What is Yellow Door?

Yellow Door is a small charity that supports young people aged 11-25 living in Essex. Based in Canvey Island, we’ve been providing free, informal, and confidential services since 1992, with a focus on young people’s health and wellbeing. Our services include advice and support, counselling, mentoring, small groups, clubs, and detached youth work.


We aim to help young people reach their full potential in education, employmnet, family life, and society.



In 2024 alone:

Our Counseling & Well-being team supported 611 young people & their families

We reached 1,963 extra young people through our outreach program

Over 400 children attended our clubs & events

Health & Wellbeing Services

Whether you need someone to talk to, help with a tough situation, a place to be yourself, or a chance to meet new people, our Counselling and Well-being team offer tailored support for a wide range of issues. Each service is interconnected, providing children with opportunities for progression at a pace that suits them.


For instance, a child receiving counselling for anxiety may progress into a small social skills group, and then onto a larger youth club.

“Thank you so much for giving me the time and patience to explore everything it has been life changing.” – JD, 14

Clubs & Activities

Whether you’re looking to try something new, meet others, take a break, or have someone to talk to – there’s a space here for you.

Term time clubs

Outreach & Detached
– youth hub on wheels

Our fully furbished rolling youth hub allows young people to access services on their doorstep. A regular presence across Canvey Island and Benfleet, our outreach team provide informal education around key issues such as substance misuse, relationships, and gang awareness.


Arts, crafts, and sports activities in after-school sessions create a welcoming space for young people to engage, unwind, and feel safe in their community.

“My favourite part of the week”– Sam, 11

From a cupboard to a hub

Opening in 1992, Yellow Door was first established as Canvey Island Youth Project and ran an advice drop-in from a converted storeroom off Long Road. If you needed support, you looked for the yellow door. In 2014, Yellow Door relocated to King George V playing field, expanding into the thriving youth hub it is today.


The kindness and commitment shown by our fantastic manager Alex Hawkins is the heart of Yellow Door. Since joining as one of the original volunteers, she has worked tirelessly for each generation of young people that have called Castle Point home.

Need a hand up?