YMCA East Surrey has opened the door on a newly refurbished home which will aid the transition from supported accommodation to independent living for six young adults, aged between 18 and 25.
“We are delighted to be able to offer this exciting new project which will help young people take the next step towards self-reliance,” says YMCA CEO, Ian Burks
“Every four minutes a young person presents as homeless at local authorities across the country and a similar number are sofa surfing or living in unsuitable conditions. This project will begin to address this problem but it’s only the start. We are looking to work with local authorities and other partners across Surrey to develop more high-quality housing and support for young people.”
The house in Redhill is the charity’s fourth semi-independent property, alongside existing housing projects in Horley, Merstham and Redhill. YMCA staff will offer residents tailored support, working with them to build skills that promote stability and confidence.
Funding for the property came from Homes England, LandAid, Garfield Weston Foundation, and Beatrice Laing Trust, among others. The CP Charitable Trust supported the refurbishment of the kitchen, and Fine and Country Foundation gave a grant towards the furniture. Throughout 2024, YMCA East Surrey Challengers will walk, run, climb, cycle and skydive to raise money from a huge variety of sponsored events for the charity’s Life Change Fund. This will cover additional refurbishment costs as well as furniture for individual bedrooms and communal areas.
YMCA is the largest charitable provider of supported housing to young people in England and Wales. Last year, YMCA East Surrey offered a safe home to 120 young people, with 92% of residents helped back into education, employment or training.
Lee Fabry, Head of Housing at YMCA East Surrey, says:
“Six residents have moved in already and they will benefit from a wide range of support offered by the housing team including help to get into training or employment, free health and fitness activity at the YMCA gym and access to YMCA emotional wellbeing services. We are determined to give more young people the opportunity to build independence and succeed in life.”
Find out more about YMCA East Surrey’s housing services.
