If you or someone you know is homeless or facing homelessness, it can be a distressing and scary time but you are not alone and help is available.
YMCA London South West run two hostels in Surbiton and Wimbledon, but we are not able to help you if you just turn up. You must be referred by one of the organisations or charities that we work with. Your first step should be to contact one of the agencies below (we recommend your local council first). They will assess your situation and if possible, refer you on from there.
Kingston Council HAT (Homelessness Assessment Team)
Tel: 020 8547 5460 (Out of office hours 020 8770 5000)
Email: hat@rbk.kingston.gov.uk
Website
KCAH Kingston Churches Action on Homelessness
Tel: 020 8255 7400
Website
Merton Council
Tel: 020 8545 3715 (Out of office hours 020 8770 5000)
Email: housingadvice@mertoncouncil.gov.uk
Website
SPEAR (Housing Charity based in Richmond)
Tel: 020 8288 6506
Website
We also accept referrals from the Probation Service, Social Services and Kaleidoscope.
Shelter offer an Emergency Housing Rights Checker if you are unsure about your eligibility for help with housing.
If you are a student or working, accommodation may be available at YMCA Parsons Green (David Ensor House). More information If I work or study, can I rent a room?.
YMCA LSW has affordable long-term accommodation for students and workers available at YMCA Surbiton, YMCA Wimbledon and YMCA Parsons Green.
Rooms are basic, but comfortable and all enjoy excellent transport links into central London. Room rates vary, but include heating, electricity and water.
For more information:
YMCA Parsons Green (Self-catering)
YMCA Wimbledon
YMCA Surbiton
No. All our services and facilities may be used by anyone. Everyone is welcome to come into
Canteen for lunch or a coffee, to use the childcare services of
Space or attend a
Room gig night. Although regular exercisers will save money by taking out a membership, you can use the
Y+ Fitness gym, take a class, play tennis or swim on a 'pay as you go' basis.
Our Centres are open to the whole community, as are our chapels and the services of our Chaplaincy team.
While membership is not required, if you want to show your support for YMCA London South West, you can become an
Associate Member. Full details may be found
here.
The YMCA is a registered charity and receives funding from three main sources.
Basic housing activities are funded by the Government via the Supporting People programme. However, our work with local homeless people is about much more than bed and board; our Life Skills programme, Foundation Learning programme and resettlement programme all require funding. We also run community projects in other areas like children's work, youth work and health and fitness.
To fund these, we use the surpluses generated from our social enterprises; Y+ Fitness, Space and Canteen. Supported by the local community who use our gyms, holiday camps and eat in our cafes, we are able to provide training, subsidised services and support to other, more vulnerable, members of the same communities.
We also actively fundraise via Events, donations and grant applications. Throughout the year, you can run marathons, join in with Sleep Easy or pick up a bargain at our Nearly New sales. If, as an individual or a group, you have an idea and would like to fundraise for us, please get in touch. We would love to hear it.
Yes, and everyone is very welcome. You do not have to be a member or use any of our other services to pop in for lunch or a quick coffee.
Canteen at YMCA is just like any other cafe on the high street with one difference - all surpluses (profits) are used to fund YMCA LSW community projects.
All Canteens at YMCA Wimbledon, YMCA Surbiton and YMCA Hawker Centre are very family friendly. There is plenty of space for buggies,special children’s menus and Canteen staff are happy to warm baby food on request.
At YMCA Hawker Centre there is an outdoor play area with a slide, sandpit and climbing ramp. There are benches nearby from which parents and carers can supervise while enjoying the lovely river views.
No. Class places are reserved on a 'first come, first served' basis at Reception before the class starts.
Yes. We do takeaway Fairtrade teas and speciality coffees. If you want your lunch to go, just ask and we'll pop it in a box for you.