Connection
Meet people, build friendships and find a welcoming community where you belong.
A welcoming space in Enfield
Room to be yourself. Space to grow.
A place for young people to connect, get creative and build confidence at their own pace — with families alongside them.
For young people aged 11–25 · Enfield, North London
Why we’re here
“Every young person deserves somewhere they can feel at ease, find their people and discover what they can do.”
A little about us
Connection, creativity and support — with young people at the heart.
The Friendly Space is an Enfield-based community project created by experienced teachers with backgrounds in expressive arts. We welcome young people aged 11–25, including those who are finding school, social situations or the next step in life difficult.
We offer a bespoke, flexible service shaped around each young person’s strengths, interests and needs. We run creative and practical workshops alongside mentoring and educational support, helping young people build communication, confidence and life skills at their own pace. There is no pressure to know exactly what you need or join in straight away.
Advocacy
We listen, help young people have a say and offer families signposting to relevant support.
Creativity
Try drama, art and hands-on workshops, explore your interests and help shape projects.
The people behind the space
Meet Sacha and Kath.
We’re Sacha Donnelly and Kath Cowen, fully qualified teachers. Sacha is the founder of The Friendly Space and Kath is the co-founder. Together, we bring more than 45 years in education, including over 20 years working in Enfield.
Sacha Donnelly
Sacha is a drama teacher and LAMDA examiner with over 25 years in education. Her work brings together expressive arts, tutoring and mentoring, helping young people find their voice and confidence through creative opportunities.
Kath Cowen
Kath has over 20 years’ experience in secondary education, including leading student wellbeing and pastoral support. Her work has focused on SEND, inclusion and trauma-informed practice, with a thoughtful, relationship-led approach.
We created The Friendly Space so young people can feel welcome, connect with others, explore what interests them and have a real say in what happens.
Why I wanted to open The Friendly Space
A place like this can stay with you.
The idea has been with me for a long time. Growing up with a single mother who worked as a mental health social worker, I spent a lot of time in youth clubs. Those spaces mattered to me, and one drama teacher in particular had a lasting influence on the direction of my life. I wanted to help create that kind of welcoming, encouraging place for other young people: somewhere they can connect with others, explore their interests and discover what they are capable of.
A glimpse of The Friendly Space
People, projects and a place to belong.
A few moments from the space and the activities young people help bring to life.
Young people shape what happens
Real ideas. Real roles. Room to lead.
Young people should have a genuine say in the space they use. We support them to bring their interests and skills into sessions, take responsibility and help make activities happen.
That can mean developing creative projects, trying out a new role or sharing a skill with others — with adults there to provide guidance and safeguarding.
- ✓Build skills through hands-on experience
- ✓Get support to plan and lead activities
- ✓Explore volunteering and future pathways
Families are welcome here too
A space for young people — and the people who care about them.
Finding the right support can feel like a lot to hold on your own. We want families to feel welcome to ask questions, meet others and explore what might help. We can also offer signposting to relevant services.
A listening ear, and help finding a next step.
We make time to listen to parents and carers, talk through questions and help people find relevant support. Every family’s situation is different, so we offer a bespoke, understanding response.
For young people
Come to meet others, try creative activities, build confidence or simply spend time in a supportive place. Take things at your own pace.
For parents and carers
Find a friendly point of connection, share what would help and talk with us about the support and opportunities available.
Words from our community
What families and volunteers say.
“You both were brilliant with her, making her feel welcomed and comfortable ... I think she really felt seen, which is something which is priceless.”
“I was asked to be a Student Volunteer at the Friendly Space, which has been such a great experience, learning new skills, and working with new people.”
Come and find us
Great Cambridge Road, Edmonton
N9 9LE
Our home in Edmonton.
10th Edmonton Scout Hut
Churchfields Recreation GroundGreat Cambridge Road, Edmonton
N9 9LE
Free parking is available on site.
Use the map, then open Google Maps for directions from your starting point.
Take the next step
There’s a place for you at The Friendly Space.
Tell us a little about what you’re looking for. We’ll be glad to hear from young people, parents and carers.
Visit our enquiry formPrefer to call? 07956 566389 · 07507 891319