The ethos of embark2 is to provide support for each other in the rebuilding of our lives. To achieve
this, all members are expected to respect each other and show the care and compassion for others
that they themselves would want to receive.
Embark2 has developed a rigorous set of policies and procedures to protect its members, but we
rely on our members to support our ethos, to provide support to others with sympathy and
understanding and to behave responsibly, recognising the vulnerability of all who have suffered loss.
It is not a commercial organisation, but a special and unique group which is here to help widows and
widowers. The safe environment it promotes is dependent on each of us respecting others as we
take part in the events and holidays that embark2 offers, as we embark on a new stage of our lives.
Our holidays and events are organised to create a warm and welcoming environment.
It is the responsibility of all members that are attending to behave with kindness and consideration to other
members.
You are part of a membership that is representative of the complete spectrum of grief. No matter
what stage we are at as individuals, perhaps, even having reached a point where we are considering
or have entered another relationship, we all need to show understanding, empathy, care, and
compassion towards each other and moderate our tone and manner accordingly.
Apart from our holidays, embark2 offers support, friendship, and opportunities such as day events
for widows and widowers. It is exclusively for those who have lost their partner whether recently or
many years ago. Accordingly, where members do remarry their membership of embark2 will cease.
Our Code of behaviour applies to all forms of interaction between members and includes, but is not
limited to, all our holidays and events, our embark2 digital platforms, telecommunications, and any
other on-line interactions such as Zoom Meetings.
In rare circumstances, if a breach of conduct is considered to be so serious as to have a significant
or adverse effect on embark2 or our members, the Executive Team reserves the right to terminate
membership immediately in the interests of our organisation and wider membership.
1.Our general rules for behaviour:
1.1. Show care and compassion.
Members should be sensitive to the needs and feelings of others both online, including when using
any embark2 digital platform, and when attending holidays or other social events.
The ethos of embark2 is one of support for each other and treating each other with sensitivity and
compassion, remembering that each of us are at different stages of our grief journey. The saddest of
life’s situations that we have all had to face up to is so bleakly similar yet, at the same time, so
starkly different for each and every one of us. There are no timelines or rules to the grieving process.
We all experience things at our own unique pace.
Therefore, when interacting with other members, whether in person or online, given we are all
widows and widowers, you should give special consideration to the impact that your words or
behaviour may have on others.
Please do not encourage or engage in conversations on topics which could be distressing for others,
either in person or on-line.
1.2. Abusive, threatening, or unacceptable behaviour.
We will not tolerate any form of abusive, threatening, or unacceptable behaviour from any member.
If a member should feel threatened by another member’s abusive, threatening, or unacceptable
behaviour or posts, they should contact the embark2 Executive Team via enquiries@embark2.co.uk
or inform the event leader. Any posts will be deleted from the relevant digital platform/s.
1.3. We will not tolerate harassment, discrimination, hate speech or bullying in any form.
Any incidents of harassment, discrimination, hate speech or bullying whether in-person or on-line
should be notified to the embark2 Executive Team via enquiries@embark2.co.uk. Any posts will be
deleted from the relevant digital platform/s.
1.4. Respect the privacy of others.
Members should respect the privacy and wishes of others and must not pass on details to third
parties without seeking the express permission of the member/s concerned.
1.5. Respect privacy when posting photos (for more information see our Social Media Policy)
Members should only post photos which include other members on the embark2 digital platforms
after gaining their permission, because some members do not wish their photos to be posted and
their wishes must be respected.
No member should post any photo taken at an embark2 event which includes other embark2
members on any digital platform other than embark2 platforms without the consent of the member.
If a member discovers that their photo has been posted on any online forum against their wishes,
they should inform the relevant admin team via enquiries@embark2.co.uk and appropriate action
will be taken.
1.6. embark2 is exclusively for widow/ers or those who have lost a long-term partner.
The safety and security of our members is of paramount importance. Holidays and events are
exclusive to members of embark2. Therefore, non-members are not allowed to attend embark2
events, unless this is specifically permitted within the event information. In these circumstances,
members are responsible for the behaviour of their guest.
Where a member has permitted a non-member to access the on-line embark2 forum, their
membership will immediately be revoked because the safety and security of our members over-rides
all other considerations. For this reason, members should ensure that their computer or devices
used to access embark2 are kept secure.
1.7. Behaviour which may harm the reputation of embark2 will not be tolerated
Members must not engage in any behaviour which has the potential to cause damage to the
reputation of embark2, its online forum or any computer systems hosting the forum.
This includes, but is not limited to, all interactions with people we have contracted to help us deliver our holidays, including hotel staff, restaurant staff where we have booked a group meal, and anyone leading or facilitating an event we have organised. If you have a complaint concerning any of these service providers, you are required to notify the group leader rather than the service provider themselves.
1.8 If you have entered into a relationship, show compassion and consideration to other members
The ethos of embark2 is to provide support for our members in rebuilding their lives. Some
members may reach the stage where they are considering entering into, or have entered into, a
relationship. Some of these members may book a holiday or event. However, it is not possible to
book a holiday as a couple.
We actively discourage couples from booking on our holidays. However, if two members have
booked separately and have subsequently formed a relationship, we are contractually bound to
honour their bookings.
We expect anyone that is in a couple to show respect and consideration in their behaviour to
all members of the holiday or event that they are on. We are aware that it can be very painful for
our members who are alone to be in the company of others who are couples. So, it is essential that
the couple take extra care in their behaviour towards other members. Our code requires that they
do not say or do anything that would indicate to others that they are in a relationship such as:
- talking about activities they have shared or plan to share together;
- spending the majority of their time together rather than interacting with other group
members.
Similar discretion is required if you are in a relationship with someone who is not on the holiday.
If we become aware that a member has breached these rules, we may intervene as appropriate
(See Section 2 below) and their membership of embark2 may be revoked.
2. Response to breaches of the rules:
If any interaction with other another member makes you feel troubled, uncomfortable or unsure or
if you consider that any post or the behaviour of another member may breach our Code of
Behaviour, please contact the Executive Team at enquiries@embark2.co.uk or via our Helpline: 07498623819
The Executive Team will consider any concerns raised and will decide whether our Complaints Policy
should be instigated.
embark2 reserves the right to remove objectionable messages and information posted to our digital
platforms and will make every effort to do so in a timely fashion.
embark2 reserves the right to suspend a member in order to carry out an investigation, in
accordance with our Complaints Policy.
3 Disclaimer
The exchange of views and ideas between members of this forum is encouraged. Forums are real-time bulletins and the embark2 forum owner and the Executive Team do not warrant the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information posted using the forum facilities nor do they accept any responsibility for the contents of any message. Any message posted expresses the views of the author of that message only. The views expressed by members are not necessarily the views of
embark2.
4. Exclusion of liability
embark2 hereby excludes all and any losses, liabilities, claims, damages, expenses or costs (whether
as a consequence of its negligence or otherwise) arising in connection with:
- your use or inability to use the embark2 forum.
- any unauthorised access to or alterations of information provided by you.
- your use of any third-party websites (including without limitation those that may
be connected by hyperlink to this site) - any arrangements entered into with any third party in connection with any
information provided by or in connection with this site. - the inaccuracy, incompleteness or tardiness of any information supplied through
this site.
This policy should be read in conjunction with all our policies, but in particular our Complaints and
Social Media Policies.
Date approved: 27 May 2024 Updated 11 December 2024
Review date: May 2026