STEGO Training and Consultancy offers training in working with groups. This training is particularly suited to community groups, self help groups, committees etc. Factors affecting equality of access to groups:
Dates and times of meetings
Make changes with consultation and lots of notice. Check for religious festivals and school holidays. Do times co-ordinate with the times of public transport?
Participant’s communication skills
Use appropriate methods of communication and information both in preparing for and setting up the group and within the group.
Participant's self confidence
Use group exercises that help include people. Use pairs and small groups to help people feel included.
Discrimination
Beware of prejudices, those preconceived opinions we hold, often unfavourable. Avoid stereotyping of people based on these prejudices. Some may go under the guise of being 'positive'. i.e, "blind people are good with their hands". "Asian people look after their own relatives".
Be aware of oppressive behaviour and language
In addition to offensive language i.e. racist/sexist/homphobic/etc. remember jargon, acronyms and 'worker speak' can exclude people.
Be sensitive to the debate on language
Allow people to self define on words that describe them or their individual characteristics. Listen to understand their reason for using those words.
Representing one's particular group
Don't expect the black person, the lesbian, the woman, etc in your group to speak on behalf of the whole population. Everyone should take equal responsibility for challenging unacceptable language and behaviour.
Physical access
Access should be to all areas of the meeting place including refreshment areas, quiet space, seminar rooms, toilets etc. Allow for free movement within the group and full participation in group exercises and experiences. Interpreters and equipment such as induction loops also improve access. Describe access arrangements so that participants can decide for themselves whether the event is accessible.
Dependent's support needs
This may mean making carer's allowances available, providing care/crèche facilities and/or facilities for supporters and buddies. This will also have implications for the timing of events and their duration. Needs of both men and women as carers need to be considered.
Practical arrangements
Seating, lighting levels, smoking, breaks, venue and location are all important.
Male and female roles
Based on societal roles men can tend to dominate where technical expertise or leadership are concerned and may assume the role of spokesperson in groups. Women may be charged with the responsibility for dealing with emotional issues or 'looking after' the group. Including making the tea and tidying up.
Interpreting actions and emotions
The meaning of eye contact, personal space, expressing emotions, etc. are strongly culturally based. Beware of interpreting these from a single cultural perspective. Likewise ground rules and values may be based on 'white' values.
Ground rules
Working agreements should include a commitment to combating discrimination. Discrimination should be challenged.
Developing networks with other groups
Contact organisations which represent the interests of minority groups, listen, learn.
Refreshments
Be sensitive to dietary requirements, handling and storage of food and fasting.
Please see the following page:
Training programmes
Page last updated
9 December 2009
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