For those of our members who feel a physical group is important for their mental health, our Knowle group is opening up again in the middle of November, in line with government guidelines.
When: Wednesdays 1:30PM-3:30PM
Where: Redcatch Community Centre, Knowle
Starting: 18th November
Join us if you feel comfortable to do so (our virtual groups will continue, so don’t worry if you don’t feel ready to be in a room with others yet).
How will we keep it safe?
Masks: all group members & facilitators will need to wear a face covering (nose and mouth) throughout the meeting. Please bring your own.
Social distancing: we will be seated socially distant from one another (guidelines suggest 1m when masks are being worn, but we will aim for 2m) so the circle may be very large.
Hand sanitizer: we will provide hand sanitiser for use on entering and leaving the building.
No drinks: we won’t be able to provide tea, coffee, water etc. so please bring your own.
Ventilation: Redcatch is a large hall, but we will open windows for ventilation so please bring warm clothes.
Numbers: Government guidelines even in this month-long lockdown stipulate that we can hold a mutual aid meeting of up to 15 people. This will be our maximum number. The guidelines are as follows: “support groups that have to be delivered in person can continue with up to 15 participants where formally organised to provide mutual aid, therapy or any other form of support.” If more than 15 people show up, the first to arrive will be admitted. If you are concerned about the very small chance of being turned away, please email to secure a place info@changesbristol.org.uk (we do not envisage having a large demand on first opening this group).
Staff will be present as well as volunteers, to ensure Covid-safety is adhered to.
Signing in: we will be providing an NHS App QR code for you to scan and anybody who is does not have the NHS App will be required to sign in on a piece of paper with their name and number.
No symptoms: anyone admitting to having Covid-19 symptoms (fever, cough, loss of taste/smell
No materials: we won’t be sharing out materials (such as the 12 Steps) and any other paperwork will be left on chairs and not passed from person-to-person.
Toilets & one-way systems: a clear system will be explained to ensure only one person is in the communal toilet at one time.
We plan to open more groups depending on the success and viability of this first one.
If you have any questions or concerns, or if there’s anything you think we haven’t thought about, get in touch with Tara on tara@changesbristol.org.uk.