Once you click through to the chat page you May be asked to allow microphone and camera access to your computer.  If you do get asked, you will need to click “Allow”.

Once you can see yourself on the screen it means you’re on the chat.

If you move your mouse towards the bottom of the screen you will see some icons appear.  

In the centre:

1. Microphone – This turns your microphone on and off so people can or can’t hear you.  Remember that people can still see you though.
2. Leave – When you have finished chatting, or if you need to pop out of the room be sure to leave the chat.
3. Camera – This turns your camera on and off so people can or can’t see you.  Remember that people can still hear you though. If you are struggling to get a good internet connection turning off the camera often helps.

On the right hand side:

1.Tile view. If there are a few people on the chat we recommend that you change it to a tile view so that all the people on the chat are in individual boxes across the screen, including yourself.  If you are only with one other person, you can click on it again so that their picture takes up most of the screen, with you only being a small icon in the corner.

3.Menu Bar.  Here you can enter your name, so that others know who they are talking to and you can manage your video quality.  If you have a poor connection this is particularly useful as you can turn down the quality which often helps improve your access.

On the left hand side:

1. Share your screen with all on the chat.  This enables you to show videos and documents to others.  
2. Raise your hand. If there is a lot of chat and you wish to say something you can select this button and it raises a virtual hand to let others know that you are wishing to speak.
3. Text chatting, and note taking, within the chat session.  Please note that everyone on the chat can see anything you type in this area.  

Don’t forget, if you have any problems at any time don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. 

We don’t want to sound all “big brother” but we do want to keep everyone safe.  This is a community space, so everyone should feel safe and welcome. The rules are therefore simple:

Be Kind.  Bullying of any sort will never be tolerated.

Don’t be rude.  That means don’t be rude to other people, about other people, and no rude words.

We will be checking that the rules are being kept, but also ask that you help us.  If someone is breaking the rules please leave the chat and let us know if you don’t feel able to challenge their behaviour.  Equally, if you’re concerned that someone might be upset by something that has been said then please also do the same.

This is a place for the very best of our wonderful community to shine through.  It is a place for laughter and kindness. Please remember this.

In order for us to keep this site as safe as possible we ask that you keep this within the Bernera, Tir Mor and Uig communities.

If you have been given an access code for a chat we ask that you don’t share it with others without our permission.  This is so that we can continue to monitor those using the site, ensuring that our rules are stuck to, and that everyone feels safe.

If you know someone who would like access to some of the restricted pages just tell them to get in touch with us and we’ll tell them how, once we confirm who they are.  We want to make this as simple as possible for you, but also will try our best to ensure that the chats are used appropriately. 

Please also remember that the chats are on an open live stream.  We try our best to keep them as safe and secure as possible, but you should not discuss personal details over them at any time.