Dysfunctional Families

"Outrageously funny, compulsively readable, and subversive," Bella Mackie's bestselling debut is a semi-epic odyssey through class, family, love and murder. Soon to be adapted as an 8-episode Netflix series and already freely available as one of those [quirkily abridged BBC audiobooks](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0b97jn0), it contains descriptions of death, gore, mental illness, racism, sex, violence, stalking, and of course murder. Don't forget you can try this free online preview before deciding to attend: [https://www.google.co.uk/books/edition/How_to_Kill_Your_Family/P5-eDwAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1](https://www.google.co.uk/books/edition/How_to_Kill_Your_Family/P5-eDwAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1) If you've been before and would like to help pay for the Meetup group, you can contribute "£1-2" per meeting (now collected around Dec & Jun). This optional payment does not apply to your first meeting and no-one is turned away for lack of funds. General plan: by 7pm some of us should be in the upstairs room at the pub but we usually start by discussing books to read in future in case anyone arrives late. Typically we'll talk about the book until after 8pm, when there's a short break to go to the bar, then any further discussion till after 9, though of course you can leave at any point. The Shirker's Rest takes cards, not cash, and serves a range of soft drinks, wine and spirits in addition to their beer and cider selection [https://theshirkersrest.co.uk/drinks/ ](https://theshirkersrest.co.uk/drinks/)\- they don't have a kitchen but encourage you to order from [https://yardsalepizza.com/menu/](https://yardsalepizza.com/menu/) ..! **COVID-19 safety measures** This is indoors though we should be able to open at least one window. Please do not attend if you feel unwell, or have a positive Covid test/symptoms - you are encouraged to a) be as vaccinated as you can, b) wear a mask if you prefer, c) follow current Covid precautions, especially if you're at risk of passing on or catching the virus.

### 🌅 **What is this?** **Kickstart your day by chasing the sunrise** with a unique blend of fitness, fresh air, and socializing! The running session takes place along the Regent’s Canal. The view will be stunning. 😁 Tired of the usual routine? Join Hackney's young professional community for this **free social event** where we swap the screen time for 'green time.' ### 📍 **The Vibe & The Workout** This event is designed to be a fun, engaging, and social hour of activity. * **The Focus:** The session is about movement, camaraderie, and having fun! We stick together as a group—all levels are welcome. * **The Fun:** We will be incorporating different **dynamic exercises and playful team games** along the route. Expect short bursts of running mixed with engaging activities to break the ice and ensure a full-body, high-energy start to your day. * **The Mission:** To catch that incredible Hackney sunrise! ### ☕ **The Social Finish** We encourage people to stick around for an **optional coffee/tea/pastry** to properly cool down, chat, and solidify those new connections. ### 📢 **Important Notes & Weather Policy** **Please be punctual!** We start moving at the scheduled time. If you are late, you might miss us. If you cannot find the group, please WhatsApp me: **+44 7487 832243**. I will be wearing some hilarious accessory at the Victoria Park Canal Gate. Please look for an Asian girl. **Prep for the Morning:** * **Hydration:** Remember to **bring water** and stay hydrated before and during the session. * **Weather:** Please dress in warm layers and bring a **waterproof jacket and hat** just in case. * If it's just drizzling, we are still **ON!** * If heavy rain is forecast, we will cancel the event and inform all RSVPs **one day in advance.** * **Filming**: Please note that I might be filming or taking photos throughout the journey. ### 🤝 **Who Should Join?** * Professionals looking to expand their social and business networks in East London. * Anyone who wants a dynamic and enjoyable way to stay active. * Individuals seeking a friendly, low-pressure group fitness environment. * All fitness levels—whether you run regularly or are just starting out, you are welcome! > **Free to Join!** Please feel free to bring along your friends or colleagues. Just have them RSVP on Meetup so we can get an accurate headcount for the activities.

This seminar is for improving your communication skills, so you can achieve greater success in life. We will especially focus on a life tool that you can easily learn and use to improve your: - \- Interviews \- Public speaking \- Communication with strangers \- Connection with co\-workers \- Comfort with various social situations\. \- Handling upsets \- Getting along with others better\. \- Meeting new people\. This seminar invites your feedback and input. You could learn some new skills and we would love for you to be able to practice this also. You will learn an amazing life tool that you can put into practice right away! We also offer free one-to-one appointments to be made after the seminar if you require a bit of extra coaching or tips. From the Scientology Life Improvement Centre

