Barbados Red Cross Society Volunteer and Facilitator of the Child Friendly Spaces Facilitator Training, Heather Farrell- Clarke delivering the training session which was held at the Barbados Red Cross Society Headquarters on January 7th 2026.
The Barbados Red Cross Society has taken another decisive step in strengthening its emergency preparedness and child-protection response with the successful hosting of a Child-Friendly Spaces Facilitator Training, held on January 7, 2025, at its Headquarters in Warrens, St. Michael.
The training was facilitated by Heather Farrell-Clarke, a volunteer with the Barbados Red Cross Society, and focused on equipping volunteers with the knowledge and practical skills required to establish and manage child-friendly spaces within emergency shelters. These spaces are designed to provide children with a safe, structured and supportive environment during times of crisis.
According to Farrell-Clarke, the initiative was born out of lessons learned following Hurricane Beryl, which highlighted the urgent need to address the emotional and psychosocial well-being of children housed in emergency shelters.
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Coming out of Hurricane Beryl, it was determined that within emergency shelters, there needs to be purposeful activities and safe environments specifically for children,” she explained. “Child-friendly spaces were therefore designed, and formal protocols were developed to guide how these spaces should operate. This training was intended to introduce volunteers to those protocols and ensure they understand how to manage these spaces effectively.”
Farrell-Clarke noted that the session was also structured to create a pool of trained facilitators who can, in turn, train other volunteers across the organisation. She stated that the goal was to train persons as facilitator-trainers so they are not only knowledgeable themselves, but are also equipped to pass on that knowledge to others when the need arises.
Participants in the training received comprehensive instruction on how to organise and manage child-friendly spaces in keeping with international humanitarian standards. This included guidance on the physical layout of the space, ensuring safety and accessibility, as well as the appropriate supervision of children.
Volunteers also learned how to properly complete and manage critical documentation, including registration forms for children attending the space and incident-reporting procedures. Farrell-Clarke emphasised that documentation is a key part of accountability and child protection, noting that volunteers were trained in how to accurately record attendance, report incidents, and follow the established protocols that safeguard both the children and the facilitators.
In addition to administrative procedures, the training placed strong emphasis on practical engagement. Attendees were introduced to the contents of child-friendly space kits and trained in how to facilitate games and structured activities that promote emotional expression, play, and a sense of normalcy for children in stressful situations.
Farrell-Clarke shared that the session was very hands-on, with participants learning how to manage activities and create an environment where children feel comfortable and supported. She noted there was a lot of energy in the room and that the volunteers genuinely enjoyed learning these skills.
By the end of the training, participants left with a clearer understanding of the purpose and value of child-friendly spaces, as well as the confidence to implement them when called upon. The Barbados Red Cross Society continues to prioritise training and capacity-building as part of its broader mission to protect vulnerable populations and enhance community resilience during emergencies.
(PR)