Guidance for attending our events

Thank you for your interest in joining a Mast Cell Action event. To ensure a welcoming and supportive environment for all attendees, please follow the guidance below:

General Guidelines

• These events are only open to those living in the United Kingdom. Please do not join if you do not reside in the UK. Please refer to advice for non-UK residents who want to join one of our events for more information.
• If you are more than 5 minutes late for a Webinar, Massage, Mindfulness or Exercise class you will not be admitted.
• If you would like to speak, please use the 'raise hand' function so that our hosts know you are waiting.
• You are welcome to use the chat box if you would prefer to comment or ask questions in this way.

Respectful Discussion 

• Abuse of any kind will not be tolerated. Group members are expected to listen to each other without interrupting, take turns speaking and speak without judgement of others. Choosing not to speak is also respected. Please do not monopolise the conversation, allowing space for others to contribute. Everyone's experiences and perspectives are valued, and discussions should remain respectful and inclusive.
• Please refrain from sharing negative information about named healthcare professionals or specific NHS teams/Trusts, as this may impact the important relationships Mast Cell Action is building to improve support for people with MCAS. Please also be mindful that healthcare professionals and journalists may be present at the event. As we can only rely on the information provided to us when individuals register, we must trust attendees' intentions.

• Any experiences or personal information shared in our sessions should be treated as confidential by all attendees. Anything shared in the sessions should not be repeated or discussed outside of this space without prior, specific agreement.

• The only exception to confidentiality is for safeguarding concerns, where Mast Cell Action's internal safeguarding policies and procedures must be followed. You can read more about these here. 

Behaviour Expectations

• Please avoid using offensive language.

• If attendance is high, speaking time may be limited to ensure everyone has an opportunity to participate.

• Attendees who do not respect these guidelines will receive a warning. Continued breaches may result in removal from the session. Repeated violations may lead to a ban from future Mast Cell Action events at the discretion of the management team.

Specific event information

Virtual Self-Massage

You will need to have a safe cream or massage oil with you to use on yourself during the session. A cushion or pillow may also be helpful.

Community Support Session

Sharing personal experiences is welcomed but specific advice should not be given - even if you are medically trained.

Seated Pilates

Please ensure you have a sturdy dining chair with a flat bottom, ideally with no arms. We may use some household items like cushions and stretchy tights. Leanne will adapt to your needs, so if you need to join us from your bed, your wheelchair or need to stand, you will be supported and encouraged to listen to your body and find a movement that works for you.

Bed Pilates

Using your bed, or a mat on the floor, we will work through gentle strengthening and mobilising moves. Some will be lying on your back, side or front and some will be sitting. We will adapt moves if anything feels uncomfortable for you. Please bring a ball (or cuddly toy or cushion) and resistance band (or stretchy tights or scarf) plus plenty of cushions to keep you comfortable. If lying on the floor please use a soft mat or rug.

Your feedback matters

We may send out a survey following the session, please take a few moments to share your thoughts with us. Your feedback is vital in helping us to shape future events and ensuring they meet the needs of our community. Your input truly makes a difference.

As a charity, Mast Cell Action is dedicated to providing free events like these to bring support, connection, and understanding to those living with MCAS. However, we rely on the generosity of people like you to make it possible. If you’re able, please consider making a donation to help us continue offering these vital spaces. Every contribution makes a difference. You can donate at https://www.mastcellaction.org/make-a-donation-before-attending-one-of-our-events.  Together, we can build a stronger community. 

To view all the events you've signed up for, please log into the Mast Cell Action Events Portal using the same email address that you used to register your attendance.

We look forward to seeing you at an event soon!

Best Wishes,

The Mast Cell Action Team