Open weekly Maracatu percussion classes for all levels – beginners to advanced – Newbies very welcome! The classes are run by Sam Alexander, a professional musician, teacher, and artist. He leads the community group Baque de Axé in London, which plays traditional Maracatu Carnival percussion music from Recife in Pernambuco, Brazil. Classes run every Monday from 6:45pm to 9:15pm and are held in Maxilla Social Club, 2 Maxilla Walk, London, W10 6SW, underneath the Westway, 5 mins from Latimer Road Tube Station on the Hammersmith & City/Circle Lines. £15/session (payable on the evening via contactless reader or cash). No booking required. Axé 💚❤️

**The Talbot Room at the George Inn** The George provides the room free of charge (they are awesome), and we encourage you to purchase drinks (and food – the burgers are great!). As it’s a pub and not a picnic area, please don’t consume your own food and drink there. We usually meet in the Talbot room which is on the top floor on the left hand side of the pub as viewed from the courtyard. If lost please send a message here shortly before the meeting starts. **We are sorry to say that there is no step-free access to the Talbot room, and it is at the end of three flights of stairs.** **Format** We start at 7pm and run until 9pm. We hear approximately six readings of 10 minutes (\~2000 words), then discuss the piece for 10 minutes. Email your work to: london60transmitter@emailitin.com as an attachment (It must be an attachment). A link for access to googledocs will be given at the start of each session to enable people to read along, which in turn enables more considered feedback. Work submitted will be automatically deleted after 10 days. We decide on readers/pieces at the beginning of each session. **Safe and respectful space** The group is run by volunteers, and we don’t have the capacity to read submitted work in advance. If there is anything in your work that might distress or disturb some readers, for example concerning any kind of abuse, please give a trigger warning before you read. Be specific and concise. If it becomes apparent during a reading that a piece is inappropriate, the moderator will stop the reading. In discussing others’ work, please be mindful of how you express yourself and do not use discriminatory language, even if such language features in the piece.

\#\#\#\# Step 1: TAKE THE TEST The Oxford Capacity Analysis identifies 10 vital personality traits that influence your entire future. It is a factual, scientific analysis taken from your answers, and it takes about an hour to complete. \#\#\#\# Step 2: GET YOUR RESULTS After you complete the test, your personality analysis is generated and displayed. Within minutes your analysis will highlight your strengths and weaknesses—which personality traits to take advantage of and which need help. \#\#\#\# Step 3: CONSULTATION While the analysis graph shows distinct personality traits, it is the interrelationship of these traits that provides the greater picture of your personality. We provide a complimentary consultation with one of our trained staff, who will give a detailed evaluation of your personality analysis. In this one-on-one consultation, you gain a better understanding of your personality strengths and weaknesses, and establish the recommended path to your fast and lasting success.

Description: We invite you to join us for an inspiring and insightful lecture that aims to equip parents with the knowledge, tools, and strategies necessary to navigate the challenging yet rewarding journey of raising children. In this empowering session, we will explore the essential elements of successful parenting and delve into the profound impact it can have on shaping the lives of our children. Parenting is a multifaceted endeavor that requires patience, understanding, and adaptability. This lecture will provide a comprehensive overview of the principles and practices that contribute to raising happy, healthy, and well-adjusted children. By drawing upon the latest research, psychological insights, and practical experiences, we will explore key aspects of successful parenting. During this enlightening session, we will cover the following topics: 1. Building Strong Foundations: We will discuss the importance of creating a nurturing and supportive environment for children to flourish. This includes establishing routines, setting boundaries, and cultivating a sense of security and trust. 2. Effective Communication: Understanding the significance of open and effective communication between parents and children is crucial. We will explore strategies for fostering healthy dialogue, active listening, and empathy, enabling parents to build strong relationships based on mutual respect. 3. Encouraging Emotional Intelligence: Emotions play a fundamental role in a child's development. We will discuss ways to help children recognize and manage their emotions, fostering emotional intelligence and resilience. 4. Discipline with Love: Navigating discipline can be challenging for parents. We will explore positive discipline techniques that promote cooperation, self-discipline, and a healthy sense of responsibility, ensuring a harmonious and respectful family dynamic. 5. Promoting Independence and Autonomy: Allowing children to develop their independence and autonomy is essential for their growth. We will explore strategies to foster self-esteem, encourage age-appropriate decision-making, and support the development of healthy independence. 6. Nurturing a Growth Mindset: Cultivating a growth mindset in children is vital for their personal and academic development. We will discuss ways to foster a love of learning, resilience in the face of challenges, and a sense of curiosity and exploration. 7. Balancing Self-Care: Parenting is an all-encompassing role that requires self-care to maintain physical, emotional, and mental well-being. We will explore strategies for self-care and stress management, ensuring that parents can provide the best support for their children while also prioritizing their own needs. By attending this lecture, parents will gain valuable insights, practical tips, and a deeper understanding of the principles that underpin successful parenting. Armed with this knowledge, they will feel empowered to create nurturing and loving environments that foster their children's growth, resilience, and overall well-being. Note: This lecture is designed for parents of children of all ages, from infants to adolescents. Whether you are a new parent seeking guidance or an experienced parent looking to enhance your parenting skills, this lecture will provide valuable information and support. Join us to embark on a transformative journey as we explore the joys and challenges of successful parenting together.

