Have your say - take part in our poll

[Sarah_Mencap]

Hello

Over the next couple of weeks you might spot a few members of this community posting a bit more often and having a new little badge next to their names

This 'champion' role is all about welcoming members and encouraging new conversations. Most of them do this already, but we wanted to make it a bit more official.

However, we think the name champion isn't quite right so instead we have come up with a few other suggestions. Don't miss out on your chance to have your say which one you prefer:

healthunlocked.com/mencap/p...

If you are interested in taking on this role in the future, please do get in touch. You can always email at [e-mail] or message me directly on here.

[I_am_a_sibling Survey Community friend]

Great!

[Sarah_Mencap]

A quick update on this - here is the guidance I share with new community friends so that they know what we are after. Please let me know if you would be interested in having a go.

A few members of this community are community friends. You can see a badge next to their names saying this. Being a community friend is all about welcoming members and encouraging new conversations.

These members were asked to become community friends as they were very active and posted many replies to other people’s posts already.

Please note, community friends aren’t administrators (and they don’t moderate posts). They also aren’t on the community every day, but we ask that they check in a couple of times a week if they can.

Welcome new members and reply to new posts

There is nothing worse than saying something……. and then no one saying anything back. Take a minute to just say hello.

If you spot a post without a reply please respond. You don’t need to know the answer (if there is one), but replying makes members, particularly new members, feel welcome and that their personal experience is important.

Here are a few examples:

1. Hello xxx. What a lovely photo of you both - that looks like a great Christmas. It is lovely to have you here. Thanks, Sarah

2. Hi xxx - I'm xxx. (say a little about yourself). Chat any time!

3. Welcome xx. It is lovely to have you here. Cheers Sarah

It is nice to say a little about yourself back, as in number 2 above. It will also encourage other members to do the same. If they see you doing it, some will follow your lead.

You could also ask them something back. For example, Hello xxx, nice to meet you. What a lovely photo, what is your dogs name?

Encouraging conversations and build a sense of community

Ask a question or share an experience

- think about the personal experiences your members might have had and create open ended questions.

Here are few ideas:

* Share something that has happened recently.

* Share a memory – ask others to do the same

* Ask members for help with a problem

* Post something silly – recipes, favourite way to keep cool in the heat, favourite TV show

* Post something timely – comment on something in the news or social media.

Remember, it can take a few weeks for people to respond. Try different things and do not give up.

If you have had members posting on the community about specific issues, try asking questions that directly relate to their post, or ask for their opinion about something.

Building a sense of community

- online communities work best when their members have a bond that keeps them engaged for longer. Everyone on Mencap’s online community has a common interest in learning disabilities, but they will feel more included if:

> The community is active, with a high number of visitors and posts.

> Their posts get replies, and people empathise with them.

> People start to recognise other people on the community (hopefully you [Symbol]).

Dealing with conflict – ignore and report

This can be difficult, but the responsibility for this does not rest with community friends.

If you see something that you are not happy with do not reply, just report it (you can do this under each post). This will alert both Mencap and HealthUnlocked.

You can also email [e-mail], and staff here will look at it as soon as they can.

Also see Mencap’s online community guidelines - healthunlocked.com/mencap/p...

Self harm

The online community does not offer professional medical advice. Any posts that involves any apparent intention of self-harm or suicide suggests the need for professional help and advice.

Such posts can also cause other members distress and can be triggers to other vulnerable visitors to the community.

Again report it and the administrators will delete the content as soon as possible. They will also contact the member with further advice and contact details for services that can provide the appropriate level of advice to help.

Many thanks

Sarah