Online Messaging and Video Calling

As Lancashire Women is now working online and via telephone during the current COVID-19 restrictions we want to ensure you feel as secure as possible while using apps and online tools to receive support from Lancashire Women’s team.

We will only contact you via WhatsApp on a one to one basis with us and only if you feel comfortable with this. We will ask you for verbal permission and will only audio call, video call or message you alone, and never in a group, as this would share your contact details with other people in the group. In some cases a third party, such as your probation worker or social worker, might be invited to the call, but this will only be with your specific permission and it will be to support you in your situation.

We ask those of you who want to use WhatsApp, to only message or call your caseworker during working hours.

Skype

We will only contact you via Skype on a one to one basis with your us, and only if you feel comfortable with this. We will ask you for verbal permission and will only audio call, video call or message you alone, and never in a group, as this would share your contact details with other people in the group. In some cases a third party, such as your probation worker or social worker, might be invited to the call, but this will only be with your specific permission and it will be to support you in your situation.

We ask those who want to use Skype, to only message or call us during working hours.

Zoom

We will only ever use Zoom to video call or audio call you if you have agreed to sign up for one of our Online Group Sessions or for a one to one meeting. At any point you are able to:

Leave this meeting by clicking the Leave Meeting button
Turn your video off by clicking the Stop Video button
Turn your audio off by clicking the Mute button

If the call drops out you will be contacted back by a member of the team as soon as they can.

During any Online Group Session, we ask all attendees:

To refer to themselves by their first name only
Have video turned on when entering the call, so we can be sure of your identity
To never record any of the Zoom meetings, either through the Zoom App or via any other app or software on your phone
To never screenshot any of the Zoom meetings

To never share any personal contact details
To only ever use the private chat messaging facility within Zoom, to message the group as whole or to message one of the Lancashire Women team on the session

For a one to one Zoom call, we will ask you for verbal permission and will only audio call or video call you.

We ask those who want to use Zoom, to only call us during working hours.

Other messaging apps and software

We will only ever use the above apps, and as an organisational policy, will not use any personal messaging apps or websites, apart from email and text when required.

By using virtual communication tools, you will also agree to the terms and conditions of the relevant platforms, example WhatsApp. These are updated regularly and are available through your account settings.

Frequently Asked Questions about our online groups

Can I use my smart phone?

Yes, or laptop or tablet - any device! As long as it has a camera and a microphone.

How does it all work? How do I join?

We will send you a text message reminder on the day of the group which will ask you to check your emails. Follow the link and complete the questionnaire. Once this is completed you will be sent a link to join the Zoom session.

What happens if I have technical problems?

Don’t panic! just let us know by calling us on 0300 330 1354 and we can talk you through it.

Who will be in the group?

A Tutor, a Counsellor and other people like yourself taking part in the group.

Do I have to show my face?

We ask you to keep your camera switched on to ensure that no one else is in the room and to ensure confidentiality for other participants on the group.

What is MindFit?

MindFit is the perfect starting point for building confidence. Its positioning as our branded offer and core service ensures that all women have the opportunity to spend the time required, embedding those essential firm foundations needed for her to build her life and achieve her goals. We believe that without spending this vital time, a woman’s personal development might be hindered and the benefits of other interventions lost.

Mindfit doesn’t simply identify personal barriers – it enables women to take control of their emotions – to practise self-compassion. Mindfit sensitively explores self- acceptance and knowledge, which in turn leads to discovery of the individuals self-value and belief. The techniques and strategies taught throughout the course encourage positive progress as women find the resilience needed to begin to believe in personal abilities, problem solve and halt their negative thinking patterns. Women can begin to explore and embrace those personal influences that can lead to positive behavioural changes.

Mindfit offers a safe, caring and confidential environment in which individuals can reflect on their individual needs, to start to plan and explore their hopes and fears which they can then start to realise through short and long term goal setting - safe in the knowledge that they have the right foundations from which they can grow – and the tools at hand to help them deal with any setbacks they may encounter in life. Connecting with others along the way – the supportive environment in which this starter course is delivered, propels women towards their goals as they too often support others in their journey. With an emphasis on regular reflection of personal achievement throughout the programme, this first steps course is the just the start BUT the start that we know is vital for successful continued growth, discovery and sustained positive well-being.

What happens if I miss the first session?

You can join within the first two weeks. If you have missed the first two sessions, you can book on the next available course.

The first session is to familiarise all group participants with how we operate the zoom sessions, we will clarify our group agreement and give an overview of what the group entails. Don’t worry if you miss this you will be sent an email with all these details before you join the 2^nd session.

How do I know that this group is for me?

On the first session we usually discuss what the group is and is not – in general the tutors role is to help you find the right wellbeing strategies for your needs, and help you achieve your personal wellbeing goals

Everyone on the groups has different needs. To ensure that the tutors design the group around the group’s needs, the tutors will ask the following questions at the first session. If you miss the first session you will be sent these before you join on the 2^nd session.

What do you hope to get from the group?
How will you know when you have got it? (This is around expectations).

We can help you work through these and therefore ensure the course is right for you

Some people will say for example:

Hopes

I want to build my confidence.
I want to stop negative thinking.
I want to stop worrying about what others think of me.
I want to feel happier
I want to be comfortable in my own skin.

Expectations

Learn how to be calm – not to react negatively
Confident to take the next step
Learn which techniques and strategies to use to manage and release my emotions.
Learn to be more resilient.

What if it's noisy where I am?

We understand how difficult it is to find a place of complete quiet! We will keep your speaker on mute, so that there is no background noise. We will unmute during group discussions or if you indicate you want to speak.

I want to know that I have as much privacy as possible – can you guarantee that?

We cannot guarantee total privacy due to the nature of groups but we take every measure we can to protect everyone’s privacy and ask that you do the same– we ask all participants to sign an agreement which covers confidentiality – It is really important that you read through the group agreement prior to attending the group. We will only use your first name on screen. The host will change this if your full name is on screen during the session.

What happens if I need to leave or want to speak to the tutors privately during the session ?

At the bottom of your Zoom screen or on your phone there are 4 dots – If at any time during the session you need to speak to one of the tutors privately you can click on chat

You can use this if you have to leave the session or if you feel you need to talk to one of us after the session. If you feel you need any additional emotional support we can arrange for a welfare check call to be made to you, after the session.

There is also a hand emoji – just press that if you want to speak or have any questions.

What if I have learning difficulties or need any additional support?

If you are in any doubt it is important that you let one of the team know before you Join the zoom session. It is best to do this as soon as possible so that we can direct you to receiving the right support. For example , in a group it is important that you can follow the course content, so that you can keep up with the pace. It is also important that your spoken English ( speaking ) is at a level 3 – this will ensure that you will benefit from the various techniques and strategies that you will learn