Group Etiquette

At the Gambling Recovery Hub, we are committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for everyone. Our group sessions, whether chat-based or video, are designed to help you connect, share, and grow in your recovery. To ensure that all participants feel respected and comfortable, we ask that you follow these guidelines.

Confidentiality and Privacy

  • Everything shared in these groups is strictly confidential. This includes all conversations in both video and chat-based groups.
  • Do not share personal details or anything discussed in the groups with anyone outside the group. This includes names, stories, or identifying information.
  • Respect others’ privacy. Avoid asking intrusive or overly personal questions.

Respecting Others

  • Everyone has the right to express their views and experiences. Disagreeing is natural, but it must be done respectfully.
  • Constructive challenge is welcome, but personal attacks, bullying, or judgmental comments will not be tolerated.
  • Be patient and allow everyone an opportunity to contribute, especially in video groups where discussions are verbal.

Participation Guidelines

Video Groups

  • Please ensure you are in a quiet, private space to maintain confidentiality.
  • Use headphones if needed and mute your microphone when not speaking.
  • Avoid interrupting others and let the facilitator manage the flow of conversation.

Chat-Based Groups

  • Avoid pasting large blocks of text, as many participants may be using mobile devices, and long messages can be overwhelming.
  • Be mindful of the pace of the conversation and avoid sending multiple rapid messages in a row.
  • Use clear and concise language to ensure your contributions are easy to understand.

Gambling-Specific Guidelines

  • Do not mention names of betting operators, financial figures, wins, or losses. These details are not relevant to recovery and could be triggering to others.
  • Focus on your emotions, behaviors, and progress rather than specifics about gambling activities.
  • Be mindful of the potential impact your words may have on others in the group.

Facilitation and Behavior

  • All groups are facilitated to ensure a supportive and respectful environment.
  • If your behavior is deemed inappropriate, you will receive a warning. Continued violations of these guidelines will result in your removal from the site.
  • If you feel uncomfortable or have concerns about another participant’s behavior, please reach out to the facilitator privately.

Your Responsibility

These groups are a tool to support your recovery, but they are not a substitute for actively working on your own journey. Engage openly and honestly while respecting others’ boundaries. Approach each session with an open mind, empathy, and a willingness to learn and grow.

Our Responsibility

At the Gambling Recovery Hub, your safety and well-being are our highest priorities. We are committed to safeguarding everyone who participates in our groups. This includes:

  • Providing trained facilitators to maintain a safe and respectful environment.
  • Taking concerns about inappropriate behavior, bullying, or breaches of confidentiality seriously.
  • Acting in line with our https://gamblingrecoveryhub.org/safeguarding-policy/ to address any issues that may arise.

If you have any concerns about safeguarding or feel that someone is at risk, please speak with a facilitator or contact us directly. You can read more about our approach to safeguarding in our https://gamblingrecoveryhub.org/safeguarding-policy/.

Crisis Support

These groups are not intended for crisis situations. If you are in crisis or feel unsafe, please contact the following resources:

UK Crisis Support

  • Call Samaritans on 116 123 (free to call, available 24/7).
  • Visit their website: www.samaritans.org

International Crisis Support

  • Visit the Befrienders Worldwide website for a list of crisis helplines by country: www.befrienders.org

By joining our groups, you agree to these guidelines and commit to fostering a safe, respectful, and recovery-focused community. Thank you for helping us create a space where everyone feels supported.