MODULE

CONNECTIONS TO HOME

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 CONNECTIONS TO HOME

EXPLAIN THE KEY MESSAGE

Technology allows us to be more connected to
the rest of the world than ever before whether it
be our families or the intranet which of course LINK TO SAFETY
has great advantages.
When we spend time with our colleagues we get
However, there is a downside in that time spent to know them better, which leads to better
on line reduces our social time with the rest of communication, which is essential to maintain a
the crew which leaves us feeling disconnected safer environment.
and even sometimes quite isolated.
Knowing we have colleagues around us who can
Making a conscious effort to connect with your help us, give advice and support helps us to deal
colleagues can help you to improve your with the problems more quickly. This stops us
wellbeing, sense of connection and being distracted which could lead to a safety risk.
understanding with those immediately around
you. Others can help provide support and
understanding if you have issues which may be
difficult to deal with when you’re far away from
home.

EXPLAIN THE GOALS OF THIS MODULE

1 2
To understand each other a bit
better and who are our important
people back home
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Understand what support team members To consider ways you can get
can give each other together more frequently as a crew to
improve your connections to each
other on-board

New technology brings great advantages which allow us access to the world outside our ship like never before.

PROS CONS
▪
We can chat to our families ▪ Not socialise with each other
▪
Catch up with friends on Facebook ▪ Harder to spend time with our colleagues and
▪
Catch the latest film can feel isolated
▪
Sort out our domestic activities such as ▪ We get mentally distracted by other matters,
sorting
RUNNING THE out our bank account
EXERCISE example e.g. something that has been posted
on Facebook
Exercise 1

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RUNNING THE EXERCISE

▪ All fill out the circle diagram below, describing the people who are important to you- those closest to you
and those who are also important.
▪ Share with the group and discuss

My Important People Diagram

Others who are

important to me

Those who are

most important to
me

ME

Questions 1

▪ Were there any surprises?

▪ Did you learn something about someone you didn’t know before?

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Exercise 2

RUNNING THE EXERCISE

▪ Read the scenarios below and choose one

▪ Share with the group and discuss

Scenario 1:

“My wife has been in contact with me about my 14-year-old son, saying that he
has been getting poor grades at school and never comes out of his room.”

Scenario 2:

“My mother has contacted me saying my father is not well. I am struggling with
money and also with someone to take him to the hospital regularly.”

Questions 2

▪ Who would you go to for your chosen scenario?

▪ Are there team members who people would go to for specific types of advice?

Exercise 3

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Exercise 3

The purpose of this exercise is to make time in the week to socialise more and commit to doing so.

▪ What group activities would you like to do on a regular basis so that you get together:
o Film night
o Weekly get together in the mess-room before dinner
o Table tennis league
o Wii bowling competition
o Quiz nights
o Card games
o Parties

▪ Make a plan together as a group and agree to stick to it for an agreed period of time

ACTIVITY PLAN Example:

ACTIVITY WHEN ? WHO WILL RESOURCES

HOW ARRANGE REQUIRED?
OFTEN? IT?
1. Quiz Night Every second Engine room Quiz book,
Tuesday team paper,
pencils

SHARE THE SUMMARY

Connections to home, our families are great but it also has downsides which need to be recognised. It is important that we keep
our connections with our fellow crew members which help us to understand each other better, work more safely together and
also makes our time on-board more rewarding and improves our wellbeing.