Find the council responsible for your address
Guildford Borough Council is the starting point for services such as waste collection, council tax, planning and housing within the borough. Surrey County Council covers a different set of services, including highways, libraries and social care. Using the right authority helps an enquiry reach the team that can deal with it.
The directory’s practical catchment includes nearby places that have a different district or borough council. Bramley and Godalming, for example, are in Waverley. Use your actual address when looking up an authority, and contact the relevant parish council for matters within its local remit.
Community rooms, activities and local culture
The Guildford Institute on Ward Street brings together courses, talks, clubs, a library and other activities. Its room hire and programme can be useful starting points for people looking to join something locally or arrange a gathering.
Church halls and community venues in Guildford and the surrounding villages host many independent groups. The venue and the group may have different contacts, so follow the organiser’s booking instructions. For a room enquiry, give the expected numbers, purpose of the meeting and any access needs.
Support and ways to contribute
Guildford Town Centre Chaplaincy runs projects including Street Angels and Community Angels, as well as its chaplaincy work. Guildford Salvation Army is another local contact for community activity and practical support. These organisations have different services and availability, so use their own information to find an appropriate route.
If you would like to volunteer, ask about current opportunities, training and the time commitment involved. Supporting a local group might mean helping at an event, joining a regular team or contributing practical skills behind the scenes.
Spotted something out of date? Let us know.
More local guides
- About Guildford: the Wey, High Street and Surrey Hills
- Things to do in Guildford: the Wey, castle gardens and local culture
- Shopping in Guildford: independent shops, markets and town-centre finds
- Where to list and promote your Guildford business
- What’s on in Guildford: November and December 2026