About us
Platform 51 supports girls and women as they take control of their lives
Girls and women today face problems that are often subtle or misunderstood. Despite shifts in attitude and changes in the law, women are often unheard, isolated and face discrimination. This is costly both to women and to society.
Girls and women are at the heart of all we do. Our activities, services and campaigns are about things women need and want. We give them a platform to have their say and challenge discrimination. This short film shows what actually happens at our women's centres.
We want a world where women are in control of their own lives.
Platform 51 is the operating name of YWCA England & Wales, a registered charity, number 217868. Our company number is 137113 and our registered office is New Barclay House, 234 Botley Road, Oxford, OX2 0HP.
YWCA then and now
The Young Women's Christian Association 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.
In 2002 we changed our name to YWCA England & Wales. In 2010 we became Platform 51 as YWCA no longer stood for who we are or what we do, and people often confused us with another charity. Our new name more accurately represents us: 51% of people are female, and girls and women use us as a platform for having their say and for helping them into the next stage of their lives.
Platform 51 works with girls and women of any age or background in England and Wales who need us. Find out what we do to help.
YWCA of GB and World YWCA
Platform 51 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 GB 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.
Accommodation
Many years ago we used to provide accommodation. But we don't anymore. For short stay accommodation contact the Youth Hostel Association.
Want to know more?
Read our Frequently asked questions
who we help
Charmaine was struggling to survive on her low income and turned to fraud
quote
"Platform 51 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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