DO:

• Keep what's shared in the circle confidential. What's said here, stays here.

• Ask permission before sharing someone else's story outside this group.

DON'T:

• Record calls or take screenshots of attendees' names or stories.

• Share specific details about other women with people outside WCN.

DO:

• Listen without judgment. Everyone's experience is valid.

• Let people speak without interrupting.

• Respect people's boundaries - if someone doesn't want to share, that's okay.

DON'T:

• Give advice (unless advice has been requested).

• Minimise anyone's experience ("At least you...").

• Compare suffering ("That's nothing compared to what I went through").

• Interrupt or talk over someone.

DO:

• Take care of yourself. If a topic is too triggering, it's okay to step away or stay quiet.

• Speak up if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable.

• Let us know if you need support beyond what we can offer here.

DON'T:

• Share graphic details of abuse (we're here to rebuild, not relive).

• Pressure anyone to share more than they're comfortable with.

• Contact other members outside the group without consent (unless you've exchanged numbers privately).

DO:

• Use people's preferred names and pronouns.

• Acknowledge that everyone's healing looks different.

DON'T:

• Make assumptions about someone's experience.

• Shame anyone for their choices, past or present.

DO:

• Keep your camera on (it is reassuring for all involved to feel confident in who they are speaking to).

• Mute yourself if there's background noise.

• Use the chat respectfully.

DON'T:

• Share the Zoom link with people outside the group.

• Use the group to promote services, products, or causes without asking first.

Item descriptionDO:

• Reach out to Jess or another facilitator if you're struggling.

• Let us know if you need professional support (therapy, crisis support).

• Ask for resources or referrals - we can help point you toward services.

DON'T:

• Expect this group to replace professional mental health support.

• Reach out to other members for crisis support - call a crisis line instead.

We know mistakes happen. If something slips:

• We'll let you know (privately, kindly)

• We'll give you a chance to understand what happened

• Depending on the severity of the breach of guidelines, What Comes Next reserves the right to remove (/ban) someone from the community.

This is a safe space. We're all learning. But we also need to protect the community.

If you're in crisis:

• Samaritans: 116 123 (24/7, free)

• National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (24/7, free)

• Rape Crisis: 0808 802 9999 (12pm–2.30pm, 7pm–9.30pm)

• Emergency: Call 999