Venue

Possible venues include schools, church halls, youth centres, sports centres, scout huts. Choose a venue which has positive associations for siblings and which is large enough for the group to do indoor games and divide into smaller groups for discussions. You need to be able to do messy craft work, make noise, and provide food and drink.

Important factors are:

• Is there space for the numbers, age group and activities you are planning?
• If relevant, is there any outdoor space nearby which can be used?
• The cost (Youth Service or Recreation may provide free accommodation in some areas)
• Is it easy for people to get to? (consider traffic at the time the group will be meeting)
• Are keys available, or will a caretaker be around to let you in?
• Is it easy to prepare basic snacks?
• Does it pass the risk assessment? (see “Resources” for a suggested assessment format)
• What environment is it in – can cars be safely parked, is street lighting adequate, will local gangs be a problem?

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