YMCA Southampton housing support
Hi there!
We’re here to support young people with safe, supported housing at George Williams House in the heart of Southampton.
Choose an option below to apply for housing or find out how you can support our work ⬇️
Continue scrolling to find out more
Across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, too many young people face unstable housing – sofa surfing with friends, unsafe living arrangements, or even nights on the street.
George Williams House provides a safe place to live, intensive personal support and a hub for group activities for 52 young people aged 18–30 in the heart of the city centre, with an additional 16 bedspaces of housing for those with lighter touch support needs at two further sites in Southampton.
Why Housing Matters
When I walked into my YMCA flat, it was the first time I felt safe in years.
Sophie, resident
Our Approach
Living at George Williams House means more than having a set of keys. Every resident is part of a supported community, with a named Youth Engagement Coordinator and wrap-around support focused on helping them move confidently into independent living.
Safe Housing
Supported accommodation with 1-1 time from a named support worker, clear house rules and practical help with benefits, rent and money management so you can stay on top of your tenancy.
Life Skills Assistance
Tailored programmes that build independence: cooking, cleaning, budgeting, form-filling, debt advice and everything in between, so you feel ready for your own place.
Health & Wellbeing
Support to look after your physical and mental health, including sexual health info, emotional wellbeing sessions and space to talk when things feel heavy.
Community & Connection
Social events, group sessions, trips and volunteering that help you make friends, build confidence and connect with education, training or work opportunities.
I didn’t just get a room, I got a family who believed in me.
Michael, resident
Say hi to Lauren Bickerdyke
Operations Manager, George Williams House
Lauren is an experienced manager within the supported housing and care sector, with a strong background in leadership, safeguarding, service development, and supporting individuals with complex needs. She has experience overseeing multiple services, managing teams, and ensuring high standards of compliance, quality and person-centred support.
Alongside her professional career, Lauren is currently studying Forensic Psychology, further developing her understanding of behaviour, risk and the factors that influence individuals’ lives
Quick facts
I am passionate about empowering people to achieve greater independence, promoting safe and supportive environments, and helping my team deliver meaningful, consistent outcomes for those we support.
Lauren, Operations Manager
Step by Step Support
Every journey looks a little different, but most young people follow a similar path from first night at YMCA housing to confident, independent living.
Arrives at YMCA
Arrives at YMCA housing, is welcomed by staff and given a safe place to sleep.
Starts support sessions
Begins support sessions and starts learning basic cooking and budgeting skills.
Builds friendships
Builds friendships and takes part in trips, groups and other social activities.
Volunteers & works
Starts engaging in community volunteering and work placements.
Gains confidence
Gains confidence and begins training or employment with support from staff.
Moves on independently
Moves into independent accommodation, ready for a sustainable future.
Still connected
Continues to check in with our support team if they need help to sustain their independence.
They helped me believe I could live on my own and succeed.
Former resident
Spaces to cook, relax, connect and grow
George Williams House is more than bedrooms. Tap through the spaces to see where meals, games, quiet moments and big conversations happen every week.
CHECK OUT OUR AREAS ⟶
When I moved into GWH it didn’t just feel like a hostel – it felt like a place that actually wanted me here.
Resident
How to apply for George Williams House
We now accept self-referrals, making it easier for young people (18+) to apply directly for housing at George Williams House.
All residents at George Williams House have their application assessed at the Housing Panel, a joint meeting with other housing providers and Southampton City Council to consider all applications.
Applications can be made in one of three ways:
Complete our online self referral form (available to applicants aged 18 and over)
Be referred by a partner agency such as No Limits on High Street, Southampton
Apply through Southampton City Council’s Homeless Person’s Unit by calling 02380 832327 or visiting the council website
You can complete the self referral form yourself if you are 18 or over, or ask a support worker or trusted adult to help you.
If you are under 18 you cannot complete the self referral form and must go to the Homeless Person’s Unit. All applications are considered and vacancies are allocated based on need.
Getting to us
YMCA Southampton, George Williams House, Cranbury Place, Southampton, SO14 0LG.
We are right on the roundabout of Asylum Green. The closest bus stop is Law Courts, and it is a 2 minute Google Maps walk from there.
Southampton Central station is around a 20 minute walk or a 10 minute taxi ride away.
You can take a direct bus from Southampton Central to the Law Courts, with routes like the Bluestar (eg. 28) and Uni-Link (eg. U2B) providing frequent and fast services. The journey is very short, taking about 4 minutes, with buses departing approximately every five minutes.
If you get stuck please don’t hesitate to call: 02380 221202
Housing Performance Report
Should you wish to find out more about our outcomes and impact, our full Housing Performance Report is available below.
View reportHousing Complaints Performance & Service Improvement Report 2023–24
An overview of our complaints process, response performance and service improvements for the year 2023–24.
View report