Connection has never been so important and we would like to invite you to come and partner dance with us every Saturday at Forró Family Forró (pronounced for-hor) is a passionate social partner dance from Brazil. Easy and fun to learn. We welcome complete beginners and experienced dancers. No need to bring a partner as we swap a lot during the class. Don't be shy, come and try something new and meet some great people :-) Timetable: 7pm to 8pm - Forró dance class (£10) 8pm to midnight - Forró social party! (£8 - £15 depending on event) SPECIAL DEAL FOR **FIRST TIME** MEET UPERS: \- Beginners Class from 7pm to 8pm \- Party from 8pm to midnight\! \- Brazilian Caipirinha cocktail\! **AND ALL FOR JUST £10!!!!** (worth £30 if bought separately) To get the deal, just purchase your **single class ticket** for £10 + booking fee, using [the link to our events](https://www.tickettailor.com/events/forrofamily?) and use the access code '**MeetUp**' (case sensitive). No need to bring a partner, just comfortable shoes and a positive attitude and you will love it! For more info, [visit our website](www.forrofamily.co.uk) or call Andy on 07799 144767 or email info@forrofamily.co.uk We also have an [instagram account](www.instagram.com/forrofamily) We are looking forward to meeting you on the dance floor!

Come and celebrate the New Year with a chat over a bevvie upstairs at Compton's. LGDM is mainly gay guys who have kids, chatting over a drink. We know the particular struggles of being gay and a father. We make it work, for us it is normal. LGDMs are relaxing, fun, positive, encouraging meets. First-timers specially looked out for and warmly welcomed. People come along as singles and couples, younger, older, out, not out, still married to a woman, divorced, trans and everything in between. 'Wannabe-Dads' and women are welcome too. Every racial group and faith/no faith background has come and been warmly included. Basically everyone from every imaginable background is welcome. The only condition is that you have an interest in gay dads being the best and happiest dads they can be. If you RSVP "Yes" one of the leaders will know to be on the lookout for you but you're fine to just turn up too, we understand and respect some people’s need for confidentiality. Plenty of blokes go for non-alcoholic drinks. No pressure, no judgements and no charge for this meetup. Guys who've already been to at least one meetup can ping Glyn ([https://www.meetup.com/london-gay-dads-meetup/members/246662999/profile/](https://www.meetup.com/london-gay-dads-meetup/members/246662999/profile/)) to be added to the "LGDM Chat" WhatsApp group which we use both for social chat between meets (only house-rule is "no smut, no politics"), and also to NewsFlash any last minute unavoidable amends to logistics.

Ready to ditch the boring tours? Join us for the **Unconventional Friend-Maker Tour**—your guaranteed pathway to **laughter 😂, making new friends from around the world 🌍**, and seeing London like a true local! We are **unlike any other tour provider**; this is an active, social, and creative daytime adventure designed for connection. Don't just take our word for it: **our clients are 100% happy!** Please message either Jingyi: +44 &487 832243 or Avi: +44 7391 692387 on **WhatsApp**. 👏On this tour, you'll get to experience: * ✴ **Outernet:** Know the latest digital art piece. * 🎡 **London Eye:** Stroll along the iconic riverside, * **Big Ben:** Uncover the history of the famous big clock and feel the **vibrant, romantic energy** surrounding London’s most famous landmark. * 🥂 **Trafalgar Sqaure:** Immerse yourself in **London’s artistic elegance**, surrounded by grand architecture, lively culture, and the charm of the city’s sophisticated heart. \#\#\# 🎲 Games Designed for Friends & Fun This tour is built around interaction to ensure you leave with new connections: * 🤝 **Icebreaker Trivia Titans:** Test your London knowledge as we hit iconic spots! Expect **hilarious, interaction-based questions** that require you to **collaborate closely** with your teammates. * 📸 **The Ultimate Global Photo Challenge:** Forget stiff selfies! You'll receive a set of highly **creative photo prompts** for each neighbourhood. Capture amazing memories *with* your new international friends. * 🗺️ **Urban Treasure Hunt Twist (The Collaboration Catalyst):** Scattered clues and secret missions lead you between districts, forcing you to **team up and collaborate** with new friends to unlock the next stage of our journey. This is a high-energy, cross-cultural puzzle where teamwork means success! 🥳 This unique experience is **10 pounds,** payable on site. We believe in making our tours accessible to everyone while ensuring our passionate guides can continue to share their love for London. For those who can't join us in person, the journey will be recorded 🎥, so you can still be part of the adventure! 😎 Lace up your walking shoes 👟, bring your appetite and **waterproof jacket** in case of rain, and get ready for a memorable adventure that celebrates the best of London's diverse and delicious neighbourhoods.

