Positively Connected - The Beneficiary MeetUp Group
Positively Connected is an online 'MeetUp' group set up by the Thalidomide Trust and run by beneficiary volunteers. Its objective is to encourage beneficiaries to connect with each other by joining in with a range of events and activities. All beneficiaries and Trust staff are welcome.
MeetUp is an online platform used by groups to publish a diary of events. Members of the group can then choose what they wish to participate in. Access to the group is private and only accepts beneficiaries and Trust staff members. The group runs a rich programme of events every month to engage with the thalidomide community. Each session is hosted by a volunteer beneficiary, offering a range of interest groups as well as the sociable virtual coffee events.
Easy Read document explaining what Positively Connected is all about.
Join the private beneficiary Positively Connected MeetUp group here
What is it all about?
Trust beneficiaries are dotted across Britain and further afield. Some have known each other for years and others are new to the community. The Positively Connected Meetup is a diarised platform that tells you when Beneficiary Volunteers are holding online (and sometimes in-person) events for beneficiaries to come along and meet other beneficiaries, troubleshoot challenges, share stories and experiences. However long you have been a beneficiary you will always receive a warm welcome from the Trust’s Beneficiary Volunteers.
The Virtual Coffee Breaks started online during the Covid lockdowns as a way for beneficiaries to keep in touch when we were all told to ‘Stay at Home’.
They continue to take place at various times during the day proving a popular way for beneficiaries to connect across distance.
Virtual Coffee Breaks and beyond…
During the original enjoyable coffee chats people often shared what they had been up to whilst passing their time at home (and garden!).
It became apparent that there are many unique and interesting hobbies and activities beneficiaries enjoy, alongside sharing interests. These include scuba diving, dog training, craft activities, quilting, and card making alongside many more activities. Beneficiaries connected with each other via shared interests. This gave the opportunity to listen to others’ perspectives and learn from different knowledge bases.
One beneficiary shares her experience here.

If you would like to share an activity that you enjoy with other beneficiaries, we would love to hear from you. Please get in touch to find out more on 01480 474074 or email.
We look forward to hearing from you!
In-person events - One lump or two?
Occasionally beneficiary volunteers host in-person events in their locality. You can find out what is on in your area by joining the Positively Connected MeetUp group or by contacting the Trust office to express your interest and we’ll let you know if there is an event near you soon. If not, maybe you would like to host an event?
Get in touch to find out more on 01480 474074 or email.
MeetUp events are also advertised on the Trust's Events calendar.