YMCA Opens Revamped Hostel To Accommodate 34 Young People

Published on: 19 Dec, 2017
Updated on: 19 Dec, 2017

A YMCA 13-bed hostel in Guildford has been revamped to provide accommodation for 34 young people.

Pictured from left: the chairman of YMCA DownLink Group, John Slater; the Mayor and Mayoress of Guildford, Nigel Manning and Marsha Moseley; and the chief officer of YMCA DownsLink Group, Chas Walker.

Renamed YMCA Guildford Foyer in Wharf Road, off Woodbridge Road and near the sports ground, it was previously the organisation’s Midwey House.

Around 80 people, including council representatives, friends, supporters and neighbours, gathered at the National Trust tea room at Dapdune Wharf, to celebrate the opening of the development.

They then visited the YMCA Guildford Foyer at which the Mayor of Guildford, Nigel Manning, officially opened it.

One of the rooms at YMCA Guildford Foyer.

Staffed around the clock, young people have started to move in, having fulfilled the criteria required by the Foyer Federation.

The building offers local young people the opportunity to live independently – most rooms are self-contained while some share kitchen facilities – in a safe environment.

At the reception John Slater, the chairman of YMCA DownsLink Group (of which YMCA Guildford is a part) thanked all those present for their interest and practical support that has helped to bring the major project to fruition.

He said: “There is no sign of an end to the shortage of affordable accommodation in Guildford. I am proud and passionate about the wonderful offering provided by the YMCA in so many ways to help young people belong, contribute and thrive. Because of the generosity of our many friends and supporters we have been able to commit over £3 million to transform an old, tired, not fit for modern purpose facility into a modern, well-equipped home for 34 young people.”

The outside of YMCA Guildford Foyer in Wharf Road.

YMCA Guildford has had a long history in the town. The Bridge Street hostel may be a familiar sight, but the first YMCA hostel was opened in 1969 in Wharf Road.