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.

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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

Ex resident Millie smiling at the camera

Millie’s story

Millie had a difficult childhood which impacted her mental health and resulted in her leaving home at just 16. She was given a home in our 24-hour supported accommodation and life began to improve when she received the wraparound care and consistent support she needed.

Jack's Story

Jack’s story

Jack came out as gay when he was 15. His family struggled to accept it and it caused tension and arguments at home. The situation came to a head when Jack was 16. After a huge row his Dad threw him out.

Vivian smiling, wearing a space patterned hoodie

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.

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