What to expect on joining The EPT’s virtual support groups

14 Apr 2023 | By Kerri
Wat to expect on joining The EPT's virtual support groups.

Who can join Zoom group sessions?

The EPT’s Zoom groups are for anyone who has been affected by ectopic pregnancy.

We hold open groups for anyone impacted by the condition to join and partners are welcome too.

We also hold dedicated Zoom group sessions for:

  • for partners (of any gender);
  • for women/people who have experienced more than one ectopic pregnancy; and
  • for anyone who has had ectopic pregnancies in locations other than in a Fallopian tube (such as ovarian/Caesarean section scar/heterotopic/cervical/abdominal/intramural/cornual).

How do I request to join the virtual support group?

To join the group, you would first need to let us know by completing your details in this form. Alternatively, you can complete the form and indicate your preferred date here.  

Our Group Zoom Coordinator, Katie, will then get in touch with you to confirm your interest and let you know the date and time for the group Zoom call. When it is close to the date of the session, you will get another email with the Zoom link and information on how the session will run.  

What will joining the meeting be like?

If it is your first virtual support group, you may wonder what to expect and here is an outline of how sessions are usually structured. 

  • The group is led by Katie, our Group Zoom Coordinator. Katie will be there throughout to facilitate the discussion. 
  • To start, Katie will encourage you to consider the principles needed to create a safe space for everyone. You will discuss these principles and we will have everyone’s agreement to follow them. 
  • Then there are brief introductions where you are welcome to share whatever you feel comfortable. We try to keep these as short as possible so that there is lots of time for open conversation in the next part.
  • From the introductions, there may be some topics that are common. Katie will highlight key topics in a few words that may help people to engage in wider conversation. She will also invite anyone to continue their story or bring up anything that they would like to talk about. The aim is to have a natural, flowing conversation.  
  • The session is your space as a group to discuss whatever you would like to explore. 
  • As the call draws to a close, Katie will summarise and provide options for next steps.  

Creating a relaxed, safe space for you

Katie is there throughout the call to guide the conversation so that everyone feels welcome, comfortable, and safe.  

We do ask that you join the call with your video on and try to keep it on throughout the call. This is for a couple of reasons. It is so you can see who is on the call which can be important in feeling safe. In addition, by seeing other people while you talk and their responses through body language like gentle nods, it shows that you are being heard. 

We do recognise that talking about your experience is very sensitive and may bring up lots of emotions, including perhaps some tears. If you would like a moment for yourself, you can switch off your video and re-join when you feel ready. 

Upcoming dates

You can find out about dates and times of Zoom group sessions by taking a look at the booking form here. The form is updated regularly with details of upcoming sessions. 

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