support, she’s thriving and is working hard to turn her dreams into reality.  

Nader stood in the garden in a blue sports tshirt holding up two certificates of achievement

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.

Nathan's Story

Nathan’s story

Nathan was struggling with his family relationships and mental health after coming out to his family at 15. Our Youth Advice Service found him specialist help.

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YMCA enables people to develop their full potential in mind, body and spirit. Inspired by and faithful to our Christian values, we create supportive, inclusive and energising communities, where young people can truly belong, contribute and thrive.

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