Positively Connected - The Beneficiary MeetUp Group

4 male beneficiaries wearing real or false moustaches for Movember on a zoom video callPositively 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?

illustration of a lap top screen showing 4 people attending an online meeting, with a cup of coffee in the foregroundTrust 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.

"The Coffee Breaks have been one of the few positive things to come from the Covid pandemic. Living by myself and only becoming part of the Trust family in late 2018 our recent gatherings have opened new doors for me. For the first time in my 60 years I have met women, in our all-female group, who have experienced similar things to me during their lives. Things that most non-disabled people know nothing about or understand. I just didn’t realise how emotional, yet supportive, this could be. It’s really good to be part of such a welcoming, inspiring and lively group of women."
Karen
Karen

 

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!

 

a group of beneficiaries sitting around a lunch table, smiling for the photoIn-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.

 

See dates and times for MeetUp events

Neon sign of a speech balloon with the words Upcoming Events

View the Trust’s Events calendar

Interested in becoming a beneficiary volunteer?

Letters spelling volunteer pinned to a notice board

How to volunteer for the Trust