The Swan Youth Centre offers positive activities for young people ages 12-18 in a safe, friendly, alcohol and drug free environment

There is no other provision in Berkhamsted like it for our members.

  • We give all young people in our community somewhere safe and positive to go.
  • We integrate them into the community by reducing anti-social behaviour.
  • We foster and improve inter-school relations.
  • We offer training and better chances in life.
  • We enable them to make informed choices about issues that concern them regarding drugs, alcohol, sexual health and relationships.
  • We provide an important, often crucial, listening ear when needed.
  • We enable a sense of value and validity through involvement and decision-making.
  • We provide breaks and respite with subsidised day trips and activity holidays.

We have many testimonials/case studies, some examples – “… In recent years my life at home as become more and more difficult.. through all this the Swan Youth Centre has provided a stable foundation for me, the only reliable place to which I can go to escape.. “

“…Whilst we do not forget that he is autistic, participation in the Swan and the entire experience has already had a huge impact on him, on his family, and on his school life.”

A 14 year old male member came to the Swan to look around with his mum when he first moved to Berkhamsted to leave a domestic violent situation. He didn’t know anyone in the town and hadn’t started at the local school. He found the atmosphere friendly and supportive and with the help of staff soon made friends which helped when he did start school. Staff also worked closely with the Inclusion worker at the school during difficult times for him.

With drink and drugs being a common factor in the lives of young people, staff have supported many in their attempts to give up / cut down and have signposted members on for Drug Counselling.