We are The Vench, a much-loved adventure playground and community centre in Lockleaze, Bristol. For over 45 years, we’ve been inspiring imaginative play in a supportive and fun environment to help Lockleaze children and young people live happy and healthy lives. We believe in the importance of providing our local young people and their families with a safe place to play, learn and create the change they want to see in the world. Working with our partners we offer a range of activities and experiences to build resilience and confidence in the young people, families and the wider community.
All our activities and sessions are aimed at children & young people who live in lockleaze ward. Check if this is you on this map.
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Youth & play sessions
To join us this term time for our Youth and Play sessions – please ensure you have registered by clicking on the orange button below.
Our sessions are for children and young people who live in Lockleaze ward (check if this is you on this map).
Sessions are free for children on Free Schools Meals, thanks to funding BCC Your Holiday Hub. We recommend making a £2 donation per child, if you can. thevench.co.uk/donate
Volunteer
Whether you want to build your CV or give something back to your community, we have a range of flexible volunteer roles. At The Vench, we welcome volunteers from all stages of life and experience. Volunteering roles include:
Community Gardener * Admin Support * Marketing * Kitchen Assistant * Playground Assistant * and more
Hire the Playground
Local community groups and organisations can hire the playground to run sessions for their users. We have a wide range of hirers including church toddler groups, home education groups and charities delivering sessions for children with additional needs.
Please note: all hirers must provide copies of their safeguarding policy, public liability insurance and risk assessments.
What People say
“Just lovely for big kids and small, we were all welcome and had a great time!” Natalie
“A chilled out place for children to free play, both inside and outdoors. It’s good to know that they are safely under the supervision of the staff. They had a lovely time.” Charlie
“Fantastic place for kids friendly staff great activities!” Emsley
“Lovely friendly staff very welcoming asked if I’d like a drink as soon as i arrived kids loved it here would recommend made to feel very welcome” Sally
“Very friendly staff and made to feel welcome my boys can’t wait to go back thank you” Vicky
“Spent a day Volunteering with Groundwork. Fabulous facility for community youth – accommodating a whole lot of love!” Laura
Hire a space
Looking to hire a space for an event, meeting or corporate away day? We have a range of options to suit your needs.
Meeting Room
A light and spacious room ideally suited for workshops, classes, meetings and courses. Can comfortably seat up to 25 people. A projector and screen, flip cart, paper and pens can be provided free of charge upon request.
COST: £22/hr, £16 Con
“We used the large meeting room for our UX mapping workshop for our business’ new website. The space was ideal for breaking off and working in smaller groups, was lovely and light and the catering was excellent.”
KITCHEN & Cafe Space
We have a fully equipped kitchen suitable for catering events and cooking workshops. Facilities include: an electric induction 5-ring hob and 2-door oven, microwave, an industrial dishwasher, 3 sinks, full range of cookware and utensils, crockery and cutlery, and a serving hatch which leads to an open-plan space with access to the kitchen garden. Ideal for community gatherings, food events and courses.
COST: £22/hr, £16 Con
“We hosted our eat and meet gathering for older people at The Vench and it was the perfect set-up! The kitchen and serving hatch were ideal for assembling the food and we spent an enjoyable evening talking, enjoying food and playing games.”
The Vench – Adventure Playground & Community Centre is managed by Groundwork South
ACCIDENT, INCIDENT & ISSUE REPORTING
Want to report something that has happened on our site? Please fill out one of our Accident, Incident & Issue report forms.
