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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 a week (or two) where we take a break from running group chats.
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.
It's also a good chance for staff, volunteers, and you guys to take a breather. If you use group chat often, chat 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 Winter break this year will be from
Monday 3rd January - Sunday 16th January (two weeks). The usual group chat schedule will resume as normal on Monday 17th.
We want to make sure our volunteers and staff get a well-deserved rest after a difficult year, which is why this break is two weeks rather than one. The longer break should also give us a good amount of time to work on some things behind the scenes and review all your feedback.
Is there a Community Quiz?
As always, yes! More info on this in a
separate announcement.
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
boards will also be open as normal.
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.
If you want somewhere like General Chat, you can always head over to
general chit chat or take a look at
Anything Goes and
Travel & Free Time. Or get stuck in with the
Community Quiz!
Questions? Drop them below 
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