Peer Group Chat // Social Media- To Engage, Or Not To Engage? // Thursday 5th October 2023, 7-8:30PM AEDT

[amber22]

Hey everyone!

On Thursday 5th October 2023, we will be holding a Peer Group Chat on the topic of Social Media- To Engage, Or Not To Engage?

We can often want to keep up to date with friends as well as current news and events - but despite the positives, sometimes what we see on social media may be upsetting, overwhelming, or triggering. Join this conversation to talk together about the potential pros and cons of engaging with social media and how we can look after ourselves when engaging with social media.

The event start times across Australia are below:

This is currently held in daylight savings hours:

WA: 4pm 
NT: 5:30pm

SA: 6:30pm 

QLD: 6pm

NSW, ACT, VIC & TAS: 7pm 

For anyone unfamiliar with Peer Group Chats, each focuses on a specific topic and is guided by Peer Workers with lived experience of mental health issues and recovery, &/or caring for someone with complex mental health. A counsellor is also present as a moderator to help ensure a safe environment for individuals and the group. It is a space for us as peers to share our stories and experiences, and connect with those who are going through something similar. 

Anyone is welcome to join! Tagging some members who may be interested below:

@mr-robot-75 @Hope0011 @Shaz51 @Hams @Appleblossom @Captain24 @Snowie @chibam @Jacques @wellwellwellnez @outlander @NatureLover @Adge  @petrichor @Pancake @Gwynn @Sophia1 @pinklollipop15 @Lila3 @BlueBay @RedHorse @Arizona @SJT63 @Owen45 @Appleblossom @Eve7 @Bow @Snowie @Shaz51 @JungleGiants @BPDSurvivor @wellwellwellnez @NatureLover @utopia @Millieme @Anastasia @Jorge @CogsWhirl @Clawde @SunFlowersHope  @SJT63 @Owen45 @utopia @Laura4 @creative_writer 

Peer Group Chats are hosted outside of the forums, using a platform called Chatwee. 

To join an Online Peer Group and participate, you will need to register for an account with Chatwee.
To access the group to observe only and not participate, you can access Chatwee as a Guest.
On the night, follow this link to access Chatwee before the group starts.
You can join our Peer Group Chats every Thursday from 7:00-8:30pm (AEDT). Check out the FAQs page for more information.  

We hope to see you there 😊 If you can't make it but are interested, you can always catch up reading the transcript afterwards here. 

[Blackbird11]

Hi @amber22 

I hope to join you as I have a study break next week. Looking forward to engaging and connecting 😁

[Kyle1]

hey, I think I finally worked out how to sign up for chat!!

Woohoo

When do we get started? 🙂

[TideisTurning]

That's fantastic and so good to hear @Kyle1. We are really looking forward to having you join us!  Our peer group chats take place every Thursday evening from 7 PM AEDT.  So at that time tomorrow, join us on the PGC platform here for the live discussion. We will also tag you in a few reminders closer to the time tomorrow. We look forward to seeing you there 😊

[TideisTurning]

Hi Everyone,

Just a reminder that the next Online Peer Group Chat on Social Media- To Engage, Or Not To Engage?  will take place tonight from 7-8:30pm AEDT.  As always, for ease of reference, times across Australia are in the graphic and listed below: 

WA: 4pm 
NT: 5:30pm

SA: 6:30pm 

QLD: 6pm

NSW, ACT, VIC & TAS: 7pm  

Tonight, you can expect discussion about: 

• Our engagement with social media & it’s impact on our wellbeing 
•  Pros & cons of engaging with social media 
•  Ways to balance our social media engagement 

Tagging members who have supported or otherwise interacted with the thread so far as well as those who may be interested to receive a reminder @Blackbird11 @Kyle1 @Snowie @Captain24 @Jacques @Shaz51 @7cough9 @chibam @Birdofparadise8 @greenspace @creative_writer @Patches59 @Appleblossom 

[amber22]

Just a reminder that our Peer Group Chat on Social Media- To Engage, Or Not To Engage? will start in just over 20 minutes at 7pm! Everyone is welcome! See you then 🙂 

Tagging members who have supported or otherwise interacted with the thread so far as well as those who may be interested to receive a reminder: @Snowie @Appleblossom @Shaz51 @Laura4 @Captain24 @creative_writer @outlander @Meggle @chibam @Emergence @Jacques @CloudBerry @sammy3 @Bobbie @Messylife @Gillie @Dimity @wellwellwellnez @Kyle1 @StuF @tonys @Bow @ShiningStar @Smiling_Gecko @StanD @NatureLover @LostAngel @Faith-and-Hope @Sophia1 @Determined @Kermit @Lyra_reachout @Glisten @Shaz51 @Patches59  @bobbie

[TideisTurning]

Hi everyone, 

 something I'm really curious to hear about from anyone who would like to contribute is how you might balance engagement with social media in order to maximise benefits and minimise any harms or negative impacts? @Kyle1 @Blackbird11 @Snowie @chibam @Glisten @Shaz51 @Patches59 @Captain24 @Birdofparadise8 @creative_writer @Appleblossom @7cough9 

[Snowie]

Hi @TideisTurning 

I think the type of social media can harm us. Each is different and will see social media differently, but for me it is trying not to spend too much time on it. I think most importantly we need to recognise when we need a break from it and not let it consume us. We also need to know how to step away from it, especially when we are in crisis. 

For me the only social media I use is Facebook and the Sane forums. I limit my time on Facebook. In regards to the Sane forums, I think being with like minded people and having that support helps. We don't need to put up a front.

[Glisten]

This group is my social media 😬

[Blackbird11]

I limit my time on social media and actively engage socially by text, phone, visiting those I can as much as possible. Social media is a platform for me to encourage others through what I post... I aim to be a positive influence on social media.