Matrix is a local Christian charity providing a lifeline for young people across Guildford Borough for nearly 20 years. They build long-term relationships with vulnerable young people, across Guildford, providing activities within schools and the community to nurture, inspire, connect and empower them, helping them make the most of their lives.
Supporting young people directly in their own communities, they provide positive activities in youth hubs and targeted community-based projects. In addition, they seek to increase access to a wide range of opportunities that might otherwise might be out of reach for young people, while providing safe spaces for young people to be and people for them to talk to.
They also meet young people in schools to provide pastoral support, build long- term relationships and walk alongside them in their journeys through one-to-one sessions, workshops, assemblies and drop-ins. By partnering with young people, local organisations, churches and the community they help them make the most of their lives, enabling them to become active citizens in their communities.
We asked Misty when Matrix first became involved with Guildford Philanthropy:
“We first met Peter through a mutual contact at the Council and shared visions over coffee. Matrix are in the process of setting up a Social Enterprise Community Café which will serve the needs of young people whilst providing an income-generation stream for Matrix. With accredited training opportunities, an after-school Youth Café that provides a daily drop-in for vulnerable and lonely young people and a ‘Discovery Centre’ where the community can provide young people with opportunities they wouldn’t normally be able to access.
Peter connected us with a Surrey University Professor who helped to develop the business plan and really get the ball rolling, and we have begun conversations with a Guildford Philanthropy Ambassador about how we can work together.
We were also very privileged and grateful to receive a grant towards the development of the Social Enterprise, which has helped us to reach over the half way mark.
Guildford Philanthropy is opening doors for us that we wouldn’t be able to open ourselves and we hope that we can open some for their members to enable them to help the next generation.”
We also asked how Misty sees the relationship with Guilford Philanthropy moving forward:
“ Matrix are looking forward to a long two-way relationship with Guildford Philanthropy. They know that as a small charity there is much we can learn from them (and much we have learnt already), but we also hope that there is much we can give back. Young people and their community can both benefit greatly from being connected to each other, from mixing with positive role-models to sharing expertise and gaining insight. At Matrix we hope to engage Ambassadors and their employees in making a difference for young people on the ground, aiming to give back as much as we gain.”
They added; “We would like to extend an invitation to those who are interested in touring the building and seeing the plans for the Social Enterprise. Misty would be happy to show you round, and explain the plans in more detail. “
Find out more about The Matrix Trust from their website
