Celebrating A New Beginning For Young People at Guildford YMCA

Published on: 26 May, 2013
Updated on: 26 May, 2013

The High Sheriff of Surrey, Dr Helen Bowcock, gave a moving speech at the opening of Guildford YMCA’s residents’ development suite.

Pictured from left: Tony Hennessey-Brown, Pete Jeffrey, Dr Helen Bowcock, YMCA CEO Pete Brayne and YMCA residents Linda Peate and Ian Anderson.

Pictured from left: Tony Hennessey-Brown, Pete Jeffrey, Dr Helen Bowcock, Guildford YMCA CEO Pete Brayne and YMCA residents Linda Peate and Ian Anderson.

In the presence of residents, supporters and staff Dr Bowcock spoke eloquently of the plight of disadvantaged young people in Surrey and praised the work of the YMCA in turning young lives around.

Guildford YMCA has been raising funds to transform the lower ground floor of the Bridge Street building to create new facilities for its work with young people.

Up to 40 16- to 25-year-olds call the hostel home who would otherwise be homeless, and a supported housing team work with them offering key working support, benefits advice and social activities.

To date, there has never been a space in the building that these young residents can call their own, but transforming a former conference room has given them an area for recreation, learning and group work.

All of this is thanks to the remarkable generosity of YMCA supporters and their contacts, many of whom were present at the opening. The chairman of Guildford YMCA, Pete Jeffrey, and Tony Hennessey-Brown, former chairman and now co-ordinator of the Capital Appeal, were glad of the opportunity to thank donors in person.

As funds allow, the remodelling of the building will move forward to also accommodate the YMCA’s youth work department, Plantation. This is currently located off Market Street in Guildford and in recent years space has been at a premium as the number of projects being delivered has expanded. The Bridge Street development offers the opportunity to create a larger more flexible space from which to run a range of projects that enable young people to find direction in life.

There’s still a long way to go to raise sufficient funds and donations are most welcome. Visit www.guildfordymca.org.uk/capital_appeal.htm for more information.

And on October 13 an evening of musical entertainment is planned for G Live, hosted by Jonathan Veira. Tickets are now available from Guildford YMCA (01483 448784) or the G Live box office. Sponsors are welcome to offset the costs of the event so that all ticket sales go directly to the Capital Appeal.