YMCA Surbiton

Surbiton Founded

Little detail is known about the establishment of the Surbiton branch, but it is thought to have been founded in this year. Between 1855 and 1894, the area of Surbiton was run by Improvement Commissioners and remained independent of Kingston.

Surbiton Struggling

Just a decade in, YMCA Surbiton began to falter, struggling to find funding and numbers, it eventually had to close. The centre remained closed for three years, but was determined to continue serving the local community and was finally able to re-open in 1882.

Finding Refuge in Each Other

After having struggled to remain open, Surbiton merged with Kingston, forming what was known as YMCA Kingston and Surbiton. This meant that the two, in conjunction, could offer even more to the community and work on services that were missing in the Southwest London area.

Rebuilding the Community

Following World War Two, the YMCA helped the community to heal. By offering housing, sports and education for the local residents, they were able to have a fresh start and even more importantly, a place they could find comfort and restoration in.

Becoming Independent

It is only within this decade that the centre became solely known as YMCA Surbiton, rather than YMCA Kingston and Surbiton. In order to forge an individual identity within the group, the Surbiton building remodelled itself and moved to Victoria Road.

A Bench is Not a Bed

YMCA St Paul’s Group helped with the development of London’s Rough Sleeping Charter – the first of its kind. Its aim is to raise awareness around homelessness so that people might approach it with more compassion and by organising volunteers and donations, move towards putting an end to rough sleeping.