Our Group Agreement

The group belongs to the members. The facilitator/s is also a member of the group.

The group will take responsibility for maintaining each session as a safe space.

I will try not to judge what others are saying in the session.

I will be respectful of differing experience and opinions, culture, and backgrounds.

If I find a conversation difficult, I may remove myself from the conversation temporarily.

I recognise that I won’t always know what a triggering topic may be for other group members but will look to be mindful of triggering topics and words when I speak and learn from my fellow group members.

If I am becoming overwhelmed, I will take a break or turn my camera off; if I do so or leave the session, I will try to let the facilitator know if I am okay or not.

I won’t smoke or drink alcohol while in the session or attend under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol.

I won’t contact group members outside the group without mutual agreement and will respect a group member’s decision if they wish to forgo contact outside the group.

I will practise self-care within the session and after the session.

I recognise everything said in the group should remain confidential. I know it is okay to mention I attend the group and share my individual experience of it, but I take responsibility not to share stories or the personal details of other members publicly.

I realise members may need more time to process conversation and questions and to formulate their own contributions and will give members of the group and myself the time needed to do so.

I recognise not everyone will feel comfortable making eye contact. I respect and understand this.

I will respect other’s boundaries and what they want or don’t want to share.

I will acknowledge I don’t have to fit in or present my ‘best self’; this is a group where I can be myself.

I understand self-stimulating behaviour and that this may be part of the group experience.

I know that I do not need to mask my own self-stimulating behaviour if it feels safe to do so and helps me to participate.

I understand this is a safe space to unmask and can choose to do so if I wish, but there is no expectation I will and if I do, will do so at my own pace.

I will only share what I feel comfortable sharing and when I am ready to share.

I will consider if what I am sharing is relevant to the group.

I won’t interrupt others in the group when they are talking or try to dominate the conversation.

I will remember that what everyone has to say is of value, including my own contribution.

I recognise I can’t fix everyone’s problems and I am not here to do that.

I will discuss issues and problems that arise with the group, and we will all come to a solution together.