Code of Conduct
Stories Without Shame exists to help people tell the stories shame told them to keep silent. That only works if every person in the room feels safe enough to speak, or safe enough to simply listen. This code of conduct sets out what we ask of everyone attending, and what you can expect from us in return.
Our commitment to you
We will run a space where personal stories can be shared without judgement, ridicule or unwanted advice. Facilitators will be visible and reachable throughout the event. If something happens that breaks this code, we will act on it, not just note it down.
What we ask of everyone
• Confidentiality. What is shared in the room stays in the room. You are welcome to talk about your own experience of the event afterwards, including on social media, but do not name or identify another attendee or repeat their story without their explicit permission.
• Consent to share, not an obligation to. Nobody is required to speak, answer a prompt, or take part in an exercise. “Pass” is always a complete sentence. Silence is a valid form of participation.
• Listen without fixing. When someone shares, the job of the room is to witness, not to diagnose, correct, problem solve or compare it to your own story. Save advice and “this happened to me too” for after the session, and only if the person invites it.
• No recording without consent. Photography and video during the workshop portion is not permitted unless we announce a specific photo moment. If official photos or video are taken for Stories Without Shame content, we will tell you when and give you the chance to opt out.
• Respect the room. Discriminatory, threatening or harassing language or behaviour, on the basis of race, gender, sexuality, disability, religion, body size or any other characteristic, will not be tolerated. Neither will disruptive behaviour once someone else is speaking.
• Look after yourself. These stories can be heavy. Step out if you need to or speak to a facilitator quietly at any point. You do not need to explain why.
Safeguarding
If, during the event, a disclosure raises a genuine concern about ongoing harm to a child or vulnerable adult, our facilitators are required to act on it rather than treat it as a private story. This may mean a facilitator follows up with you privately after the session, and in some circumstances passing information to the appropriate authorities, in line with UK safeguarding practice. This does not apply to disclosures about your own past experiences shared for their own sake. You can find out more via our privacy policy: https://www.storieswithoutshame.com/privacy-policy.
If something goes wrong
If you feel uncomfortable, unsafe, or witness a breach of this code, tell a member of the Stories Without Shame team immediately, in person or by email: hello@storieswithoutshame.com. We will listen without judgement and take proportionate action, which may include asking someone to leave the event.
A note on professional boundaries
Stories Without Shame events are peer spaces for storytelling and connection. They are not a substitute for therapy, medical advice or crisis support. If something raised in the room brings up distress that needs more support than the room can offer, a facilitator can point you towards appropriate help.
By attending a Stories Without Shame event, you agree to this code of conduct.