Nothing can be worse than getting a successful group up and running only to lose your venue

Ensure that the venue is available on a regular basis. Nothing can be worse than getting
a successful group up and running only to lose your venue. Try to negotiate a long term
contract with the venue owners, most are willing to do this as it is in their interest to get
good, long term, community based client groups in place.

The venue should have:

Easy access for wheel chairs.

Good toilet facilities with access suitable for those with a disability.

Safe and good fire escape facility.

Well equipped kitchen. A dishwasher will free up volunteers time.

Ground floor capacity to seat up to 40 people.

Entrance and exit points that enable people to be seen. This should help to eliminate
wandering.

Fixed gap or secure low gap windows.

Adequate heating capacity.

No tendency toward any echo situation as this can be disturbing to those with hearing
difficulties.

Enough furniture to seat the group comfortably, tables and chairs.

Ensure the venue chosen will not be too small. The demand for the service is rising all
the time.

Health and safety

Carry out risk assessment.

Have fire escape procedure in place.

All electrical equipment to be must be tested and certified.

Public liability Insurance,

Maintain an attendance register.

Keep records of the attendance including Register.

Provide first aid kit.

Recruit staff carefully