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Joining the WEDHS email group is an ideal opportunity for you to take part in the on-going discussions surrounding BME health and social care issues; a virtual room in the WEDHS Gateway where you can keep up-to-date with what is happening, and air your opinions - all from the comfort of your home or work place.

Most members use the group as a means of letting others know about studies and events taking place; generating interest in their work and seeking feedback and comments on their ideas for improving practice or on specific questions and issues.

Replies are made off-list i.e. you will need to write back directly to the person making the request, but WEDHS does gather together and summarise responses; sending them on to those members who have declared an interest in this area.

Although the main aim of the WEDHS e-group is the exchange of information, we do expect the e-group to evolve according to the needs of its members. Virtual communities are a fast growing means of communicating from a distance; of saying "something's got to change around here, and we're going to do something about it".

So. take the plunge and help shape the future: become part of the WEDHS e-group.

What sort of people join?

Anyone who has a desire to drive our visions forward: to be involved in a network of individuals and groups dedicated to improving the health and social care of black and minority ethnic people, particularly, but not exclusively, those living in Wales.

As it stands, there are presently over 140 members comprised of:

• Former members of BME-Wales-health-social-care e-group - the forerunner of WEDHS e-group.
• Key national BME voluntary organisations, equalities organisations and many community associations and groups in Wales
• Staff based in various departments and divisions of the Welsh Assembly Government, as well as in NHS Trusts, LHBs, local authorities and Welsh Universities
• The WEDHS steering group
• WEDHS contacts
• A small number of people based in English and Scottish universities or in health and social services and some from Australian and North American universities.

What if I get too many emails?

You will find it easy to decide which emails you wish to open as we always ask members to put a clear subject heading so it enables people to quickly decide whether to open or delete a message.

You can unsubscribe form the list at any time.

Is there an acceptable use policy?

JISCmail is a service which runs mailing lists primarily for UK Higher and Further Education and Research Communities. Their policy regarding acceptable use includes the following:

• Each JISCmail list must have at least one list owner
• JISCmail does not allow spam, junk mail, chain letters or other unsolicited bulk email, commercial or otherwise, on any list
• The posting of unsolicited commercial or advertising material is not allowed
• Messages sent to JISCmail lists should be courteous, appropriate and not disrupt the flow of discussion on a list
• Copyright of messages sent to a JISCmail list are retained by the poster
• Messages sent to a JISCmail list will normally be archived
• Due to the nature of the internet, the security of messages to JISCmail cannot be guaranteed
• Membership of a JISCmail list must be voluntary and neither the list owner nor any other person may subscribe or add a person to a list without that person's consent
• We reserve the right to remove offensive message from our archives immediately.

Can I send messages?

Yes, please send messages! As a member you can send messages directly to the group.

Can I send attachments?

Yes, you can presently send attachments. WEDHS does, however, monitor the size of attachments. Please make every effort to keep the size down so as not to clog up members' systems. If at all possible, please send information in the body of the email, with access points (i.e. website links) to further information.

Can you send me a list of the members?

No (please see Jiscmail Policy).

CCLRC provides the JISCmail service under contract to JISC and is registered for compliance under the Data Protection Act 1998.

When you subscribe to a JISCmail list you supply us with your name and email address. When you send messages to the group, your email will be displayed in the sender box and will be seen by all other members.

When you leave JISCmail, your name and email address will be removed from our database. However, any message you have posted to a list will remain in the archives.

Personal information, which may be stored manually and/or electronically, will only be used in connection with the JISCmail service. JISCmail will never sell email addresses, or any other personal information, to another organisation.

What is WEDHS policy regarding my personal details?

WEDHS will never give your personal details to other members or to any other organisation. WEDHS will, however, provide information on the size and make up of the group.

Will I have to deal with a large volume of mail?

In the past the number of emails sent out per week averages between three to four emails. There is an option to receive digests which will reduce the number of emails. It is also possible to temporarily stop receiving email. To change your personal settings, click here.

What's the role of the list owner?

The list owner's role is to get information out to members in a timely fashion and to work to ensure that we all stay as informed as possible.

According to Jiscmail, each JISCmail list is managed by one or more individuals who are known as "list owners". List owners may decide on the focus or subject of their lists and they may direct discussion. They may also make decisions on membership, list configuration and on appropriate postings for their list. List owners are expected to manage their lists fairly and for the benefit of the majority of list members, consulting with the list members or with the JISCmail Helpline if necessary. We appreciate the time and effort which list owners devote to managing their lists, and will provide all possible support, help and backup.

Can I become a list member or help in any way?

Yes! It would be great to get people to contribute regularly, covering key interest areas. The work is not labour intensive and is mostly linked to getting information out to members. Please contact the E-group Manager, Dr Roiyah Saltus if you are interested.

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