Welcome to Gaslighting Recognition & Recovery Group. **This is a peer-to-peer support group dedicated to recovery from emotional abuse.** **\*\*FOR ESTABLISHED MEMBERS \*\*** Imagine this scenario: Suppose your partner, parent or friend made a little joke at your expense, and it hurt your feelings. Perhaps you thought to yourself “I’ll let it slide because they probably didn’t mean it. Or maybe I just misunderstood. It’s just not worth the consequence of having this argument.” But as days and weeks pass, the buried emotions resurface, demanding to be dealt with. So you decide to express your feelings to this person, only to hear this response: *"Wow, you're so sensitive that I can't even joke with you anymore. I didn't mean it like that, but of course you need to make me look like a jerk. Why are you bringing this up NOW? I've moved on, but I guess you just can't let go of the past. I don't understand why you get offended so easily. You said you loved my sense of humor, but I guess my jokes just aren’t funny anymore. I mean, I could sensor myself for you, but how sad it is to be silenced and forbidden from being myself? You must not love me for who I am. You have sloppy habits and mental health issues, but I love you anyway. So why can't you just accept me for who I am? Maybe I should just go away. If you want me to go away, just tell me, and I will. Free yourself and finally be rid of me.”* This is a DARVO, and it's also gaslighting. It is word salad nonsense designed to leave you feeling confused, tongue tied and self-blaming. Although subtle and difficult to detect, gaslighting can present this way. Perpetrators are skilled in evading detection, and nearly impossible to identify without external support. Gaslighting isn’t “just a pop psychology term.” It’s a very real form of emotional manipulation that often flies under the radar because we’ve been conditioned to see it as normal. This is especially true if we grew up amidst toxic family dynamics. We’ve learned to doubt ourselves before questioning someone else’s behavior. We say, *“Maybe I’m just too sensitive.”* Or *“Maybe I’m overreacting.”* And that’s exactly how gaslighting works — it teaches us to question our intuition, doubt our own emotions, silence and shrink ourselves, making us more digestible for the other person. But no — you are not “too sensitive.” You are not “being defensive" or "unable to handle constructive criticism.” You are having a normal human response to emotional abuse. Gaslighting thrives in the disguise of normalcy, often framed as “care and concern” or “just trying to help”. And the first step in dismantling it is naming it for what it is: emotionally abusive. It’s not your fault, not imagined, and definitely not normal. This group is a safe space dedicated to supporting one another as we confront the faulty, gaslit self-concepts imposed upon us by others. Together, we can practice self-compassion, reclaim our voices and empower ourselves. This group offers support for every stage of recovery. This group runs 6PM EST- 7:30PM EST (5PM-6:30PM CST, 3PM-4:30PM PST AND 11PM-12:30AM BST) **every other Saturday** I did schedule this group with the assumption that those attending are well-versed in gaslighting but would still like to provide a brief definition for anyone who may be uncertain; *Gaslighting is an intentional, subtle, psychological manipulation tactic where the perpetrator plants seeds of doubt in the victim's mind. This leads the victim to question their perceptions, memories, feelings, abilities, and even their mental health. The perpetrator is often a person with high narcissistic **and*** *sociopathic traits. It’s designed to evade detection and is therefore one of the most insidious tools in the pathological narcissist's arsenal.* \*Important Notes\* ***If this is your first time here, please sign up for a First Timers event.*** ***This event is for established members only. You must have attended a First Timers event prior to signing up for this one. If you have not attended a First Timers event, you will be removed from the meeting.*** These meetings are to ensure the safety of our members and our hosts as we share sensitive details about our experiences. We also do this to ensure all new members will get a chance to share and introduce themselves right away, this is a way for us to properly meet each of you. Instructions are posted in the **First Timers** events and we appreciate your cooperation in advance! Please Review The Following Before Joining: I am a peer supporter, not a mental health professional, physician or attorney. Information shared in these groups is not to be construed as professional advice. * **Cameras must be ON.** If you need to briefly turn your camera off, please inform the host. If your camera remains off after being asked to turn it on, you will be removed from the meeting. * **Mute your microphones** unless it is your turn to speak. * **Raise your hand to share.** Shares will be heard in the order hands are raised. * **Offer advice ONLY when it’s explicitly asked for.** Supportive words of validation, understanding, and affirmation are encouraged. Unsolicited advice and tangential rants of personal opinions are not. * **If your think your share might trigger others, please advise the group with a trigger warning and wait a moment.** This moment of pause allows members the chance to mute their speakers. * **Manage triggers by muting your speakers** or taking a break from the meeting as needed. If you need to leave, the host will re-admit you as many times as necessary, no questions asked. * **Solicitation is prohibited.** Please refrain from pedaling products or services. * **Please refrain from contacting or DMing other members without prior approval from an organizer.** If you’ve connected with someone and would like to exchange contact information, reach out to an organizer, and we’ll facilitate the exchange. \*\*Although we care deeply about the safety and wellbeing of our members, we are not equipped to intervene in crisis situations. ***IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU CARE ABOUT FEELS SUICIDAL OR UNSAFE, PLEASE DIAL 911 (US & CANADA) OR 999 IN THE UK. OR SEEK CARE AT YOUR NEAREST EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT.\*\**** Crisis Hotline: 988 (US)

