Claire Banham - Founder & Director

Having walked with a family member through a season of problematic anxiety, I became convinced of the need for an easily accessible point of support to help young people reduce and control the anxiety that is making life such a struggle. And so The Haven was born... 

As a youth worker with over 20 years of experience (and a mum of teenagers) I relish the opportunity to provide a safe space for young people to learn practical tools that can make a real difference to their lives.  The results we see and the feedback we get from participants and parents is so encouraging - it's a real incentive to keep going! 

Our Team:

Alan MacKinnon - Chair, Haven Advisory Board

The work Haven does positively supports young people and equips them with all the tools they need to successfully and safely navigate through the challenges of today's world, because looking after their mental and physical wellbeing is so valuable. I am delighted to be part of it and offer what I can to help Haven to grow and flourish.

 Haven can and does make a huge difference in the lives of the young people it helps. To see this positive impact and to hear from those young people who have benefitted from what Haven offers is hugely rewarding and makes me want to help more!

  • Rev’d Andy Pike - Clinical Advisor

    Rev’d Andy Pike

    Clinical Advisor

    As a practising Clinical Psychologist I have a passion to see good mental health start as early as possible and as a church leader I have been impressed with the way that The Haven uses practical, spiritual and emotional tools to undo the damaging narratives that can prevent young people being all that they are called to be.

  • Jane Munroe - Haven Advisory Board

    Jane Munroe

    Haven Advisory Board

    Having worked in Education for 40 years I know that many children and young people suffer with mental health issues and services to offer help and support are scarce. Haven meets the needs of many young people and children and provides hope that they can have life in abundance.

  • Jeremy Bottrill – Haven Schools Facilitator

    Jeremy Bottrill

    Haven Schools Facilitator

    As a long-term youth worker and local schools' worker I particularly appreciate the positive changes in young people, when they are equipped through Haven with the tools to improve aspects of their mental health.

  • Nick Daymond - Haven Advisory Board

    Nick Daymond

    Haven Advisory Board

    Now retired, I spent my entire teaching career in Hertfordshire schools. As a headteacher, I became ever more aware of the terrible toll that poor mental health was taking on increasing numbers of students. I am greatly heartened by The Haven's course content and the very positive feedback from young people, their parents and teachers.

Join the Team

Board of Advisors

We are seeking new members for the Board of Advisors for The Haven. The Board works closely with the Haven Director to develop strategies for expanding the work of The Haven and ensuring that our growth is undertaken in a financially responsible manner.  Find out more here

Minutes Secretary

Do you have good attention to detail and can you help us record our Advisory Board meetings and manage the resulting actions?  Find out more here