WhatsApp group joining criteria, rules, and safeguarding

• • You must be 18 or older and live in the UK with a muscle-wasting or weakening condition.
  • You consent to sharing your mobile number, which will be visible to others in the WhatsApp group once you join. Learn more about adjusting your group privacy settings.
  • By joining, you agree to abide by our group rules.

  If you don’t meet the joining criteria, or if we have concerns about the information you’ve provided, we will not be able to admit you to the WhatsApp network. If we have any concerns regarding your welfare, we will follow our safeguarding procedures, which may involve sharing information and collaborating with other agencies.

All our WhatsApp groups are moderated by trained staff and volunteers who have undergone an enhanced DBS check. We will remove any messages that break the group rules and issue warnings to members. If rules are broken repeatedly, you may be removed from the group. While we do not take moderating decisions lightly, we will act if the rules are broken or if messages are deemed inappropriate for the group context. Please report any messages or concerns that you believe break the group rules.

Use of technology/ devices:

All members will need to be able to access WhatsApp from their own device rather than that of their parent or guardian’s.  This is to respect confidentiality and to keep discussions private.

Be kind and courteous:

It is everyone’s responsibility to create a welcoming environment. We should all be kind and treat others with respect and equality and group discussions should always be held constructively and respectfully. We don’t allow inappropriate or unpleasant language or content. If you’re unhappy about something that’s been said in your group, please contact a member of staff or a volunteer immediately  so it  can be managed appropriately.

No hate speech or bullying:

All group members should feel safe. Bullying, discrimination and derogatory comments regarding religion, culture, class, sexual orientation, gender, or identity aren’t tolerated.

Don’t breach copyright or permission:

If you’re posting photos make sure you have the person’s permission first. Photos shared in groups by members should not be shared outside the group without the subject’s consent.

Respect the privacy and confidentiality of others:

We want our virtual support networks to be safe and positive communities. Authentic discussions make groups great but may also be sensitive and private. What’s shared in the group must stay within the group. We promote having conversations and sharing ideas to support each other; however, we ask you to be mindful that this is a confidential and private space for people to share aspects of their lives. We ask that you don’t share private details without permission. Please don’t share anyone’s name, contact details, screenshots, or conversations outside of the group. If you’re part of the 18 to 30 young adults WhatsApp support network, please ensure you have clear permission to share contact details before doing so.

WhatsApp age groups:

When a person reaches the age limit of the WhatsApp group they’re in, they will move on to the next group. When a person reaches the age of 65, they will be removed from the 30 to 65 group. The women’s health group has no upper age limit.

We don’t endorse recommendations:

We encourage members to share their recommendations regarding equipment, books, websites and more. However, we cannot endorse recommendations made in this group, we recommend all members do their own research so they’re confident and satisfied with recommendations.

Muscular Dystrophy UK is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of both children and adults at risk. We strive to create a secure and confidential environment where everyone can feel safe and supported when engaging with our services. If we have any concerns regarding your welfare, we will follow our safeguarding procedures, which may involve sharing information and collaborating with other agencies.

Moderation and Training:

Our chat groups are moderated by trained staff and volunteers who are equipped to identify and address safeguarding concerns. However, please note that moderation is not continuous. Our core moderation hours are from 9am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday. Outside of these hours, response times may be slower. If you have an urgent concern or issue, please contact a member of staff directly during working hours, and we will respond as quickly as possible. If you believe that you or someone is in immediate danger, do not hesitate to call emergency services on 999.

Reporting concerns within office hours:

If you have any safeguarding concerns during office hours, please report them through our designated contact channels. Our staff are trained to address and escalate issues as needed to ensure they are handled appropriately.

If you need to report a safeguarding concern outside our normal office hours, please use the following resources:

If you believe you or someone else is in immediate danger, call emergency services on 999.

Emergency Social Work Services:
Contact your local council’s emergency services. [Find your local council here.]

For Concerns About Someone Under 18:

• NSPCC Helpline: Call 0808 800 5000 or email help@NSPCC.org.uk
• NSPCC Report Abuse Online Form: Available 24/7
• Hopeline UK: Call 0800 068 4141
• Samaritans: Call 116 123
• Shout: Text SHOUT to 85258

For Adults Experiencing Distress:

• Samaritans Helpline: Call 116 123, available 24/7

Commitment to Safeguarding:

Muscular Dystrophy UK remains steadfast in its responsibility to protect and promote the welfare of children and adults at risk. We encourage everyone to report concerns and trust that they will be handled with the utmost seriousness and confidentiality.

For more information about the joining criteria and group rules for our WhatsApp network, please contact communitysupport@musculardystrophyuk.org.

Please exercise caution when sharing information on WhatsApp and only share details you are comfortable with. While we encourage everyone to respect each other’s privacy and confidentiality, it’s important to remember that messages can be screenshotted and shared, potentially even posted online.

Privacy Settings:

• Depending on your privacy settings, group members who have your phone number may be able to view your profile picture, ‘about’ information, last seen status, and message read receipts.
• Group members may also have the ability to add you to other groups or communities, potentially exposing your information to a wider audience.

What Others Can See in Groups:

• When you join a WhatsApp group, your phone number will be visible to all group members.
• When you send a message in a group, your profile name will be visible to everyone, including those who do not have your number saved in their contacts.

To control your privacy, please review and adjust your settings accordingly. You can learn more about how to use WhatsApp responsibly and manage your privacy settings for both groups and general profile information.