Watford New Hope Trust was officially launched in March 1990 and a disused banana factory in Whippendell Road was cleared to make way for two old coaches, which were converted into soup kitchens. Today, this site is home to the Haven Support Centre. Earlier this year the name was simplified to New Hope in order to emphasise the focus of the work and to distinguish the charity from other Watford organisations.
New Hope exists to serve individuals who are homeless or vulnerably-housed through the provision of accommodation and opportunities to transform lives. Founded on Christian values, they support people regardless of faith, class, disability, ethnicity, gender and sexual orientation.
When you walk past Chorleywood New Hope shop in Main Parade in the summer you will see plants for sale on the pavement outside. They are the produce of New Hope’s Community Market Garden in Watford which has about an acre of space where service users can do gardening but also woodwork, art, knitting, sewing, anything creative. Food is at the heart of the garden all year round and sponsors and volunteers are vital to the garden’s success .. they get involved in planting, pruning, propagating and creative activities.
New Hope houses 60 people every night and supports more than 600 people every year. It operates 16 services and projects from ten locations in Watford.
Related features:
7 Main Parade, Chorleywood, WD3 5RB
Monday – Saturday 9.30am to 5pm
Manager: Sarah Maling
Telephone: 01923 285 680

