Sections
Finding a venue
by
Chris Gaine
—
last modified
2008-01-23 23:51
This is one of the first steps for a group as without a regular venue it’s difficult to get the group off the ground.
A good venue for self help groups is a local community or youth centre. As the name suggests they are there to help the local community of which single parents are a part so it is likely that they will try to help you if possible. An important factor to take into account is that most single parents will bring their children to meetings and events and community centres often have facilities for children. At the very least a venue must be safe for children and have somewhere for them to play.
Churches often have rooms that they will let groups use. Other possible venues could be a local school or a health centre. However, if you meet in the evening or the weekend then you will have to rely on a friendly caretaker who is prepared to open up when you arrive and lock up when you leave, which may involve extra costs. You may find your local pub has a room you can use at these times.
Check that any potential venue is accessible for disabled parents and children. This includes access into the building and to toilets for wheelchair users. Also bear in mind that many single parents won’t have car so check that the venue is well served by public transport.
Ideally you would find a venue that is free but many places do charge in order to maximise their own income. If you explain that you are an unfunded group the centre may allow you to use a room for free or to pay on a sliding scale, at a rate you can afford. In this case when the group does receive funding you can begin to pay towards room hire.
Churches often have rooms that they will let groups use. Other possible venues could be a local school or a health centre. However, if you meet in the evening or the weekend then you will have to rely on a friendly caretaker who is prepared to open up when you arrive and lock up when you leave, which may involve extra costs. You may find your local pub has a room you can use at these times.
Check that any potential venue is accessible for disabled parents and children. This includes access into the building and to toilets for wheelchair users. Also bear in mind that many single parents won’t have car so check that the venue is well served by public transport.
Ideally you would find a venue that is free but many places do charge in order to maximise their own income. If you explain that you are an unfunded group the centre may allow you to use a room for free or to pay on a sliding scale, at a rate you can afford. In this case when the group does receive funding you can begin to pay towards room hire.
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