GROUP GUIDELINES

WE RESPECT EACH OTHER'S CONFIDENTIALITY

This means, unless we have someone's consent, we don't tell people outside the Network the names of our peers who attend, or give out any personal details that may identify people.

WE RESPECT OUR TIME TOGETHER

This means we don't use cell phones in Network meetings unless it's urgent.

WE RESPECT EACH OTHER'S OPINIONS, VALUES, AND CONCEPTS OF 'RECOVERY'

This means we seek to understand each other by asking helpful questions and accept different points of view – even if we don't agree with them.

WE SHOW RESPECT WHEN ONE OF US IS TALKING

This means we listen to each other, don't interrupt, and create opportunities for everyone to speak if they wish to.

WE USE 'I' STATEMENTS WHEN EXPRESSING OUR OWN OPINIONS

This means each of us takes personal responsibility for what we share and what we say.

WE VALUE EACH OTHER

This means we do not tolerate intimidating or threatening behaviour, or actions that may result in any of our peers feeling vulnerable or unwelcome.

WE VALUE DIVERSITY

This means we actively encourage and welcome all AOD consumers from the Counties Manukau community to our Network, irrespective of their gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religious or spiritual beliefs.

WE AGREE THAT UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WILL WE SUPPLY DRUGS TO ANYONE AT NETWORK MEETINGS, OR TO ANOTHER NETWORK MEMBER

This means exactly what it says. As AOD consumers many of us have experienced stigma or prejudice because of our past drinking or drug use. We do not want to risk the safety of our members, or to risk the future of our Network by drawing anything but good attention to our Network and our work together.

THE NETWORK MANAGER, ON BEHALF OF THE NETWORK, WILL PROVIDE RESOURCES TO ANYONE WHO WISHES TO RECEIVE PERSONAL ASSISTANCE TO CHANGE THEIR BEHAVIOUR IF THEY ARE CONCERNED THEY MAY BREACH OR HAVE BREACHED OUR GROUP GUIDELINES