✨ **Looking for something deeper than swipes and small talk?** Join a room full of open-minded, and genuinely relationship-oriented singles — all ready to connect through laughter, conversation, and meaningful chemistry. ### 💘 What Makes This Night Different Forget the awkward speed dating tables or random bar meetups. This event is built for **connection through play** — a carefully designed night where every activity helps you meet, talk, and spark attraction in a relaxed, natural way. We’ve blended **fun social games** and **flirty trivia challenges** to help you discover real compatibility — not just surface-level attraction. You’ll laugh, team up, share stories, and maybe find that spark that makes your heart race. ❤️ ### 🌍 A Multicultural Experience London is a global city — so is our guest list. We welcome singles from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds, all in their **20s and 30s**, who share one goal: 💬 *building a genuine, lasting connection.* Expect an inclusive and respectful environment, full of inspiring people who value curiosity, kindness, and emotional intelligence. ### 🎲 What to Expect * 🧩 **Interactive games & connection challenges** designed to bring out chemistry * 🧠 **Playful trivia rounds** that reveal personality and spark laughter * 💬 Structured mingling — you’ll get to talk to everyone * 🍸 **Welcome icecreamm included** with your ticket * 🎁 Mini surprises throughout the evening * For recurring attendees, please note that we frequently refresh our game portfolio, so that you will always play something new each time. ### 💎 Why You’ll Love It This isn’t about flirting for attention — it’s about meeting people who are genuinely aligned with what you’re looking for. Our team carefully crafts the environment so you can be yourself — confident, relaxed, and open to real connection. Whether you leave with a new relationship or new friends, you’ll walk away smiling, knowing you’ve spent the night connecting meaningfully. \*1. Please note that we will be taking **photos and videos** throughout the event for promotional purpose. \*2. The ticket is **10 pounds** and it should be paid in the restaurant. \*3. Please add my **WhatsApp: +44 7487 832243** in case you cannot find me. I will put a toy on the table for you to spot me. \*4. People who come in two will have a **20% discount**. \*5. Please order something at the venue to support the venue. \*6. Free tickets will be given out to ladies until gender balance is achieved.

Friendly book group Please remember to change your RSVP if you can't make it so someone on the waitlist can take your slot. New books chosen by popular vote and read 2 months later. We look forward to seeing you there!

At Unity of Columbus, our Youth and Family Ministry nurtures the spiritual growth of children and families through love, joy, and practical spiritual teachings. Each Sunday, children explore timeless spiritual principles through stories, creative activities, music, and group sharing in a safe and welcoming environment. Our program encourages children to discover their own inner light, express kindness, and develop a personal connection with God. Together, we celebrate diversity, cultivate understanding, and inspire each child to live with purpose and compassion. Parents and families are invited to join in this uplifting journey of learning, laughter, and spiritual connection.

This is an all inclusive event to inform, support and help bring special needs families and the community together. Come and enjoy family and sensory friendly: games, activities, snacks, free stuff and more! Meets the 2nd Saturday of each month. Located at Village Chapel - 30 Circleville Avenue, Ashville, OH 43103.