Youth housing · YMCA Fairthorne Group
Safe homes for young people and young families across Hampshire & the Isle of Wight
We provide specialist housing and wrap-around support for young adults and young parents at risk of homelessness. Across Southampton, Basingstoke and the Isle of Wight, we help young people build stability, confidence and independence.
Young people in the UK are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Safe homes and wrap-around support stop a short-term crisis becoming a lifetime of instability.
Of children in the UK live in poverty. YMCA housing and family support help young parents create safer, more secure futures for their children.
Swipe to see our housing projects
Why housing matters for young people and young families
Safe, stable housing is the foundation for everything else in a young person’s life. When home is secure, it becomes possible to focus on education, work, parenting and wellbeing. When it is not, every part of life is affected.
Stability
A safe base to rebuild from
Young people arriving at YMCA housing are often dealing with trauma, family breakdown or previous periods of homelessness. A secure, affordable home gives them breathing space, routine and the chance to feel safe again.
Opportunity
Removing barriers to education and work
Without stable housing, it is almost impossible to finish college, hold down a job or attend training. Our housing and wrap around support help young people stay in education, prepare for employment and move towards financial independence.
Future
Breaking the cycle of homelessness
Early, intensive support prevents short-term crises turning into a lifetime of insecure housing. Residents develop practical life skills, build trusted relationships and plan for the future, reducing the risk of becoming long-term homeless adults.
Behind every statistic is a young person. Right now we’re supporting over 180 young people and young parents to turn numbers into positive futures.
Everyone should have a fair chance to discover who they are and what they can become
From first night with us to a home of their own
Our housing projects in Southampton, Basingstoke and on the Isle of Wight do more than provide a bed. Your donations fund a whole journey that helps young people move from crisis and instability to safe, independent living.
When a young person or young parent arrives at YMCA, they are often carrying far more than a suitcase; past trauma, money worries, unsafe relationships and the fear of what comes next.
Your gift makes sure their story doesn’t end there. It funds trained staff on site, practical life skills sessions, parenting and wellbeing support, and that crucial next step into education, work or a home of their own.
Below is the journey your support makes possible in every one of our housing projects.
First step – safety
Safe, supported accommodation
Young people move into safe, good quality rooms with staff onsite, clear boundaries and someone to turn to 24/7. The immediate risk of homelessness or unsafe housing is removed.
Building stability
Life skills, wellbeing & family support
Residents work with key workers on budgeting, cooking, managing a tenancy and caring for their physical and mental health. At The Lodge, mums also receive specialist parenting and early years support.
Moving on
Education, work and independent housing
With growing confidence, residents are supported into training, employment or college and helped to move into their own accommodation with YMCA still there if they need a check-in.
Want to back this journey? Regular gifts and one-off donations mean we can say “yes” when a young person needs somewhere safe to stay.
Support our housing workOur housing locations
YMCA housing supports young people in Basingstoke, on the Isle of Wight and in Southampton. You can find each project at the addresses and locations below.
YMCA Basingstoke
Eastrop Way
Basingstoke
RG21 4QD
YMCA Isle of Wight – The Lodge
The Lodge, Sandown Road
Shanklin
PO37 6HU
YMCA George Williams House
8 Cranbury Place
Southampton
SO14 0LG
Volunteer with our housing projects
From keeping outdoor spaces welcoming to helping us care for shared areas, volunteers play a big part in making our housing feel like home.
Corporate partnerships
Partner with YMCA housing to change young lives
Our housing projects in Southampton, Basingstoke and on the Isle of Wight do more than provide a bed. Business partners help fund a whole journey that supports young people to move from crisis and instability to safe, independent living.
A partnership with YMCA Fairthorne Group is built around shared values. We work closely with each company to create a programme that fits their objectives, engages their teams and delivers visible impact for young people and young families in our communities.
For your business, a partnership can include:
- Clear impact stories and updates you can share with staff, customers and stakeholders.
- Cause-led marketing campaigns that align your brand with tackling youth homelessness.
- Staff engagement through fundraising, volunteering days and skills-based support.
- Opportunities to support specific projects such as family housing, emergency support or outdoor spaces.
Whether you are looking for a charity of the year, a long-term strategic partnership or a specific campaign, our team will work with you to design something that fits.
Recent partnerships in action
DP World Southampton
Working together to support local young people
The partnership between DP World Southampton and YMCA Fairthorne Group has helped fund targeted support for young people facing homelessness, while giving DP World’s teams a clear local cause to get behind.
Fine & Country Southampton
Helping young people find comfort and dignity
Fine & Country’s support has helped create welcoming, dignified spaces for young residents, reinforcing their commitment to housing and community while making a tangible difference close to home.
How local businesses help young people build their future
Local employers and businesses play a vital role in our housing projects. By bringing real-world skills and opportunities into George Williams House, Basingstoke and The Lodge, they help young people move from “I don’t know where to start” to “I know what I’m working towards.”
Education workshops
Learning from real professionals
Businesses host practical workshops on topics like budgeting, digital skills, understanding payslips and what employers look for. Sessions are designed around the real barriers young people tell us about.
- On-site group sessions at our housing projects
- Tailored content for young people with lived experience of homelessness
- Space for Q&A and honest conversations
Career advice & guidance
Mapping out next steps
Volunteer mentors and HR teams offer CV support, mock interviews and insight into different career paths. This helps residents see what is possible and how to get there.
- One-to-one and small-group sessions
- CV, applications and interview preparation
- Introduction to different industries and job roles
Training & opportunities
Opening doors into work
Some partners go further, offering work experience, site visits or guaranteed interview schemes for YMCA residents. These opportunities turn confidence into concrete next steps.
- Short work placements and insight days
- Site tours so residents can “see” the workplace
- Pathways into apprenticeships and entry-level roles
SOME OF THE BUSINESSES WHO HAVE PARTNERED WITH YMCA FAIRTHORNE GROUP
