The Haven is a place of Peace, Prayer and Refreshment in the heart of the town of Paignton, conveniently situated not only in close proximity to the bus and rail stations (both of them!) but also in an area where people do gather at nights and weekends to sleep rough, and to over-indulge in alcohol or take drugs.

It is administered by a team of committed Christians, of a number of different denominations, but is available to those of any faith, or none, for material, spiritual and social support. It aims to share the love of God with the lonely and the homeless, the anxious and the sad, the burdened and the addicted.

It offers both professional counselling and informal listening support with prayer where appropriate, both one to one and over the telephone. It also hosts Fernlea Trust, who have a particular ministry to those with crises in pregnancy, whether considering abortion, or coping with miscarriage.

If we can't help we try to put people in touch with those who can. We liaise with bodies such as Shekinah in Torquay (day centre for the homeless), The Torbay Project (Factory Row) and the Mental Health Outreach Team, and try to keep up-to-date information on both secular and Christian agencies who may be able to help with particular circumstances. We have good links with the Police and the Street Services Team.

Some just want to relax in cosy and friendly surroundings. Coffee, tea and biscuits are available for a small charge at all times, and our lounge offers not only comfortable sofas but also a library and a large collection of videos of all kinds.Some of our visitors simply live alone, some have stress or mental health issues. In recent years we have become increasingly involved with Street People, supplying blankets and emergency food in cold weather, and other appropriate support all year round.

At the heart of all we try to do is PRAYER and WORSHIP. We have developed out of an ecumenical Lent group of more than 20 years ago and still meet faithfully every WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON all year round (unless Christmas falls on a Wednesday) to sing, read and discuss the Bible together, pray for those in need and share whatmay be happening in our various churches and fellowships. Some of us also meet for PRAYER and PRAISE on a Monday evening and every few weeks we have a PRAYER and CELEBRATION day on a Saturday with a shared lunch. We have a Quiet Room for personal reflection and many books and magazines to borrow.

We are FUNDED almost entirely by donation, some pledged on a monthly basis, some from our casual collections. Torbay Council, over the past two years, has acknowledged our service to the local community by waiving our Business Tax. God has blessed us amazingly over the 16 years of our life, moving people to support us right out of the blue.

NETWORKING forms an important part of our activities, both for those we try to help and for our core volunteers. We share information and news about each others churches, communities and current events. We have links with Manchester Prison Prayer Fellowship, Lee Abbey, Langley House Trust, Barnabas Trust, and receive mailings from many others. We participate in the Samaritans Purse SHOEBOX Appeal, and promote Fair Trade initiatives wherever possible. We actively support in Prayer, Giving and Fundraising our sister project in PERU and PERUVIAN HANDICRAFTS are always available for sale, alongside handcrafted Greetings Cards.

We also have social events from time to time, including parties, meals out, birthday celebrations and outings.

TIMETABLE
PRAYER and PRAISE
Wednesdays 2 - 4 pm (preceded by a light lunch from 1.00)

Mondays 7.30 - 9.30 pm

CENTRE OPEN for refreshments, relaxing, counselling, etc. Monday - Friday 10 am - 5 pm.

Telephone 01803 558727


The Fernlea Trust may be contacted on 01803 853609.