The Vench - Lockleaze Adventure Playground

The Vench - Lockleaze Adventure Playground We’re the Vench, a much-loved adventure playground, youth and community centre run by the charity Groundwork South.

Based in the heart of Lockleaze, we provide an exciting and supportive environment for children and young people to meet, play and learn. Together with Learning Partnership West through the Playful Bristol network, we offer a range of activities and experiences to build resilience and confidence in the young people we support. We’re known for our impressive drop slide, outdoor climbing frame, sports pitch and indoor arts space – come and check us out!

Week two of our holiday play sessions is underway! Join us 11-3 today and tomorrow for our final two sessions and a tast...
14/04/2026

Week two of our holiday play sessions is underway! Join us 11-3 today and tomorrow for our final two sessions and a tasty hot meal too.

Sessions are free for those on free school meals and we welcome donations from everyone else - see our team on the gate when you arrive to get booked on / signed in 👍

Today we have Life Cycle here and tomorrow we have cooking on the fire with Steve England and Groundwork's own Green Doctors offering energy advice, hope to see you soon 🙂

🌼 Easter at The Vench – A Little Different This Year 🌼This Easter looks a little different for us. Unfortunately, we wer...
25/03/2026

🌼 Easter at The Vench – A Little Different This Year 🌼

This Easter looks a little different for us. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to secure the full amount of funding we applied for, so we’ve had to reduce the number of days we’re open over the holiday.

The good news is we’re planning ahead and hoping to be open 5 days a week over the summer holidays! ☀️

👉 We’ll now be asking children to book a place, but don’t worry you can still do this at the gate when you arrive. If not before- https://eequ.org/book/play-sessions-holidays-with-the-vench-lockleaze-adventure-playground-8444

Please don’t let these changes put you off coming along. We’re still here, still open access, and all children are welcome as always
❤️

Our staff will be on site to help and support you with anything you need.

We can’t wait to see you all over Easter! 🐣

12/03/2026

Play is cancelled today due to staff absence - apologies, see you all next week! Don't forget to come and visit The Vench Corner Cafe over the weekend 😄

Next month we will be hosting a clothes swap at The Vench Corner Cafe on Romney Avenue! 👗👚👠♻️A couple of facts about fas...
04/03/2026

Next month we will be hosting a clothes swap at The Vench Corner Cafe on Romney Avenue! 👗👚👠♻️

A couple of facts about fast fashion, and why it's fab to reduce, reuse and recycle:

Did you know?
🇬🇧 The UK buys more clothes per person than any other country in Europe
👕 Around 300,000 tonnes of used clothes are burned or buried in landfill every year...

Please bring good condition clothes such as dresses you've grown out of or tops that just aren't your style anymore.

Then have a browse of what others have brought and you might just go home with something you love, completely free! 💚

MISSING: Two children's bikes, both with blue and pink spray paint on and 'Lifecycle' stickers. If anyone has seen them ...
03/03/2026

MISSING:
Two children's bikes, both with blue and pink spray paint on and 'Lifecycle' stickers. If anyone has seen them please get in touch 🙏
Photo below is one of the bikes that has gone missing.

Volunteer with Vench this Easter!We’re looking for friendly, reliable volunteers to help support our kitchen team over t...
24/02/2026

Volunteer with Vench this Easter!

We’re looking for friendly, reliable volunteers to help support our kitchen team over the Easter holidays, planning, preparing and serving nutritious meals to children and young people in Lockleaze.

During the school holidays, Vench provides hot, healthy meals alongside fun activities in a safe and welcoming space. With over 80 children attending our sessions, the kitchen plays a vital role in making sure every child is well fed and cared for.

What you’ll be doing:
Helping to plan simple, healthy meals

Preparing and cooking food as part of a supportive team

Serving meals to children and young people

Keeping the kitchen clean and organised

What we offer:
A warm, welcoming and supportive environment

A truly rewarding experience making a real difference locally

Tea and coffee provided during your shift

The opportunity to gain a Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate (if you don’t already have one)

Whether you’re an experienced cook or simply enjoy being in the kitchen and want to give back to your community, we would love to hear from you.

