Social spaces

Social spaces

Social spaces are places providing people with respect, support and warmth (previously known as social spaces). Find a warm welcome at one of our many sites across the Epping Forest district.

Contact us for information:

  • Call 01992 910701 or 07967 726851 Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

Social spaces in the Epping Forest district

Buckhurst Hill Library, 165 Queens Road, Buckhurst Hill IG9 5AZ

  • Monday and Wednesday 9.30am to 5pm / Tuesday 9am to 7pm / Thursday 9am to 1pm / Saturday 9am to 5pm
  • Email buckhurst.library@essex.gov.uk
  • Activities – Baby & Toddler Rhyme time Tuesday am
  • Wifi available

Noah’s Ark Community Hub, St Elisabeth’s Hall, Chestnut Avenue, Buckhurst Hill IG9 6EP

  • Wednesdays 10am to 2pm / Community lunch on 4th Tuesday of the month between 12.30pm and 2pm
  • Contact Amanda Bairstow / Email amanda@noahspreschool.org / Call 07862 755307
  • Refreshments – Free tea, coffee and biscuits on Wednesdays / Community lunch includes a main course, dessert, and tea and coffee. Please call to book
  • Activities – adult colouring, jigsaw puzzles and various craft activities

Chigwell Library, Hainault Road, Chigwell IG7 6QX

Chigwell Parish Council, Chigwell Community Hall, Hainault Road, Chigwell IG7 6QX

  • Tuesday 10am to 1.30pm / Thursday 10am to 3pm
  • Call 020 8501 4275 / Chigwell Parish Council website
  • Activities – Tea room, TV & music Tuesday / Knitting group, cards, crafts & music Thursday
  • Small charge for refreshments
  • Wifi available

Limes Centre, Limes Avenue, Chigwell, IG7 5LP

  • Let’s get together – Every Friday from 1pm to 3pm
  • Call 07928 511454 / Email rlewis@eppingforestdc.gov.uk
  • These free weekly sessions are run by Epping Forest District Council’s Community, Development and Wellbeing team and are open to the whole community.
  • Come along and get to know others in your local area. Learn a new skill, play a few games, or just relax and enjoy a cup of tea and a chat. No need to book, just turn up

Civic Hub, Civic Offices, 323 High Street, Epping CM16 4BZ

  • Monday 1pm to 4pm
  • Call 01992 564000
  • Refreshments
  • Activities
  • Wifi available

Epping Community Hub, Civic Offices, 323 High Street, Epping, CM16 4BZ

  • Let’s get together – Every Tuesday from 2.30pm to 4.30pm
  • Call 07789 372196 / Email kmurray@eppingforestdc.gov.uk
  • These free weekly sessions are run by Epping Forest District Council’s Community, Development and Wellbeing team and are open to the whole community.
  • Come along and get to know others in your local area. Learn a new skill, play a few games, or just relax and enjoy a cup of tea and a chat. No need to book, just turn up.

Epping Library, St John’s Road, Epping CM16 5DN

Epping Sports Centre, 25 Hemnall Street, Epping CM16 4LU

Debden Library, New City College, Borders Lane, Loughton IG10 3SA

Epping Forest Campus, New City College, Borders Lane, Loughton IG10 3SA

Loughton Library, Traps Hill, Loughton IG10 1HD

Oakwood Hill Community Centre, Longcroft Rise, Loughton IG10 3NB

Oakwood Hill Community Hub, Longcroft Rise, Loughton, IG10 3NB

  • Let’s get together – Every Wednesday from 12.30pm to 2.30pm
  • Call 07763 218593 / Email clevans@eppingforestdc.gov.uk
  • These free weekly sessions are run by Epping Forest District Council’s Community, Development and Wellbeing team and are open to the whole community.
  • Come along and get to know others in your local area. Learn a new skill, play a few games, or just relax and enjoy a cup of tea and a chat. No need to book, just turn up

North Weald Library, 138 High Road, North Weald, Epping CM16 6BZ

Chipping Ongar Library, The Pleasance, High Street, Chipping Ongar CM5 9AB

Ongar Leisure Centre, The Gables, Fyfield Road, Ongar CM5 0GA

St James’ Church, St James’ Avenue, Marden Ash, Ongar CM5 9EL

  • Monday 1pm to 5pm / Thursday 9am to 12pm
  • Call 01277 366047 or 07507 274872
  • Refreshments
  • Activities – board games / knitting

Sheering Village Hall, The Street, Sheering CM22 7LX

  • Wednesday 2.30pm to 4.30pm
  • Call 07396 703119 / email SheeringVH@outlook.com
  • Refreshments – bottomless tea, coffee and cakes
  • Activities – social opportunities
  • Wifi available

St Mary’s Church Hall, Coppice Row, Theydon Bois CM16 7ER

Epping Forest District Museum Community Café, 39 Sun Street, Waltham Abbey EN9 1EL

  • Wednesday 12 noon to 1.45pm
  • Call 01992 716882
  • Refreshments
  • Activities

Waltham Abbey Fire Station, Sewardstone Road, Waltham Abbey EN9 1PA

Join us for a relaxing and inclusive morning of tea and coffee, conversation and community connection!

Whether you’re new to the area or a long-time resident this is a great opportunity to make new friends and try fun activities all while enjoying a delicious biscuit or two!

From 10am to 12.30pm:

  • Thursday 10 October
  • Thursday 24 October
  • Thursday 14 November
  • Thursday 28 November

Waltham Abbey Leisure Centre, Hillhouse, Waltham Abbey EN9 3EL

  • Monday to Friday 7am to 9pm / Saturday and Sunday 8am to 4pm
  • Call 01992 716733 / email enquiries@walthamabbeyleisurecentre.org
  • Refreshments – available from cafe
  • Activities – pay as you go for swim and gym
  • Wifi available

Waltham Abbey Library, 37 Sun Street, Waltham Abbey EN9 1EL

  • Monday and Tuesday 9am to 5.30pm / Wednesday 9am to 1pm / Friday 9am to 7pm / Saturday 9am to 5pm
  • Email walthamabbey.library@essex.gov.uk
  • Activities – Baby & Toddler Rhyme time Friday am / Knitting Wednesday am
  • Wifi available

More information