Breaks are crucial times for people to take care of their needs, including eating and drinking. Protect these times and make sure they happen when and how they have been publicised.
- Signify a break clearly. You can announce this, hold up a sign or include a slide in a presentation. Make it clear how long the break will be for and what time it will end.
- Remind people of directions to the toilets, water points, quiet space and exits.
- Essential tasks should not take place in breaks e.g. don’t make the break the only time you can sign up for a trip.
- If eating and drinking is a regular part of your events or will be a big part of a one-off event, find out about specific dietary requirements. Survey members enough in advance. You can ask the simple question ‘Do you have any dietary requirements’ or use a tick box survey, including the options you will be able to offer e.g.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Dairy free
- Gluten free
- Sugar free
- Halal / Kosher (other religious diets)
- Sign or draw everyone’s attention to any food for people with dietary requirements to ensure those who require it receive it.
- Where you are offering refreshments to a large group of the general public, have these simple adaptions available:
- Vegetarian
- Dairy free / vegan
- Gluten free
- Keep the packets of food handy for any questions on allergies.
- Choose food that can be eaten with one hand. Provide paper straws for cold drinks.
- Assign volunteers to assist where needed – to lift heavy jugs, pour hot water, open any food in packaging, provide information about dietary requirements.
- Make a clear announcement that a break is about to end, using signs or slides if useful. Do not draw attention to anyone who arrives late after a break has ended.
