CompassionART Cafés

CompassionART Cafés are drop-in sessions that provide a safe space for people to come together and express themselves through art. They are aimed at anyone who has experienced bereavement, and those that might be lonely due to illness.

CompassionART Cafés

Who is this service intended for? Open to anyone lonely due to illness or/and bereavement, carers and family welcome

Where is this service provided? St Albans and Oxhey (launching 31 July 2025)

When is this service available? Please see timetable below for list of locations and timings

CompassionART Cafés

CompassionART Cafés are drop-in sessions that provide a safe space for people to come together and express themselves through art. They are aimed at anyone who has experienced bereavement and those who might be lonely due to illness.

Express yourself and connect with others

Art can be a great way to express emotions and reduce stress. Our CompassionART Cafés provide a space to enjoy getting creative in a relaxing and supportive environment, helping to improve wellbeing through a challenging time.  

The sessions, held in local venues, include a guided arts and crafts activity and provide a safe space to chat and connect with others, share memories and create lasting connections over a cuppa. There is always someone to talk through the activity, and volunteers to chat to. These dedicated safe spaces allow you to express your inner creative side, learn new skills and meet like-minded people.

There is no need to book, so please just come along. ​

Where this service is available

CompassionART Cafés

We launched our CompassionART Cafés in West Hertfordshire but are working to expand across Bucks and West Herts. Click on your chosen location to find out more details and opening times. 

 

      Timetable

      CompassionART CaféFacilities and costsAddressDay/time
      Café on the Corner, St AlbansRefreshments for sale. Dog friendly39 Catherine Street, St Albans, AL3 5BJFirst Thursday of the month, 2:00pm-3:30pm
      Oxhey Library, OxheyFree refreshmentsBridlington Rd, South Oxhey, Watford WD19 7AGLast Thursday of the month, 1:30pm - 3:00pm (Launching July 31 2025)

      There will be lots of different arts and crafts activities over the weeks, including: 

      Photo coaster Ceramic painting 
      Collage Fluid art pouring 
      Scrabble tiles Box frames 
      Salt art Water colouring 
      Finger CroquetTextile art

      How our CompassionART Café’s can make a difference

      "It was wonderful to meet like-minded people who understood what I was going through and gave me the space to talk about how I was feeling"

      CompassionART Café attendee

      Everyone is welcome. A CompassionART Café is about helping people through the ups and downs of life, particularly for those who have had a loss such as a bereavement, or who might be feeling lonely due to illness.

      No – you can just turn up! You can go to as many Cafés as you want.

      You do not need to pay to attend. Some Cafés offer free refreshments while others are run on a donation basis or have subsidised prices.

      Yes, and if you need any extra support, just let us know.

      You’re very welcome to bring a friend, relative or carer. Most of the Cafés also allow well-behaved dogs.

      You can either email us at compassion@renniegrovepeace.org, call us on 01923 33 03 30, or fill out an enquiry form by clicking the button below.

      Art can be a great way to express emotions and reduce stress. Our CompassionART Cafés provide a space to enjoy getting creative in a relaxing and supportive environment, helping to improve wellbeing through a challenging time.  

      Our Compassionate Communities Group volunteers offer their companionship, time, social and emotional support to people towards the end of life due to age or illness and/or people who are suffering with a loss, in a group setting like a  Compassionate Support Hub and/or Compassionate Café.

      Want to know more?

      If you have any questions or would like to work in partnership with us in setting up a new CompassionART Café in your area, please get in touch with our Compassionate Communities team on 01923 33 03 30 or via our enquiry form.

      Contact us

       

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