Helping Young People Find a Home of their Own

YMCA East Surrey provided vital housing support for 120 young people last year and we were excited to see a grant application from them which would mean they could help even more in the future.

A newly converted, 12 bedroom house in Horley opened its doors in April 2022 and is now home to vulnerable young people aged between 16 and 30. The accommodation gives the residents the space and time to learn the skills they need to stand on their own two feet.

“Everyone needs a safe place to live,” said Jeannie Pitt, B&Q Foundation Manager. “This is a safe and supported space for young people to learn and grow, and we were happy to make it feel more like home.”

Welcoming Spaces

The £5000 grant helped with the refurbishment of the house, including fixtures and fittings. It now consists of three self-contained bedsits with their own entrances, and nine en-suite bedrooms in the house itself sharing communal facilities such as lounge, kitchen and conservatory.

“Our first residents absolutely love it,” said Ros Boyle, Fundraising and Development Manager.  “It’s a move on from fully supported accommodation, to more of a home with space for people to relax and socialise together. That makes a massive difference in moving towards independence.”

The young people will typically live in the house for a year as they lay the foundations for a life on their own. The team will help them to gain full-time employment or training, sort out education or mental health needs, and find accommodation of their own to move on to.

YMCA East Surrey has been supporting young people in the community for many years. With a clear focus on housing, they also provide after school clubs, youth services, and mental health services – ensuring they support both body and mind and the changing needs of young people.