Come and be part of something positive this Easter and help us make the holidays special for the children and young people of Lockleaze. 💛

Dates Kitchen assistants are needed:

Tuesday 7th April

Wednesday 8th April

Thursday 9th April

Monday 13th April

Tuesday 14th April

Wednesday 15th April

Shift times are 10:30-3:000 :)

💛 Can You Help Us Feed Our Children Next Week? 💛Next week, our kitchen at Vench will once again be full of little voices...
11/02/2026

💛 Can You Help Us Feed Our Children Next Week? 💛

Next week, our kitchen at Vench will once again be full of little voices, big appetites, and children who rely on us for a warm, home cooked meal during the holidays.

For many of the young people we support here in Lockleaze, the meals they receive at our sessions aren’t just a treat they’re a real lifeline. Over 80 children come through our doors, and we’re committed to making sure every single one of them is welcomed with nutritious food, cooked with care.

But we can’t do it alone.

We’re urgently looking for kind hearted volunteers to help us in the kitchen next week chopping, prepping, cooking, serving, washing up whatever you feel able to do. Whether you can spare a few hours or a full day, your time would make a real difference.

You don’t need to be a professional chef just someone who cares about children and community. 💚

If you’ve ever wondered how you could support local families in a practical, meaningful way this is it. Every meal prepared helps us create a safe, warm space where children feel valued and looked after.

Please message us directly or email [email protected] if you can help, or tag/share with someone who might be able to lend a hand.

Together, we can make sure no child goes without a hot meal next week. 🥣✨

Thank you for being part of our community.

20/01/2026
We are back with Wellies in the Woods, our free Early Years sessions, from Monday the 2nd of February.Get in touch to si...
19/01/2026

We are back with Wellies in the Woods, our free Early Years sessions, from Monday the 2nd of February.

Get in touch to sign up or find out more! 🌿✨

Are you subscribed to our newsletter? You can read it below. We always love hearing from our community, do get in touch ...
19/01/2026

Are you subscribed to our newsletter? You can read it below. We always love hearing from our community, do get in touch :)

As we step into 2026, we want to say a huge thank you to everyone who supported The Vench throughout 2025. From local residents and volunteers to businesses, funders, and partners, your support helped make last year an incredibly positive one for our community. 

📢 Exciting news! The Vench has signed up to be an official polling station for the Bristol Youth Elections 2026! 🗳️From ...
13/01/2026

📢 Exciting news! The Vench has signed up to be an official polling station for the Bristol Youth Elections 2026! 🗳️

From 19th – 30th January 2026, young people aged 11–18 across Bristol will be voting for the next Bristol City Youth Council (BCYC) members. This is a fantastic chance for young voices to be heard and shape the future of our city.

All resources, candidate manifestos, and ballot papers are displayed in the playroom.

Follow along and get ready to vote, make a difference, and celebrate youth democracy!

For more info: [Bristol City Youth Council Election](https://www.bristol.gov.uk/youthcouncil)
Questions? Contact the Participation Team on [email protected]

06/01/2026

🌟 Exciting News from The Vench! 🌟

We’re thrilled to share that we’ve secured funding to take 24 young people (ages 11–16) on an amazing residential trip to Yenworthy Lodge in the February half term! 🏞️✨

This adventure will include a range of exciting activities such as fire lighting, team games, and water sports. All designed to build confidence, teamwork, and unforgettable memories.

We’re now looking for young people who’d love to join us! 🙌 to sign up please email [email protected]

We’re asking for a small donation of £20 per person to help cover transport costs. However, we never want cost to be a barrier. If this is an issue, please come and chat with us. No young person should miss out. ❤️

📅 When: February Half Term, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
📍 Where: Yenworthy Lodge - EX35 6NY

If you’re interested or would like to find out more, please get in touch with The Vench team as soon as possible spaces are limited!

Address

Lockleaze Youth And Play Space
Bristol
BS79TD

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 2pm
Tuesday 10am - 2pm
Wednesday 10am - 2pm
Thursday 10am - 2pm
Friday 10am - 2pm

Telephone

+447710392078

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