Watford Winter Shelter: Saves and Changes Lives

This year's Watford Winter Shelter was exceptional and a great example of how to run a warm, welcoming, peaceful, and homely emergency accommodation service. Staff and volunteers cooked delicious, healthy and filling meals and different activities were available (led by Cultivate who head up New Hope’s mental health activities and well-being programme), including a chess tournament, board games, quizzes, music sessions, art, plant care, and origami.

  • 95 people were provided with accommodation at the shelter

  • 12 people came for meals only

  • 45 people moved on to longer-term accommodation

  • Cultivate held 28 wellbeing sessions

  • 37 people regularly volunteered

“I have to say it’s good that the Winter Shelter has been back at the Haven. It was good fun but the highlight has to be playing chess and playing in a tournament with the service users.
 

It was just on a completely other level and really reinforced the fact people in the service are just people who have been dealt a rubbish hand and how it can happen to anyone.

My hope is that if it were ever to happen to me, New Hope would be there for me like they are for the service users." Nadir, a Watford Winter Shelter volunteer

“I spent a lot of time being looked after by New Hope's Tenancy Sustainment Team, in particular, so it’s an opportunity for me to give something back." Bob, a Watford Winter Shelter volunteer

"Through volunteering, we can play an important role in supporting the most disadvantaged people in society. Volunteering is a very rewarding experience and promotes personal growth and has given me a new understanding and perspective of the lives of homeless people." Rose, Watford Winter Shelter volunteer

Thank you to everyone who volunteered and to Watford Borough Council who funded the provision!

Rebecca Palmer