Working with young people in a drop-in environment

This briefing paper on Working with young people in a drop-in environment has been developed to help anyone planning to work with children and young people in drop-in activities.

This may include youth clubs, sport or community based activities or activities that take place as part of a larger event such as festivals or sports events.

Author: NSPCC
Published: 2021

Contents

• introduction
• benefits of a drop-in approach
• frequently asked questions and guidance
• learning tools
• supporting young people to take control of their own safe space
• resources
• appendix 1 - drop-in activities safeguarding checklist
• appendix 2 - theoretical frameworks

If you identify that an activity is best delivered by the drop-in model, safeguarding must not be compromised. Risks need to be identified and mitigated. Drop-in might not be the appropriate model if you cannot put these safeguards in place.