The Guildford Institute is an independent charity that has been serving the local community since 1834, offering a space for people to come together to meet, learn and explore. We receive no external funding, which means your support is crucial to allow us to convert the empty, ground floor of our grade II listed building to provide the GI Community & Wellbeing Centre
Our principal business is the provision of education and cultural activities to the adult community through courses, events, visits, talks and free access to our historic library and unique local archive. We also provide facilities for over 800 meetings annually, by local groups with almost 70% accommodating local charities and community groups. Our spaces are also used for other activities such as Music Recitals given by young musicians from the area and for exhibitions by local artists.
We run an accessible community café, open to all, providing quality, healthy and nourishing lunches and refreshments in a comfortable and welcoming space. We run groups to combat loneliness including being part of the national Chatty Café Scheme.
We are also home to a group of talking therapists – counsellors, psychologists, psychotherapists and family mediators – this is the area of our works that we want to develop and expand by providing purpose built, soundproofed and private spaces for these specialist mental health support services.
We are governed by a board of trustees and operate with a small professional staff team, supported by volunteers and interns.
