The Christmas period is a time of joy and celebration for many, but with the cost of living crisis it is set to be a difficult time for those who are struggling with financial hardship, isolation, or other challenges. If you’re feeling overwhelmed this Christmas, know that you’re not alone and that there are support services available in Hertfordshire to help you through: 

Warm banks in Hertfordshire 

Warm banks provide a place to stay warm if you can’t afford energy bills to heat your home. These are free to enter and often provide a hot drink and other services such as free wifi: 

Marshalswick Baptist Free Church 

Sherwood Avenue St Albans, England, United Kingdom 

Opening Hours: Tuesday & Thursday, 1.30pm-4.30pm 

Homewood United Reformed Church 

Homewood Road St Albans, England, AL1 4BH, United Kingdom 

Opening Hours: Thursdays 12.30pm-3pm 

Open Door, Berkhamsted 

360-364 High Street Berkhamsted, England, HP4 1HU, United Kingdom 

Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 10.30am-3.30pm, Sat 10.30am-1pm 

Northchurch Social Centre 

Bell Lane Berkhamsted, England, HP4 3RD, United Kingdom 

Opening Hours: 9am-1pm  

One YMCA Orbital Community centre 

Haines Way Watford, England, WD25 7QU, United Kingdom  
Opening Hours: Wed, 1pm-3pm; Fri 10am-12pm (Starts 18 Nov 2022) 

Northwood Methodist Church 

30 Oaklands Gate Northwood, England, HA6 3AA, United Kingdom 
Opening Hours: Thursday 09.30am-12pm 

Stanmore Library 

8 Stanmore Hill Stanmore, England, HA7 3BQ, United Kingdom 
Opening Hours: Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays 10am-6pm; Wednesdays and Fridays 10am-1pm; Sundays & Mondays Closed 

Knights Court Nursing Home 

107 High Street Edgware, England, HA8 7DB, United Kingdom 
Opening Hours: 9am-4:30pm 

OneStonegrove 

5 Hayling Way Edgware, England, HA8 8BN, United Kingdom 
Opening Hours: 9am-7pm 

Pinner Library 

78 Marsh Road Pinner, England, HA5 5NQ, United Kingdom 
Opening Hours: Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays 10am-6pm; Wednesdays and Fridays 10am-1pm; Sundays & Mondays Closed 

Wealdstone Library 

38-40 High Street Harrow, England, HA3 7AE, United Kingdom 

Opening Hours: Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays 10am-6pm; Wednesdays and Fridays 10am-1pm; Sundays & Mondays Closed 

Kenton Library 

135 Kenton Lane Harrow, England, HA3 8UJ, United Kingdom 
Opening Hours: Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays 10am-6pm; Wednesdays and Fridays 10am-1pm; Sundays & Mondays Closed 

Greenhill Library 

College Road Harrow, England, HA1 1GX, United Kingdom 
Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 11am-3pm 

Christ Church, Roxeth 

Roxeth Hill Harrow, England, HA2 0JN, United Kingdom 

Opening Hours: Wednesday 2pm-4pm 

Roxeth Community Church Warm Hub 

Coles Crescent Harrow, England, HA2 0TN, United Kingdom 
Opening Hours: Thursdays 1pm-3.30pm 

Roxeth Library 

Venue Type: Library 
Opening Hours: Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays 10am-6pm; Wednesdays and Fridays 10am-1pm; Sundays & Mondays Closed 

South Harrow Methodist Church 

Walton Avenue Harrow, England, United Kingdom 

Opening Hours: Mondays 6pm-10pm, Wednesdays 10am-2pm 

Food banks 

A food bank is a charitable organization that provides emergency food assistance to people who are experiencing difficulty affording groceries. In the UK, food banks are typically run by local charities and usually operate on a referral basis, though there are some that you can visit without a referral. The food bank then provides a package of food that is intended to last for a few days, until you are able to access other forms of assistance. Food banks in the UK are often supported by donations from the general public, as well as by food manufacturers and retailers. 

Watford Foodbank: https://www.watfordfoodbank.co.uk/ 

St Albans & District Foodbank: https://stalbansdistrict.foodbank.org.uk/ 

Hertford & District Foodbank: http://hertforddistrict.foodbank.org.uk/ 

Potters Bar Foodbank: http://pottersbar.foodbank.org.uk/ 

Borehamwood Foodbank: http://borehamwood.foodbank.org.uk/ 

Mental health & Crisis support 

Below we have listed some support lines that you can call at any time during the day if you are experiencing a mental health crisis or just want to be able to talk to someone: 

Hertfordshire Single Point of Access (SPA) 24/7 Mental Health Helpline: 0800 6444 101 / -01438 843322 

Nightlight Crisis Support: 01923 256391 

Samaritans: 116 123 

Remember that there are people and organisations in Hertfordshire who are ready and willing to help you during this holiday season. Whether you’re struggling with bills, heating, or loneliness, support is available. Don’t hesitate to reach out and ask for help – you deserve to enjoy the holiday season, no matter what challenges you’re facing. 

Remember that there are people and organisations in Hertfordshire who are ready and willing to help you during this holiday season. Whether you’re struggling with bills, heating, or loneliness, support is available. Don’t hesitate to reach out and ask for help – you deserve to enjoy the holiday season, no matter what challenges you’re facing. 

Learn about Guideposts’ services for people in Hertfordshire here