What we’re about
This meetup group is for people who have been previously a part of Bluebird, and is not intended to attract new people; just to facilitate previously connected ones to stay in touch. This is only because we do not have the resources to structure the processing of new people the way Bluebird did, but we don't want to lose our community. If you have been a part of Bluebird as staff or a volunteer or have attended at least one Bluebird (or Gen WHY?) meeting or event, you are eligible to apply to utilise this group.
This group and all its associated events and projects are member-initiated, and not affiliated with, organised or endorsed by Bluebird or its affiliates. The name of the group may be changed as decided. The name "Blue Club" is a placeholder for the moment, and is not associated with anything else that has the same or a similar name that you'll find if you google it.
This group was created at the time when Bluebird announced that it was ending. The main purpose of it was to advertise the member-initiated tribute event to give members a bit more time for a sense of closure. However, it was continued to arrange other events relevant to our situation.
Members joining this Meetup group will all be made event organisers so that anyone can create an event. We're in this together so please consider what you can do to help make it work.
Your membership will be automatically declined if you do not answer the screening questions or your answers do not show that you are eligible.
Your membership approval will also require you to read and confirm your compliance with our group agreement. This agreement may also be changed or updated at any time.
If your membership is rejected, it is not a rejection of you as a human being, and it does not mean that we do not care about you. You absolutely should continue on the path that best seeks out good mental health for yourself. Perhaps you could even start your own group as there are plenty of people in the world that need support. There are also various other kinds of groups on meetup and elsewhere.
You may also be removed from the group if going forward you are not able to uphold the conditions in our group agreement.
Please also understand that there may be periods of silence from organisers as we are all susceptible to mental health challenges and may not have the capacity to cater to every question or communication.
These boundaries are needed to prevent burnout which we are all very prone to (and which could easily be the end of the group.) We understand that this may be very difficult not to take personally. If you feel you would be unable to take this and you can not uphold the stipulated conditions, it may be best for you to avoid joining the group in the first place. No hard feelings, and we sincerely hope you can find support somewhere else.
It is not the intention to remove or reject anyone from the group out of malice. We hope you can be and stay with us, but our vulnerability as individuals and as a group mean that we will do what has to be done when it comes to protecting our ability to move forward. Gossip or hate of anyone that is removed from the group is not encouraged.
Heartfelt apologies if you came here looking for a mental health support group to join and you are not eligible for it on this particular platform.
As Bluebird has suggested to its members on announcing its end, please try checking out:
Connect Groups - 08 9364 6909 - info@connectgroups.org.au - https://connectgroups.org.au/
Peer Pathways - 08 9477 2809 - admin@comhwa.org.au - https://peerpathways.org.au/
Consumers of Mental Health WA - [CoMHWA] - 08 9258 8911 - admin@comhwa.org.au - https://comhwa.org.au/
It has also been suggested to me that people could try looking online for MIFWA and The Wellness Initiative (on Facebook or Instagram) both of which may run support groups.