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TLCC LONDON: Affinity Group Meetup

Heath Wilder
$organization

Hi lovely ones,

TLCC London it fast approaching and the exceptional human Gill Tasker (EU based Tessitura Network Community Manager) has asked Shelly and I to let you know about opportunities for Neurodiversity & Mental Wellness Group to meet up. Meetups at Denver this year were a really great chance to have a low key catch up and chat with friends old and new, or just to get some spoons (energy) back before more conferance. 

There are three opportunities for affinity groups to meet up.

When:

Breakfast (a light breakfast will be available)

  • Tuesday 11th October (9:00-9.45am),
  • Wednesday 12th October (8:00-8.45am);

after Lunch

  • Wednesday 12th October (13:00-13:45pm) 

Other Affinity Groups

People are beautifully diverse and intersectionality exists, so you may be a part of a few groups. These are the current affinity groups: 

  • Neurodiversity & Mental Wellness (open to allies) – Dowgate Room
  • People of Colour (not open to allies) 
  • LGBTQIA+ (open to allies) 
  • People with Disabilities (not open to allies) 
  • Women in Tech (not open to allies) 

With the exception of People with Disabilities which will be in the Lower River Room for ease of access, all rooms designated for the other four affinity groups are located on the Newgate corridor, right next to each other. This will make travel between the rooms very easy, should members want to participate in multiple groups. During the breakfast sessions, a light breakfast will be available.

Where?

For those of you (like me) that like to see where you are going the conference will be held at the Mermaid London.  There are virtual walk in tours and a dolls house view if you want to become aquainted with where you'll be going.  The Dowgate room is 2 floors up from the foyer entrance and all the way to the end of the Newgate corridor.

Hopefully you have all the support and resources you need for mental wellness. Additionally Mind is a good resource to keep handy https://www.mind.org.uk/

Have a wonderful conference.
Shelly and Heath

  • $organization

    For those attending TLCC London here are our selfcare tips
    (Remember the affinity space has a breakfast buffet)

    Prepare

    1. Pack for success: headphones, maps, timetable, water, and backup note taking device (so you don’t get caught out of battery).
    2. Don't try to do it all: make a list of goals of what you most want to get out of the conference. Build your schedule based on those goals, and make sure to leave yourself some down time. It's ok not to attend every session and activity.
    3. Links for success
      1. the Conference venue (the Mermaid) to be prepared,
      2. the TessNet Conference portal for more info
      3. the TLCC app of course

    Mental Health

    1. Eat and drink intentionally to sustain yourself (note to self: there are other food groups than sugar and caffeine).
    2. Mindfulness: check in that you are not overwhelming yourself and take a timeout when you need to. Apps like FormScore and Daylio can help track mood.
    3. Quick destress techniques (sensory/interpersonal/deadlines):
      a) These breathing exercise gifs will help you relax
      b) Meditation app of choice. Some great free apps are Smiling Mind, UCLA Mindful, and Insight Timer
      c) Spend some downtime where you can - check in with the Tessitura staff for your best Quiet Space options
    4. REMEMBER TO SLEEP and have a wind down technique. Swim, do light yoga, read, meditate, etc. Arts Wellbeing Collective has a collection of meditations.
    5. Exercise to relieve stress and wind down after a full day or before a presentation or Community Conversation session.  At the hotel’s fitness centre (if you are from out of town), walking paths, etc - just to get reset before or after a day of sessions.

    Friend Zone

    1. Need a timeout, but worried that you will miss an important session? Add a comment to that session's page in the TLCC app asking other attendees to share their notes.
    2. Buddy up: Do you need a networking buddy? Have you planned a check-in for stress times? In the TLCC app is a good way to connect with folks going to similar sessions.
    3. Attend one of the Neurodiversity & Mental Wellness affinity group meetups to meet others and find support (affinity group meetups are offered Tuesday: 9am; Wednesday: 8am & 1pm in Dowgate Room).
    4. Give yourself some grace: whatever happens is the only thing that could have happened.

    Have a great (and safe) conference!!

    Shelly & Heath,