About the service
Herts Haven Cafés are a free welcoming drop-in space for children and young people across Hertfordshire to access support for their emotional wellbeing.
If you are a young person seeking support, we’re here to help!
These cafés are safe spaces where young people can get the emotional wellbeing support they need.
Our main goal is to create a non-judgmental environment where young people feel comfortable sharing their concerns. We believe it’s important for individuals to have a space where they can freely express their thoughts and emotions without fear of judgment. That’s why our compassionate team are here to listen and support.
Our team of trained workers can provide practical help and emotional support to anyone who visits, with no referral required.
Practical help may include guidance on coping strategies, stress management techniques, and problem-solving skills. Our workers have the knowledge and resources to provide relevant information and tools to help young people navigate their mental health challenges. The cafés will also provide a safe space to access digital support including The Sandbox, and Lumi Nova, as well as talk through alternative services.
Emotional support is also a key focus of our cafés. Our team are trained to provide empathy, acknowledgment, and a safe space for young people to express their emotions. Through open and caring conversations, we aim to create a sense of belonging and connection.
No referral needed
Herts Haven Cafés are open to any young person in Hertfordshire between the ages of 10 and 18 without the need for a formal referral. Just pop in.
We believe in providing prompt support without unnecessary barriers. By removing referral requirements, we strive to reach as many young people as possible and address their emotional wellbeing needs in a timely and proactive way.
Locations and Opening Times
The cafes are open in Watford and Stevenage across the week. We will be adding more days and times over the coming weeks.
| Day | Time |
Location |
|
Monday |
3.30PM – 8PM |
Watford Palace Theatre, 20 Clarendon Road, Watford, WD17 1JZ |
|
Tuesday |
3:30PM – 8PM |
Bowes Lyon Young People’s Centre St George’s Way, Stevenage SG1 1XY |
|
Wednesday |
3:30PM – 8PM |
Bowes Lyon Young People’s Centre St George’s Way, Stevenage SG1 1XY |
|
Thursday |
3:30PM – 8PM |
South Oxhey Young People’s Centre, Gosforth Lane, South Oxhey WD19 7AX |
You can come along on your own, or with a friend and/or family member.
Please note, drop-ins will be accepted 30 minutes prior to closing time to enable our staff to best support you.
Watford Palace Theatre
Access
The venue has disabled access and accessible toilets.
Parking
Sutton Car Park (WD17 2PS) on Estcourt Road, which is less than a 5-minute walk away.
Charter car park* (WD17 2UB), which is part of the Atria Watford shopping centre (not to be confused with the Palace carpark: nothing to do with us, honest!). Charter car park is on the right-hand side, as if you were parking for the cinema. It’s just round the corner from us and also less than a 5-minute walk away.
You might also want to try Gade (WD18 0JX) or Church (WD18 0JD) car parks.
All of the car parks above have disabled parking available.
*Please note: Charter car park has a dual entrance with the Palace car park. The Palace car park is NOT open 24 hours and does NOT have step-free access.
Contact us
You can find out more about Herts Haven Cafes by contacting the team on 0208 189 8400 or email us at [email protected]