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. Currently groups are meeting virtually on Zoom or meeting face to face. In some face to face groups you may also join on Zoom! The picture is changing constantly so do check our Find A FAN Meeting section for up to date details. The Zoom format, while not the same as meeting face to face, does enable friends from all over the country and all over the world to take part.
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 - 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