If you need emergency support right now, you can find ways to access it on our website.

We can’t give 1:1 or emergency support for people in a crisis. If this is what you need right now, you can find ways to access it on our website.

I need urgent help

Moderation is a key part of Side by Side. This page explains what moderators do and the processes they follow.

What is a moderator?

Side by Side is a moderated community. This means trained staff members (called moderators) help keep the community safe and supportive. They review each post and make sure it’s in line with the guidelines: https://sidebyside.mind.org.uk/full-community-guidelines/

They use the guidelines to make decisions about what content can stay on the site and what content needs to be edited or hidden.

If a moderator edits or hides your post, they will contact you to explain why.

Receiving feedback is a normal part of using a moderated service. It is common to receive feedback from moderators.

What do moderators review?

Moderators review:

  • All posts

They also check:

  • Flagged posts, comments and DMs
  • Comments
  • Direct messages

If content does not follow the Community Guidelines, moderators may need to take action.

What does "hide" mean?

A moderator may hide content when it:

  • Breaks the Community Guidelines
  • Could cause harm or distress
  • Is not suitable for a peer support community

When content is hidden, other members cannot see it.

What does "edit" mean?

A moderator may edit content when:

  • Part of the post follows the guidelines
  • Part of the post does not follow the guidelines

Moderators will try to keep the main meaning of your post while changing the parts that do not meet the guidelines.

What does moderator feedback mean?

If a moderator edits or hides your content, they will send you feedback.

The feedback will usually include:

  • What action was taken
  • Why the action was taken
  • A copy of the content that was edited or hidden
What is the difference between feedback and a warning?

Feedback

Feedback helps you understand the Community Guidelines.

Receiving feedback does not mean your account is at risk of being suspended or withdrawn.

Warning

A warning is more serious.

You may receive a warning if you repeatedly break the Community Guidelines.

A warning means that your access to Side by Side could be reviewed if the behaviour continues.

What could lead to withdrawal of access?

Most members receive feedback from time to time.

However, moderators may consider withdrawing access if:

  • The Community Guidelines are repeatedly broken
  • Previous feedback or warnings have not been followed
  • A member's behaviour continues to cause problems for the community

You can read more here:

https://sidebyside.mind.org.uk/suspensions/

What if I disagree with a moderator's decision?

If you think a decision should be reviewed, email:

sidebysideonline@mind.org.uk

The team can look at the decision again and explain it to you.

Communicating with moderators

Moderators are here to help keep Side by Side safe and supportive.

Please communicate with moderators respectfully.

It is not acceptable to:

  • Insult moderators
  • Use abusive language towards moderators
  • Harass moderators

This may lead to action being taken on your account.

Need more help understanding the guidelines?

If you're struggling to understand the guidelines, please visit the Easy Read Guidelines: https://sidebyside.mind.org.uk/easy-read-guidelines/

More questions?

Email sidebysideonline@mind.org.uk