Guidelines for Online Chat Room

DISCLAIMER

Users of the discussion rooms should understand that nothing said there comprises medical diagnosis. A qualified medical practitioner should always be consulted if diagnosis of an anxiety disorder is required. Users should also understand that working with a discussion room facilitator does not constitute structured counselling.

Facilitators work together as a team, communicate as a team and hold regular confidential reviews of their work with clients. Whilst Anxiety Care maintains a policy of strict confidentiality, it is recommended that all clients keep their personal details private within the groups.

It should also be noted that Anxiety Care cannot monitor the discussion rooms at all times. "Advice" and recommendations purporting to come from charity facilitators, offered outside advertised moderated times, should always be checked by e-mail. Contact enquiries@anxietycare.org.uk and head the message "Advice Check".

ONLINE FACILITATORS ROLE

At Anxiety Care we believe in "helping people to help themselves", therefore the role of our facilitators is to:

• Explain the methods that we use here, i.e. structured recovery work (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.)
• Give information about our services & how to access them.
• Stimulate discussion.
• Encourage group members to participate.
• Keep the group focussed on the task of recovery.
• Try to ensure that everyone is given the space to be heard and to explore their issues.
• Focus on the Anxiety Care ethos while respecting the opinions and views of others.

VISITORS

• We welcome and encourage visitors to discuss their own experiences of anxiety and give and/or gain support for this.
• Please try to focus on only one subject at a time - more than one ongoing conversation can be distracting for both visitors & facilitators.
• Please respect the opinions and views of others.
• Please - try to work together as a group.

GUIDELINES FOR UNDER 18s

Remember to stay Cyber-smart! - There's some great stuff on the Net, but some bad stuff too. It's important to be careful when using the Internet and remember these SMART rules!