Young People Facing Homelessness in Southampton Can Now Self-Refer to Supported Accommodation

George Williams House, one of Southampton’s longest running supported accommodation services for young people, has opened a new self-referral route to make accessing support faster and easier.

Southampton’s YMCA roots stretch back to 1880, when the city’s first hostel opened in Ogle Road. George Williams House itself has supported young people for almost a century, with the original Cranbury Villa being converted into a hostel in the 1920s and rebuilt after wartime bombing. Today, it continues that legacy as a vital part of the city’s support network for young people.

Previously, all young people accessing supported accommodation at YMCA Southampton needed to be referred through the local authority. By introducing a self-referral route, George Williams House is widening access and giving young people a direct, straightforward way to ask for help when they need it.

Located in the heart of the city, George Williams House provides 52 rooms for young people aged 18-30 who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Residents receive wrap around care, including emotional support, budgeting advice, life skills development, wellbeing guidance as well as pathways into education, training and independent living.

Alongside personalised support, residents are encouraged to build confidence, social skills and independence through group activities. These include shared cooking sessions in the community kitchen using weekly food donations from local partners, opportunities to learn practical life skills and regular social events designed to help young people connect as part of a supportive community.

Southampton has one of the highest homelessness rates in the South East, with 10.4 per 1,000 households experiencing homelessness, significantly above the national average of 6.1. With many young people facing increasing housing insecurity and financial pressures, ensuring they have clear and accessible routes into support is more important than ever.

“Council referrals remain an important pathway for young people and self-referrals now provide an additional route for accessing the support they need,” said Josh Towers, Director of Youth Services. “As the pressures facing young people continue to grow, we are actively adapting our services to meet those needs. This change gives young people greater choice and enables us to respond more swiftly and effectively when someone reaches out for help.”

This new referral route will ensure young people can reach support before their situation worsens, especially at a time when housing pressures and the rising cost of living continue to affect local youth.

Young people aged 18-30 can now self-refer through the George Williams House webpage.