Watford Winter Shelter Re-opens

The Watford Winter Shelter, based at New Hope’s Haven, opened on 17th November and will run every night – whatever the weather – until mid-March.

The shelter is a unique provision, not just in the town but in the country, because it is running every night of the winter, regardless of temperature.  Working closely with Watford Borough Council, which is funding the service, people facing homelessness receive a warm welcome from our team of volunteers and staff, a hot, delicious and nutritious meal, and a safe and comfortable place to sleep. Just like last year, a ‘pod’ in the Haven garden will be providing accommodation for people unable to access the first-floor bedrooms. Last year, the pod provided life-saving accommodation for people with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, mental health challenges and mobility needs, as well as dog-owners and their precious pets.

A range of wellbeing activities will be on offer, such as music and art, run by our Cultivate team.

 Every person who accesses the shelter will meet with a New Hope support worker to look at longer-term housing options. Last year, we helped people move from the winter shelter into New Hope’s Emergency Accommodation, One YMCA, social housing and refuges as well as helping people re-connect with family and friends and return to a different local authority where there was a statutory duty of care. 

Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: “This winter, we are once again working with New Hope to offer warmth, shelter, and support for anyone in need. Our ongoing partnership reflects our commitment to ending rough sleeping in Watford, making sure everyone in our town has a safe place to turn to during the coldest months of the year.

“Having volunteered with New Hope myself, I have had the privilege of seeing the incredible difference their team makes to those in need. It’s clear that their dedication and compassion play a huge role in helping people find hope and stability. A huge thank you to New Hope and all the staff and volunteers who make this shelter possible. I am so grateful for their tireless work in our community.”

"I'm so grateful to the team behind New Hope, for the invaluable work they do day in and day out to build a supportive and inspiring community for people experiencing homelessness. Volunteering at the winter shelter has been incredibly rewarding. It's helped me build up my confidence, make new connections, and feel part of the local community in ways I'd never have expected. I would absolutely recommend giving some of your time to New Hope, you never know where it may lead." Daisy, volunteer

If you are concerned about anyone sleeping rough in Watford, please call the New Hope 24/7 line on 0300 012 0168. If it is an emergency, please call 999 or 101 (police non-emergency number) as appropriate.

To access the shelter:

During the Haven’s opening hours (8.30am - 3pm, Monday to Friday), please go to the Haven, 4 Whippendell Road, WD18 7LU.

When the Haven is closed, please call Watford Borough Council’s Out of Hours number on 01923 226 400.

Read more at newhope.org.uk/wintershelter