LSG Terms of Membership
Facilities Offered Membership Respect, trust & confidentiality
Facilities
Offered
1. The LSG aims to provide for the support needs of all our members. The terms
of membership will be periodically reviewed to ensure that these needs are
met. These terms are agreed by the membership before implementation.
2. A monthly support meeting will take the form of a 2-step meeting. This will be made up of 2-2½ hours of support in a private quiet setting, followed by socialising in a pub where members may continue to talk about their bullying and/or other subjects. This will allow members to pick and choose what they need, depending on where they are in the target cycle and allow a gradual reintroduction to a social setting in a safe environment for those most affected
3. For consistency and the efficient running of the LSG, the monthly support meeting will be held at the same location and day/week each month. To ensure a safe environment, details are only provided to members who have passed a vetting procedure and agreed to the terms of membership.
4. A more relaxed social/support Sunday afternoon or evening meeting will also be held occasionally.
5. Personal support may be available on request. This may take the form of a buddy system or more specialised support, depending on the needs and resources available.
6. An internet based forum is available 24/7. Members are encouraged to respond to any postings where they feel they may help, be it through sharing experiences, knowledge or information.
7. A website is provided to allow local resources to be collected for instant access. A members only area will also be provided for some details that will not be made public.
Membership
1. Potential members will be issued with the LSG New Member
Information sheet and personal details requested. Any applicant that chooses
not to provide this detail will not be accepted for the safety of our members.
Those who feel that a face to face group is not suitable for them will be redirected
to online groups that may be more suitable.
2. Once accepted as a temporary member, access to the meeting details will be given. On attendance, permanent membership may be given. This allows access to our private internet forum. It is the choice of the LSG members that the forum should only be available to those we have met for our safety and security.
3. Membership is based on each member making the positive choice to participate and belong to the group. The LSG is a face to face group and our terms are built around the needs of those who meet face to face. Permanent members are expected to be involved through meetings and use of the forum. It is reasonable that members attend at least 25% of meetings. It is recognised that there may be issues will health and time so can only be a guideline.
4. Non-participation is reviewed periodically. We acknowledge the need for choice and will give due notice to a member. A choice between attendance or if they recognise that they are not able to attend meetings they can leave the group of their own free will. This allows them to retain control. Decisions without member consultation or snap decisions will never be made. It is not the policy of the LSG to deny support. Alternatives to face to face groups will be provided.
5. Members are asked to consider a commitment to the longer-term viability of the LSG. This can be through giving their time, knowledge or experience at a later stage in their recovery and membership. They may wish to join in with the buddy system to help newer members, as they were first helped, by passing on their knowledge and experience within meetings or the forum to help others or become a volunteer to help in the running of the group.
6. If personal support/one to one help is given, the receiving member is asked to be considerate to the supporters own commitments and emotional capacity to help, as all members are recovering.
7. If a member chooses to leave the LSG, they will be asked to share the reason for leaving with the membership volunteer. This will help the LSG ensure that any issues are dealt with and any gaps in meeting the needs of members is recognised. No pressure will be made if they choose not to disclose the reason.
8. The LSG is ‘managed’ by LSGeers, short for LSG volunteers. Roles cover membership, meetings/events, buddy scheme, website and publicity. The LSGeers have the responsibility for the well-being of the members. The LSGeers meet at least twice a year and have their own discussion forum. Applications for these roles are encouraged by those who wish to get more involved and help out with the group. The current volunteers can be found on the LSG website.
Respect,
trust & confidentiality
1. The following rules apply to everyone and are to protect all members, including
the volunteers. A members’ need for support and help should never overrule
these Terms under ANY circumstance. The terms are to protect all members and
have been carefully worded to balance a members right to support with the right
of respect for others.
2. Any information provided in the membership vetting process is confidential and will not be divulged at any time
3. Information shared by a member in meetings, on the forum or personally should be treated as confidential and not discussed or divulged to other members or non-members, unless agreed by the member concerned. Please remember that the LSG is a closed group.
4. Members will not ‘backchannel’ or privately email other members or the LSGeers unless by prior arrangement. Members will not telephone other members unless by prior arrangement. Any arrangements that are made are not forever. It is requested that members seek further permission for other issues or a later time period.
5. A culture of appropriate behaviour is essential to the functioning of the group and the health of its members. All members must behave in an appropriate way towards other members at all times. Any inappropriate behaviour may trigger a members experience of being bullied and is not acceptable. Should you be aware of any particular issue or trigger in a fellow member, you should take greater care in this respect.
6. It is important not to betray the trust of any other member in any way; many have issues with trust, arising from recent, or past, experiences of bullying.
7. Any complaint received publicly on the forum or privately by the LSGeers will be taken seriously and dealt with in a sympathetic and confidential manner. Any action taken over complaints may be appealed.
8. Members using the forum should use netiquette, for more details see http://www.learnthenet.com/english/html/09netiqt.htm
9. Respect for the LSG and its aims are requested. This is your group, please support it as you wish yourself and others to be supported.
