• Welcome everyone. If they are new, connect them with SASS activities.
• Ask people to enter their (and children’s) names and first language to our register, provide help if needed.
• Please note if they are new to our community on the register,

KEEPING CHILDREN SAFE

• Small children must not go outside without their mother. (Or someone who we know is their father – We need to check if not sure). Stop any small children trying to leave the building and take them back to their mother/father. If they are going to the toilet, take them back to their mother (or known father) and ask them to take the child to the toilet. (If child is desperate, go with them, stand outside the toilet and make sure they go back to their mother/father afterwards).
• Challenge anyone other than mother/father going outside with a child – check with the child’s mother/father.

Connecting Newcomers with SASS Activities

It is very important to make a note on our register if someone is at the drop-in for their first time.

We have a number of volunteers on hand to help newcomers to..

• Engage with our English (ESOL) classes and/or FAN group.
• Connect those with children to our ‘Welcome to Play’ group.
• Introduce to community members in the same language group.
• Inform a duty manager of any immediate support needs.

Duty Managers

Wayne Yare

George Wilson

OTHER INFORMATION FOR DOOR-KEEPERS

• PLEASE ASK FOR SOMEONE TO REPLACE YOU IF YOU NEED TO LEAVE THE RECEPTION/TABLE.

• WELCOME AND BOUNDARIES. Please welcome all comers warmly, but also set some important boundaries. For example;

• PEOPLE BRINGING CLOTHES/DONATIONS ETC. Thank them warmly for their offer. Explain too that we have no available storage, and no volunteers at present to dispose of them, and that they will have to take them away at the end of a session. Arrange for them to come back later or ask a volunteer to make them comfortable with a cup of tea, and chat to them about what we do and their interest in supporting asylum seekers and refugees while they are waiting.

• RESEARCHERS. If someone wants to “do research” or ask questions, explain that they will need to put a proposal to the trustee group. We try to limit the number of research projects as people come to our community drop-ins to relax. See George or Wayne.

• REPRESENTATIVES OF ORGANISATIONS. We have a good tradition of welcoming people representing organisations who can offer a service to people. We have a directory of services that people can familiarise themselves with. We must be careful of unknown individuals/organisations offering support. Please see the directory of services.

• CONCERNS. If you are concerned about anyone arriving at the drop-in, EG. Under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or with a ‘worrying attitude’, ask a duty manager to speak to them. We welcome potential volunteers or people with a genuine concern for our community members but are unable to take on people who come primarily for their own needs – e.g. street homeless people (who can be signposted to more suitable services/support elsewhere).

Fire Evacuation Procedure:  York Place

Fire Evacuation Procedure:  York Place

Considerations – Duty team/managers and door people/reception

To ensure a clear passageway to all escape routes:

• Monitor entrance for bicycles and pushchairs. Bicycles can be locked outside. Pushchairs can be kept in a suitable space in main hall.

People with mobility needs: You should also make special arrangements for people with mobility needs, for example make sure there are people to help wheelchair users.