Welcome! Neuroclacks is looking to restart to support neurodiverse people around Stirling following our separation from CTSI. 👋

Safer Spaces Agreement ✅

What is Safer Spaces and why do we use it?

Safer Spaces is our group agreement that enables us to make our sessions as accessible and inclusive as possible. It's called Safer Spaces instead of Safe Spaces because no social group can be fully free from triggers, but by following Safer Spaces, we create the Safest Space we can.
This agreement is subject to change and is decided on by our members. 🙂
The initiative was first introduced by LGBT Youth Scotland across their youth groups. 🏳️‍🌈

Introductions and being welcoming...

At the start of each session we will go around the room and ask for your name, your pronouns and an ice breaker question.

Try to be welcoming and polite to everyone, this helps to create a supportive environment.

If you're chatting with someone and forget their name or pronouns you can always ask respectfully.

Try to include everyone in conversation so that people don't feel left out.

How to behave respectfully...

Confidentiality - if something personal is disclosed in group, it is not permitted to share that outside of the group without their permission.
Respect pronouns - try to use the pronouns people ask you to use. If you make a mistake, briefly apologise, correct yourself and move on.
Respect personal space and boundaries - try not to get too close to other people, touch their belongings without permission, etc. Always ask for consent where it is needed. Do not pressure someone to share something they're not comfortable with.
Prejudice, discrimination and microaggressions are unlawful and never tolerated. Under the Equality Act 2010 there are nine protected characteristics, these are: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. This means that it is illegal to make fun of anyone based on these characteristics, however, you are able to ask people questions as long as they're respectful and that individual is happy to answer them.
Avoid triggering topics - avoid discussing things that are obvious triggers. For example, talking about weight, dark thoughts, etc. If you need support with these issues, they can be discussed with a mental health professional one on one.

How to be self accountable...

See it, Say it, Sort it - If someone says something that makes you or someone else in the room feel uncomfortable, call it out respectfully. For example; "I don't think you phrased that well, perhaps ask like this..." or "They don't feel comfortable answering, so please respect that.".
In a situation where you don't feel comfortable doing this, refer to the "Always speak up..." section.
Accept feedback and criticisms - At the same time, if someone asks you to phrase something differently, try to accept that, apologise, and commit to doing better moving forward. Everyone has different levels of tolerance and personal boundaries, therefore it's healthy to have open discussions to establish what is and isn't acceptable with them.
Take time out when needed - You're allowed to leave the room at any time. If you feel overwhelmed, if you need to take a phone call, etc. As we can't mindread it's important to self regulate and take a break when you need to.
Apologise - We all make mistakes on a daily basis, these are crucial to our growth and development. The important thing is that we learn from them and commit to growing our understanding. By apologising you show that you recognise the impact your mistake had on others and you commit to doing better moving forward.
Empathy and understanding - If someone says or does something that upsets you, encourage that person to do better in an empathetic and understanding manner. Try not to use blame or judgement as this can create an uncomfortable atmosphere.

Adopting a Growth Mindset...

A great way to be self accountable is by switching your Fixed Mindset to a Growth Mindset.

Someone with a fixed mindset often gets upset or angry and tries to isolate themselves if they make a mistake or are challenged. This is really unhealthy and can stunt your personal growth and development. A fixed mindset stops you from learning from your mistakes and improving. This will lead to you continuously making more mistakes, more frequently. The longer this mindset goes uncorrected, the longer it will continue to have a damaging impact on your life. This could include making you fall behind in terms of emotional maturity.

A growth mindset means that you accept constructive criticism. You recognise that we all make mistakes and fail from time to time. This is essential to our individual growth and development. Without failure, you can never succeed. A growth mindset is healthy and means that with every experience you improve and learn to be better. This is the mindset we strongly encourage all of our members to try and adopt.

How to be accessible to all...

Be mindful of sensory needs - try to avoid being so loud that it's overstimulating. Allow people to stim and self regulate as they need to and do not judge them for this.
Slow down and be patient - some people may have a processing delay, meaning they need a little bit longer to answer. Try to be respectful and mindful of this.
Respecting accessibility devices and animals - Do not attempt to touch or interfere with anyone's mobility aids, Augmentative and Alternative Communication devices (AAC's), service animals or any other accessibility tool.
Check for understanding - Use plain language where possible, avoiding jargon or overly complex instructions. Speak clearly and at a steady pace and try to read body language and facial expressions if you can.
Visual and written alternatives - Not everyone is able to read, write or listen easily. Slowing down, using visual aids and lending a hand to people who would like it can go a long way.
Avoid making people feel trapped - Make sure you give people space and allow them to move around or leave as necessary. Do not obstruct anyone's freedom of movement as this can create unnecessary stress.
Ask before assisting - Never assume somebody needs help. If you think someone may benefit from some assistance, ask them politely if they would like your help. Always respect their answer if they say no.

Preventing physical harm...

To keep everyone safe, the use of illicit drugs or alcohol within group is never permitted. Of course you should continue to take your prescription or over the counter medication as prescribed.

If you are noticeably under the influence of drugs or alcohol you will not be permitted to attend. This is because you pose a potential danger to other members and it would not be safe to allow you in a group environment.

We suggest you refer to specific support services if you are struggling with addiction. We hold no judgement to people who are struggling with addiction, but if you're noticeably under the influence we have to stop you from accessing the group to keep others safe.

It is a criminal offence to carry any offensive weapon in the UK. This includes, guns, knives, etc. These unsafe objects are never permitted in group. If you are found to be in possession of any offensive weapon then this will be reported to the Police.

Always speak up...

It's rare, but sometimes an incident may arise where you feel unable to call out innapropriate or unwanted behaviour during group. If this is the case, we'd ask that you reach out to a team member either in person at the end of the session, or by contacting us via email, phone, WhatsApp, etc. The most important thing is not to stay silent. We can provide guidance on how best to handle the situation and support you in being able to continue attending group. We're here to help, and any information shared with us will be kept confidential unless you permit us otherwise, or if you tell us there's an immediate danger to yourself or others.

By agreeing to Safer Spaces you also agree to our "Additional Policies", including our Data Protection Policy. We add and change policies from time to time to best meet the needs of our members. Up to date policies are always available on our website. 👩‍💻