Watford New Hope

ADVICE & SUPPORT

For urgent assistance:
Watford New Hope Trust's initial support is provided by:

The Haven day centre
4 Whippendell Road
Watford.
WD18 7LU
01923 801382
Directions to The Haven

The Haven provides the following support:

A drop-in centre that is open from 9am to 12.30pm, Monday - Saturday
Food and hot drinks are provided free of charge
Clients have access to a shower, laundry facilities and clothing
Medical advice can be obtained
Training workshops such as Art, Cookery, Computers and Gardening are available

There is also access to the Outreach Team who are the main point of referral for people requiring accommodation in The Sanctuary night shelter from 10:30 - 12:30pm Monday to Friday.

Emergency referrals to The Sanctuary night shelter can be requested at Watford police station after 10pm (only if there are beds available).

The Trust also provides a range of other services that may be of help.
Here is a summary of a number of those services.

The Outreach Team provides a link between rough sleepers and the help they need. The Day Centre provides food and support, washing and laundry facilities and opportunities for personal development.

The Sanctuary night shelter provides emergency accommodation and help in moving towards more stable accommodation. The building includes 11 beds in cluster flats for those moving towards independent living

New Hope House and The Community Home provide a caring and safe environment where clients are encouraged to address the issues that made them homeless. The Community Home offers a family environment for people with long term needs. Unusually it is a 'wet house' that provides controlled drinking facilities that may ultimately reduce addiction.

Alpha Court is a vital stepping stone towards independent living. There are six one-bedroomed, self contained flats providing supported move-on accommodation for up to a year.

The Tenancy Sustainment Team provides advocacy, and practical and social support to help former clients that have moved on.

The Furniture and The Market Garden There are two social enterprise schemes that provide practical experience and training. Rather than provide a roof over peoples' heads, these schemes are designed to restore self-confidence - essential as approaches are made to employers and voluntary agencies. The Furniture and The Market Garden schemes provide hands-on training that often leads to formal college education.

The Trust's Charity Shop is the largest in Hertfordshire selling everyday items at affordable prices. The shop, staffed entirely by volunteers, also provides clothes and starter packs as clients move into new accommodation. The volunteers also take time to listen and care for customers in need.

For general / national support with regards to homelessness Shelter's Advice & Support section is an excellent resource. We would recommend that this is a good starting point for advice especially if you are not in the Watford area.

Below is a more extensive list of regional and National facilities which is divided into categories to help you narrow the search for support: