We sit in a circle and the Facilitator welcomes everyone and starts the meeting.
Each person in the Group reads out a line from the opening statement. The opening statement sets out our ground rules and principles. Then, we take it in turns to speak.
Everyone speaks about their week and a chosen topic, and if there are new people, we introduce ourselves. When someone is speaking we listen and try not to interrupt. If you do not feel like speaking, no problem – just listen.
When everyone has had a turn the Facilitator reads the closing statement and then we chat.
Most groups meet weekly and face to face, but we have some Zoom meetings which bring people together who are not able to attend in person. Each meeting follows the same format but each will feel a little different depending on location and the make up of the groups - this can change from week to week, but the structure will be the same. If you find a group you enjoy stick with it - if you don't, do try another venue.
You may like to see a FAN Group in action – take a look at our films below.
Getting to know FAN friends and neighbours groups.
Opening and closing statements
- Opening and closing statment - English
- Opening and closing statment - Arabic
- Opening and closing statment - Cantonese
- Opening and closing statment - Dari
- Opening and closing statment - Japanese
- Opening and closing statment - Kishwali
- Opening and closing statment - Mandarin
- Opening and closing statment - Mandarin
- Opening and closing statment - Polish
- Opening and closing statment - Russian
- Opening and closing statment - Spanish
- Opening and closing statment - Ukrainian
- Opening and closing statment - Urdu
- Opening and closing statment - Welsh