Families and young people

A place for all ages

Our Quaker meetings welcome people of all ages — from babies and children to young people and adults.

We value each person equally and aim to create safe, welcoming and nurturing spaces where everyone can take part in their own way.

Questions or planning a visit?

If you’re thinking of coming along with children or young people and would like to know more, you’re very welcome to get in touch in advance — or simply come along!

Safeguarding information can be found at the bottom of this page.

Children’s activities

An hour of silent worship can be tough — even for the calmest, quietest kids!

In most of our meetings children and adults worship together for about 15 minutes at the start or end. The rest of the time children have their own activities, which might include toys, stories, discussions or crafts, and the adults will continue in silent worship.

Some of our meetings hold special gatherings each month focussed particularly on children and young people, with less silent worship and more activities designed to provide easier ways into Quaker worship.

 

Hertford

Last Sunday of the month, 10.30am - 11.30am

These meetings are accessible to children and families, while remaining rooted in Quaker worship.

We have books to read, and offer simple, quiet activities as ways into worship for our youngest attenders.

 

Hoddesdon

2nd Sunday of the month, 2.30pm - 4.30pm, April - October

A relaxed all-age gathering, designed to be welcoming and accessible for everyone, especially toddlers and young children.

  • 2.30 – Arrive, tea and coffee
  • 3.00 – Short, child friendly worship
  • 3.30 – cake, fruit and biscuits!

Our 'semi-programmed' worship gatherings typically include a story or reading suitable for all ages, and time for reflection and sharing.

We provide puzzles and calming toys and sensory items to help our youngest participants find moments of stillness and calm.

If the weather's nice, we also make use of our wildlife friendly community garden, including a willow dome and veg patches.

Children are fully included. We are very relaxed, and a bit of noise and movement is all part of the joy of being a Quaker community.

Please note that we don't meet during the winter months.

 

Letchworth (Howgills)

5th Sunday of the month, 10.30am-11.30am

Join us for a themed craft activity, encouraging children to explore and discuss their ideas.

Followed by a shared lunch

 

Welwyn Garden City

Last Sunday of the month, 10.30am-11.30am

  • Begins with a short circle time and introduction to a theme
  • Followed by creative activities, crafts, and stories
  • Uses Quaker resource Journeys in the Spirit
  • Children rejoin the main meeting for the final few minutes

There is flexibility for older children and teenagers to spend more time in the main meeting if they wish.

Afterwards, the Meeting House may remain open until 1pm for those who would like to stay.

Safeguarding

The safety and wellbeing of children, young people, and adults at risk of abuse is very important to us.

Hertford and Hitchin Area Meeting follows a safeguarding policy in line with Quaker guidance. This includes:

  • Appointed safeguarding contacts
  • Clear procedures and good practice for those working with children and young people
  • A commitment to creating a safe, respectful environment for everyone

Have a safeguarding concern? Please contact our safeguarding lead listed in our safeguarding policy: