Our Story
The story of Bubble & Speak is rooted in the ideas of care and connection. From its early beginnings to the present day, it has travelled across borders and countries, reflecting a dedication to creating safe spaces where children can grow and families feel supported.
In 1979, the French psychoanalyst Françoise Dolto and her colleagues started a revolutionary project in Paris – they opened a centre called ‘Maison Verte’ [Green House], dedicated to welcoming and listening to children under 4 years of age. During weekly informal sessions, three ‘welcomers’ – psychoanalysts and other professionals working with infants and toddlers – would support children as emerging subjects and work to prevent psychological difficulties from developing.
Over the years, around 2,000 such centres opened in France, welcoming young children and their carers, with similar spaces also springing up across Europe and around the world.
In October 2016, inspired by ‘Maison Verte’, a team of psychoanalysts and psychotherapists – Kristina Valendinova, Antoine Huon and Xavier Fourtou – founded Bubble & Speak in London. It was created as a safe space where very young children could begin to separate and explore their individuality with a trusted adult nearby, while parents and carers found community and support.
We worked with dedication to bring the ‘Maison Verte’ approach and ethos to families in London, but unfortunately, the pandemic forced the original venue to close.
With the endeavours of the founders and the generous support of the funders and community, our project was able to reopen after the pandemic at the Highbury Consulting Centre in Finsbury Park, North London.
In the summer of 2025, Bubble & Speak has moved to our current location, The Brickworks Community Centre in Crouch Hill.
Today, our welcoming centre is the only one of its kind in the UK. We hope to keep growing as a community space where children can flourish and their carers feel supported.
Be Part of Our Story
Support Bubble & Speak by visiting us, spreading the word or making a donation to help us thrive.
Inside Bubble & Speak
Step inside Bubble & Speak and discover a warm environment designed for children under 4 and their carers. Our sessions combine freedom, play and gentle guidance, creating space for connection, growth and support.
How It Works
When a family arrives, we ask for the child’s name and write it on a blackboard. Children then have access to a variety of toys, books and art supplies, giving them the freedom to play, explore the environment and meet new friends. Parents and carers remain present, able to relax or share their experiences.
What to Expect
Although our welcoming sessions are not presented as therapeutic activities, they can encourage the bond between a child and their parent or carer, while also introducing some space in that relationship. Feelings and difficulties can be expressed in words, helping to ease challenges before they become more serious.
Why It Matters
Bubble & Speak offers a safe, transitional space: it is no longer the family environment, yet a trusted adult remains present. This unique balance helps children grow in confidence while carers find support, share experiences and build community connections.
Guided with Care
Our sessions are staffed by trained professionals – psychoanalysts, psychotherapists and early years specialists known as ‘welcomers’ – who are on hand to listen, observe and offer gentle support. Every family is met as an individual and confidentiality is respected.
Come and See Us in Finsbury Park!
