In order to make the Gazette's website a safe and inclusive place for all readers to enjoy, we would like to lay down some ground rules. 

We encourage readers to leave comments using their real names to ensure contributers are accountable for their opinions.

We understand this may not always be possible however we ask people to consider the below before typing.

Abusive, offensive, racist and sexist comments will not be tolerated. 

If you continually are commenting in an offensive, racist or abusive manner, you will be banned. 

If you are commenting on articles, please adhere to the following:

Community standards

There are 8 guidelines which we expect all participants in the community areas of the Gazette website to follow 

1. Debate is welcome, but personal attacks (against authors or other readers) and persistent trolling and abuse will not be tolerated.

2. We acknowledge criticism of the articles we publish, but will not allow misrepresentation of the Gazette and our reporters. 

3. We understand that people feel strongly about issues, but we will consider removing any content that others might find offensive or threatening. Please respect other people’s views and beliefs and consider your impact on others.

4. We will not tolerate racism, sexism, homophobia or other forms of hate-speech.

5. Legally unsafe, such as potentially libellous or defamatory postings will be removed. 

6. We will remove any posts that are obviously commercial or otherwise spam.

7. The platform is ours, but the conversation belongs to us all. We want this to be a welcoming space for intelligent discussion.

8. Participants can help us achieve the above by notifying us of potential problems and helping each other to keep conversations open and inviting.

How do I report an offensive comment?

Please use the 'report' button. This will be flagged up to us. Alternatively, you can email newsdesk@basingstokegazette.co.uk

What if I am the problem?

Life can be hard, we get it. But there are better things to do than leave unpleasant comments on local news websites.

Consider seeking help, this type of behaviour is not healthy and the person you are hurting the most is yourself. 

Please check out the links to helplines below.

Final say

At the Gazette, we trust our readers to behave respectfully online and offline. 

Please consider the above before commenting. 

We thank you for reading this.

Helplines

Anxiety UK

Charity providing support if you have been diagnosed with an anxiety condition.

Phone: 03444 775 774 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5.30pm)

Website: www.anxietyuk.org.uk

Bipolar UK

A charity helping people living with manic depression or bipolar disorder.

Website: www.bipolaruk.org.uk

CALM

CALM is the Campaign Against Living Miserably, for men aged 15 to 35.

Phone: 0800 58 58 58 (daily, 5pm to midnight)

Website: www.thecalmzone.net

Men's Health Forum

24/7 stress support for men by text, chat and email.

Website: www.menshealthforum.org.uk

Mental Health Foundation

Provides information and support for anyone with mental health problems or learning disabilities.

Website: www.mentalhealth.org.uk

Mind

Promotes the views and needs of people with mental health problems.

Phone: 0300 123 3393 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm)

Website: www.mind.org.uk

No Panic

Voluntary charity offering support for sufferers of panic attacks and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Offers a course to help overcome your phobia or OCD.

Phone: 0844 967 4848 (daily, 10am to 10pm)

Website: www.nopanic.org.uk

OCD Action

Support for people with OCD. Includes information on treatment and online resources.

Phone: 0845 390 6232 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5pm)

Website: www.ocdaction.org.uk

OCD UK

A charity run by people with OCD, for people with OCD. Includes facts, news and treatments.

Phone: 0845 120 3778 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm)

Website: www.ocduk.org 

PAPYRUS

Young suicide prevention society.

Phone: HOPElineUK 0800 068 4141 (Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm and 7pm to 10pm, and 2pm to 5pm on weekends)

Website: www.papyrus-uk.org

Rethink Mental Illness

Support and advice for people living with mental illness.

Phone: 0300 5000 927 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4pm)

Website: www.rethink.org

Samaritans

Confidential support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair.

Phone: 116 123 (free 24-hour helpline)

Website: www.samaritans.org.uk

SANE

Emotional support, information and guidance for people affected by mental illness, their families and carers. 

SANEline: 0300 304 7000 (daily, 4.30pm to 10.30pm)

Textcare: comfort and care via text message, sent when the person needs it most: www.sane.org.uk/textcare

Peer support forum: www.sane.org.uk/supportforum

Website: www.sane.org.uk/support