Support and Social Groups HangOuts What are HangOuts? 50+ HangOuts What is the group? | Why is this group needed? | What happens at the group? | How do I book a ticket? "A friendly, supportive Zoom social support group. 2nd and last Tuesdays of each month 7 - 8.30pm." HangOuts are online on Zoom (a secure video conferencing platform that can be used through a computer desktop or mobile app, and allows users to connect online for video conference meetings, webinars and live chat.) What is this group? 50+ HangOuts is a twice monthly friendly and welcoming online social and support group for older LGBTQ+ people, who want to connect with each other and discuss topics and take part in creative workshops, to reduce social, cultural and geographical isolation. Why is this group needed? Being older and LGBTQ+ can be a challenge as a lot of LGBTQ+ culture is focused with being young and partying, which is fine for younger people, but we know as the years roll on, we want more and to meet people in different ways. To help you feel more connected with each other we’re starting this new group. We hope you’ll be able to meet online with other LGBTQ+ people to chat, share stories, make new friends, and hopefully have fun. What happens at the group? Each group session we will discuss a different theme or topic. Sometimes me way take part in creative workshops together (music, creative writing, art etc). We tend to discuss things as a group but sometimes depending on how many people attend there will be a chance to discuss the theme or topic in small breakout rooms and then return to the main room to share some of our thoughts. A chance for us all to reflect on what we have discussed. You are welcome to spend more time listening than speaking. There is no pressure to talk and just listening is okay too. Some people use the chat function of Zoom to share their thoughts. There will be time at the end for final thoughts and / or give any relevant updates. Please note to make the online Zoom space as safe and inclusive as we can: When you first enter the waiting room on Zoom your first name on your ticket needs to match your first name on Zoom before we can then let you in. Please use your pronouns next to your name on Zoom (if you are able to). We believe by having your Zoom camera turned on you might benefit from seeing some friendly faces and can make other people to feel safer. But there is no pressure to do so if you do not feel safe to do so or there are other health related reasons. Please join the session with your mics on mute. You do not have to have your camera on, you just do what you feel comfortable with. However, we believe to get the most out of the session, you might benefit from seeing some friendly faces.When someone else is speaking, we ask that you keep yourselves on mute (muting also helps with any background noise interference.) Please be respectful. We have zero tolerance for any kind of bullying/harassment. Anyone who exhibits this behaviour will be removed from the sessions. You are welcome to leave at anytime if you feel uncomfortable or anxious, just let the group facilitator know as a direct message. Do not attempt to contact members outside the group unless they have made it clear they consent to do so. https://www.lgbthero.org.uk/online-group-agreement If you want to find out more, or want to have a phone or video chat before attending the group then you can contact Dan at [email protected] What do I need to attend the online groups? All you need is to have a smart phone, tablet, laptop, or computer. We will hold the online sessions via Zoom. Who will run the group? The group will be hosted by Dan Singh who has over 20 years working with LGBTQ+ communities in health and wellbeing. He's very friendly and is happy to talk with anyone before they attend the group if you want to ask some questions. If you want to find out more, or want to have a chat before attending the group then you can contact Dan at [email protected] How do I book a ticket? You can book a ticket via this link or through Eventbrite Please understand we are not a crisis service, we can do our best to support you or answer questions but we are primarily a social support group. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis please follow THIS link. This group is funded by City Bridge Trust.