About us
about us
YWCA is the leading charity working with the most disadvantaged young women in England and Wales.
Young women face unique problems in today's society. They are largely unheard and lack influence.
YWCA wants a future where they can overcome prejudice and take charge of their own lives. We run services to support them and campaign with them to combat the discrimination they face.
We work with girls and young women aged 11 to 30. This is the age range where there is greatest need and where we can make the greatest difference. Download this two-page pdf information sheet in English and in Welsh to discover why we only work with girls and women.
YWCA England & Wales is a registered charity, number 217868. Our company number is 137113 and our registered office is Clarendon House, 52 Cornmarket Street, Oxford, OX1 3EJ.
YWCA then
YWCA was founded in 1855 by Miss Emma Robarts and The Hon Mrs Arthur Kinnaird. Miss Robarts organised groups for young women who were coming to London for the first time, and Mrs Kinnaird opened a hostel in Upper Charlotte Street, London for Florence Nightingale's nurses, en route to and from the Crimea.
YWCA now
Our work focuses on girls and young women from poor communities who are the hardest to reach. As well as poverty, they may face other problems such as addiction, violence or racism, and they may be without any say in running their lives. Find out what we do to help.
YWCA of Great Britain and World YWCA
YWCAEngland & Wales is a member of YWCA of Great Britain, the trustee body for the wider YWCA family in Great Britain, taking in our in Scotland and four independent YWCAs in England. YWCA of Great Britain is a member of World YWCA, whose purpose is to develop the leadership and collective power of women and girls around the world to achieve justice, peace, health, human dignity, freedom and a sustainable environment for all people.
YWCA accommodation
We do not provide accommodation. Advice may be available from the YMCA. For short stay accommodation contact the Youth Hostel Association.
Want to know more? Read our FAQs (frequently asked questions).
their stories
Charmaine was struggling to survive on her low income and turned to fraud.
quote
"YWCA in Ealing provides a range of innovative work with the most vulnerable young women in our society."
Carmel Cahill, ECN co-ordinator
fact
Every week two women are killed by current or ex-partners
we think
...girls need safe and interesting places to go and interesting things to do, especially in the evenings and at weekends
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