Bringing a support person: agree the role and privacy
В мені · VMENI · Updated · 2 min read
A companion can help with travel, communication or another agreed need, but does not decide whether the participant should practise. Agree their role and presence with the organiser before the meeting.
Before arriving
Confirm whether the companion may enter the room, whether their presence fits the format, where they will be and whom they should contact. Describe any specific help needed rather than every personal reason.
Keep the participant’s voice
Address questions and decisions primarily to the participant unless they ask for another arrangement. A companion’s presence does not give consent for pictures, touch or continuing. The person may change their agreement about help.
The role has limits
Emotional company and technical support with equipment are different tasks. A friend does not automatically become a trained assistant. If a physical action is expected, clarify its meaning and acceptability in advance rather than during the activity.
An agreed presence example
A participant wants a friend to find the entrance and stay for the explanation. The organiser confirms where the friend can be and any extra-place fee. That agreement does not require the friend to push participation or approve touch for someone else.
Speaking for the participant
Communication help can be agreed if requested. Presence alone is not permission to disclose all private details. Ask what help is wanted before answering. Organiser convenience should not silently replace the participant’s own voice.
Check help during the event
Ask what is wanted now, not only before arrival. Someone may want company for the introduction but not a public discussion afterwards. Companions should not answer automatically or retell private details out of habit. Support aims to enable personal decisions, not make others’ administration easier.
Original organisational examples by В мені · VMENI; not individual medical advice.
Prepared by В мені · VMENI with AI assistance.