img: someone placing a 'back in 15 minutes' sign on a customer desk
If you don't know what a group chat break is, click the spoiler below.
What is a 'group chat break'?
Roughly three times a year, we have one or two weeks where group chat goes on a break.
We use these periods as a chance to gather community feedback, reflect on how things are going on the community, and look at anything we might want to work on.
Breaks are also a good chance for staff, volunteers, and you guys to take a breather. If you use group chat often, breaks are a good opportunity to try new services and expand your support network.
When are they?
Typically, there's a break in January, May, and September.
When's the next break?
Our next break is from Monday 23rd August - Sunday 5th September.
What's happening that week?
There will be a community quiz in the usual format - 3 rounds of 10 questions, written and hosted by you. Badges will be up for grabs for winners and hosts. More info on this in a separate announcement.
We'll also be putting some plans in place to improve Support Circle based on your feedback. If you want to know how to get involved in that (and claim a limited edition badge!), head to
this thread.
Where can I go instead?
If you'd like some quick, live support while group chat isn't running, feel free to head over to our
one-to-one services. You can get in touch in three ways - phone, webchat and email. Call for free on 0808 808 4994, from 3pm-midnight.
The
discussion boards will also be open as normal if you want another space to chat to other community members.
General chit chat might be a nice alternative to GC.
If you're at breaking point, our
Crisis Messenger is also open as usual. Text THEMIX to 85258. You can also head to
this thread to find more crisis options if you need urgent support.
Questions? Drop them below 
img: bearded man floating in lake on flamingo lilo
