We have provided a lifeline for vulnerable young people across Guildford Borough for 25 years, helping to catalyse change for them by nurturing, inspiring, connecting and empowering them. Growing as local need has increased, we’ve worked closely with young people as this has happened, listening to them in order to discern their needs and launching or adapting projects to provide the support requested.

Our Monthly Hubs provide an essential safe space for young people, where they can meet with their peers, have fun and find robust mental health support. By engaging young people in fun, meaningful activity they are encouraged away from anti-social behaviour which often presents a risk

to the young person as well as to others. Furthermore, the early intervention wellbeing support offered helps prevent young people's mental health from further decline. We supported 47 young people in this way last year.

Research into the number of Surrey children living in low-income families is 22,377 for 2020/21. This figure has risen 11% since 2019/20. Such young people are uniquely vulnerable,

often lacking basic needs and not having access to constructive distractions. This puts such young people at high risk of harm or causing harm to others, with anti-social behaviour being adopted as a cure for boredom. Our service is free at point of use and therefore provides these young people with access to a constructive means of spending their time outside of education. This protects them and the wider community, as well as helping to relinquish the pressure on families struggling with the increased cost of living.

The Matrix Trust

Awarded 2024-2025