YMCA Isle of Wight provides a valuable accommodation-based facility in Shanklin for young families.

The Lodge is an early-years focussed service, working with single mothers and pregnant woman aged 16-25, and their infants, who are experiencing homelessness.  All those engaged in the programme move into The Lodge and take part in activities delivered by the YMCA team, community volunteers and other agencies. Young women are supported to identify their individual needs, with the ultimate aim being to empower them to live independently and sustainably as a family unit in the community.  Activities delivered in the programme cover a wide range of essential life skills, including maintaining a home, parenting, healthy relationships, budgeting, eating well, and general health and wellbeing.  Childcare is also provided at our on-site nursery at YMCA Winchester House, which provides the young women with some essential time for themselves, enables their children to achieve developmental milestones, and helps the family to make new friends. The Lodge accommodates up to 7 young women and their infants, and an adjacent flat is used for longer-term move-on accommodation, allowing us to help up to 9 families at any one time. The Lodge itself is in a fantastic location, set in a quiet spot with private gardens, with excellent public transport, and wider surroundings of family-friendly parks and beach. YMCA and the wider community works together to help these very vulnerable families to get the best future possible.

Location & contact

The Lodge is located at YMCA Winchester House, Sandown Road, Shanklin PO37 6HT.

For referrals and or general enquiries please contact the team on 01983 861076.  Alternatively please contact Isle of Wight Council Housing Services on 01983 823040.