What is the January group?
A small, free online group to connect with others, reflect on what matters and explore manageable steps. Rolling drop-in sessions are paused while we bring together a suitable, reachable starting group for January 2027.
Is it therapy or coaching?
No. It is a facilitated community group, not therapy, counselling, clinical treatment, coaching, a productivity programme, crisis support, casework or an advice service.
Who can join?
Adults aged 18+ in London or with a London connection who can take part safely and respectfully in an online group. Actual sessions are ideally 4-8 people, capped at 10.
Why are you aiming for 10-15 registrations?
That is the target for a suitable, reachable recruitment pool, not the number of session places. We review registrations and later ask people to reconfirm exact dates before allocating places. We will never offer 15 places in a session. If demand exceeds capacity, we can offer a reserve option without promising a later place.
How much does it cost, and where is it?
The pilot is free. Sessions are one hour online on Google Meet, with no physical venue.
When does it start, and how often will it meet?
January 2027 is the target start window. Dates and frequency will be confirmed before places are allocated. There is no confirmed day, time or number of meetings yet. We will ask whether the exact arrangements work for you before confirming a place.
What if the group is not ready in January?
If we cannot form a suitable, reachable group, we will tell interested people, explain the next review point and offer an easy way to withdraw. We will not silently move the start date or assume you want to wait indefinitely.
How do I express interest while the form is updated?
Use the January interest page and email us. The form’s older weekly-session wording is being updated, so we are not linking to it yet. An email enquiry is not a completed first-time registration or a place offer. We will explain the one-time registration step when the updated form is ready. No website account or phone number is needed.
I have already registered. Do I need to do it again?
No. Email contact@connection-london.org to express January interest. We use your existing record and check only changed details or participation needs. Previous acceptance does not automatically reserve a January place.
Do I need a Meetup RSVP or waitlist offer first?
No. January cohort interest is open independently of session RSVPs and waitlist offers. Meetup membership or an RSVP does not replace registration, review or exact-date reconfirmation, and does not confirm a place.
Do I need a goal or have to do homework?
No. You can arrive unsure of your next step. Any preparation is optional, private and does not need to be submitted. There is no required homework or progress reporting.
What does gentle accountability mean?
Participant-owned encouragement: you choose what matters and whether to revisit a step. You can change it, pause it or pass. There is no shame, ranking, pressure to disclose or requirement to contact peers privately.
Do I have to speak?
No. You can pass. The group invites participation but does not force disclosure.
How will you keep in touch? Can I stop updates?
Email is the current route. We plan bounded updates roughly every three weeks during recruitment and before the start, with exact-date reconfirmation before place allocation. Reply to an update or email us to stop January contact or withdraw. These are group administration messages, not ongoing personal support or a general newsletter.
Can I use WhatsApp for reminders?
Optional private WhatsApp reminders are a future possibility and are not operating yet. Email us if interested without sending a phone number now. Email-only participation will remain possible, and we will not add you to a WhatsApp group.
Will sessions be recorded?
No. Participants and facilitators must not record, screenshot, livestream, photograph or transcribe sessions, or use AI note-taking.
Do I need to use a webcam?
Yes, webcam use is required unless you give a valid reason, reviewed by facilitators. Seeing each other helps connection, safety and group trust. Email us about access needs or use the optional access needs box once the updated form is ready; no diagnosis or medical history is needed.
Can I get advice about housing, immigration, benefits, legal issues or work?
The group can offer reflection and signpost where appropriate, but it does not provide regulated advice, casework or guaranteed outcomes.
What languages are available?
Sessions are mainly in English. Polish and Romanian support may be available for registration, clarification, and access needs where possible. The first pilot does not promise full live translation. You can ask about language support privately by email.
Who is it not suitable for?
It is not suitable as the main support if you are in immediate crisis, need urgent safeguarding or clinical help, need therapy or counselling, or mainly need housing, immigration, legal, financial, benefits, employment advice or ongoing casework. Please use the urgent-help page if you need urgent support.