Updated November 2025
Black and Being Essex CIC exists to create safe, joyful, supportive, and empowering spaces for Black and mixed-race women and non-binary people across Essex.
Our WhatsApp community is an extension of this mission, a digital home where connection, belonging, and community care are prioritised.
These guidelines help us maintain a respectful, inclusive, and manageable space where everyone feels welcome and safe.
Who This Community Is For
This Membership/WhatsApp Community is exclusively for:
- Black and mixed-race women and non-binary people
- People aged 18+
- Current BABE members
Please do not share invitation links with non-members.
Our Community Values
We are building a space rooted in:
💛 Respect
🤝 Community care
🗣 Representation
🧘🏾♀️ Safety
🌱 Growth and learning
We have a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination, including but not limited to: racism, colourism, misogynoir, ableism, homophobia, transphobia, xenophobia, fatphobia, Islamophobia, antisemitism, classism, ageism or harassment of any kind.
Inclusive Language
We want everyone to feel seen and included — especially in a community representing diverse identities and experiences.
Please avoid gender-exclusive greetings like:
🚫 “Hi ladies,” “Hey girls,” “Sis,” “Queen,” etc.
Instead, use language that includes everyone, such as:
✔ “Hi everyone”
✔ “Hey babes”
✔ “Hi all”
✔ “Hello community!”
Individual members can still use titles or affirming language with friends or people who welcome it — but group-wide messages should be inclusive and neutral unless otherwise specified.
This small change helps ensure everyone feels comfortable, recognised, and respected.
Posting Guidelines
✔
What You Can Share
- Resources relevant to the Black community
- Events in or around Essex
- Wins, joy, humour (respectfully)
- Recommendations (hair, books, food, businesses etc.)
- Requests for local support (e.g. “Anyone know a Black dentist in Basildon?”)
❌
Please Avoid
- Graphic or triggering content (violence, sexual assault, traumatic news, etc.)
- Chain messages or mass-forwarded content
- Repetitive self-promotion
- Voice notes over 60 seconds unless requested
- Debates that become personal or hostile
If a message causes harm or breaches guidelines, admins may delete it and follow up privately.
Events, Promotion & Business Posting Rules
We love supporting Black-owned businesses and opportunities, however we also need to avoid spam.
You may post:
📌 Your own business/services:
→ Once per week maximum
📌 External events/opportunities:
→ Twice per week maximum
📌 Reminders / reposting the same thing:
→ Not allowed (unless requested by admins)
If BABE is running an event at the same time as yours, we ask that you speak to the Admin Team to avoid audience conflict.
BABE events will always take priority.
Direct Messaging & Boundaries
To protect everyone’s privacy:
🚫 Do not save members’ numbers without consent.
🚫 Do not privately message members without permission.
🚫 Do not add members to other groups.
If you are concerned about someone based on a message they shared, you may ask:
“Would you be comfortable with me DM’ing you privately?”
or message a member of the Admin Team..
Repeated boundary violations may result in removal.
Support, Sensitivity & Wellbeing
This community may include members experiencing:
- Mental health challenges
- Chronic illness
- Neurodivergence
- Caregiving responsibilities
- Social anxiety
- Isolation or low confidence
Please communicate with compassion.
BABE is a community space, not a crisis service.
If someone expresses distress, you may gently signpost resources or let an admin know.
Conflict, Complaints & Harms
If an issue occurs:
- Do not confront publicly in the group.
- Contact an admin privately or use our support form.
- Allow time for review, decisions will be considerate and confidential.
Serious or repeated breaches may result in temporary or permanent removal from BABE spaces without refund.
Subgroups & Meet-Ups
Each subgroup has its own lead(s) and expectations.
If organising a meetup:
- Keep members’ data private
- Share clear times, accessibility details, and cost
- Ensure safety and respect
We’re Growing With You
As BABE evolves, so will this space.
These guidelines will be reviewed periodically, and we welcome suggestions.
📩 Feedback and improvements can be submitted to:
info@blackandbeingessex.co.uk
Final Note
This community exists because Black women and non-binary people deserve safe, joyful connection.
Thank you for helping us protect, nurture, and grow this space.
We’re glad you’re here. 💛
— The BABE Admin Team