As some of you may already know, the CareOnLine Chatroom has been transformed... it is now The Grapevine. (Everything works in the same way but we have changed the look, logo and name.)

Since we launched the chatroom in September 2007, we have realised that some of the conversations were not being used or were missing altogether. As such, we have made some changes to the conversations, here is the current list:

• Welcome to the Chatroom - Here you can introduce yourself to other users, find help and support in using The Grapevine or make suggestions. A great place to start if you are new to The Grapevine!
• General Chat - General Chat is a place for general chat and discussion of any issues, fun and games or ideas which are not covered elsewhere.
• Arts, entertainment and leisure - Here you can talk about reading, writing, music, theatre and film. You could also share you hobbies, talk about places of interest, outings planned for the future, or festivals and celebrations.
• News and sports - Here you can talk about what's in the news, current affairs, or anything new in your life that you would like to share. You can also talk about local and national sports.
• Caring for others - Share your experiences of being a carer.
• Living with a disability - Talk about any problems you have encountered living with a disability or share information that may help others.
• Getting older - Share information and support, talk about daily challenges and life experiences.
• Direct Payments, money and benefits advice - Here you can discuss Direct Payments, allowances and benefits, debt or just general money advice. You may find that you are entitled to benefits and discounts that you are not yet claiming!
• Learning disability - Share your experiences and talk with other people about Learning disabilities.
• Mental ill health - Discuss mental health issues and talk with other people.
• Health and Social Care - Discuss health conditions, services and treatments or social care services.
• Housing - Discuss homelessness, finding housing, supported housing and getting help.
• Finding work and learning - Discuss returning to work, work experiences, learning activities and education.
• Computing and the Internet - Talk with others about computing, favourite computing aids or websites. You can also get help with some simple computer problems.

When you want to post a new message, think about which conversation and topic it should go in. We have tried to provide as many choices as possible but if all else fails, you can post your message under General Chat.

After posting a new message, you might receive an email saying that your message was moved. This usually happens because your message will make a better impact or receive more responses in a different conversation. We will always let you know if your message has been moved so you know where to find it!

There have been many news stories over the years recounting tales of people's misfortune relating to chatrooms. Whether this be inappropriate behaviour and messages, or more serious things like abuse or identity theft.

We at The Grapevine are aware of these concerns and monitor the messages daily to ensure they are avoided. Any inappropriate or abusive messages will be deleted and the person who wrote them risks having their Grapevine account permanently deactivated (meaning they cannot leave more messages). Depending on the severity of the message, we may also be forced to take further action against them. This is done for your protection and peace of mind - we want The Grapevine to remain a friendly, safe and relaxed area for you to use at your leisure.

If you think that a message is inappropriate for The Grapevine, click on the link "Report this Message to an administrator". This will let you send an email to us and let us know about the message.

Remember: never publish any of your personal details in The Grapevine, e.g. like your full name, address, phone or email address. If you don't want the world to know it, then don't write it! Using your first name is fine and adding helpline phone numbers or organisation's email addresses is fine.

When you post a new message, you can choose to receive an email notification when a response is posted by someone else. If you tick this box, then you will receive an email from The Grapevine saying that someone has replied to your message.

This is quite useful if you don't visit The Grapevine everyday, but want to stay up-to-date.

If you have already ticked this box but decide that you no longer want to receive these notifications, contact us and we will stop them being sent to you.

Phone: 0116 305 7538 Fax: 0116 305 8179
Email: grapevine@leics.gov.uk
Website: www.leicscareonline.org.uk/grapevine
Address: CareOnLine, Room 317, County Hall, Leicester, LE3 8RL.

The aims of CareOnLine and the Grapevine are to reduce isolation and improve the quality of life among Older People, Disabled People and their Carers. The service provides help with access to computers and the Internet, training, technical support and a purpose-built website.