Special focus · What brings your group together?

This issue's theme: groups organised around a shared life experience, challenge, community or interest — and what that shared focus makes possible. Examples from across the CAOA community: • **Climate scientists** — group work with Richard Beck • **LGBTQ+ experiences and belonging** — River of Life LGBTQ+, directed by Grace Walcott • **Trauma-focused group work** — Igor Kanifolsky, Institute of Biosuggestive Therapy • **Laughter groups in Venezuela** — Elias Mendoza, Rielájate • **The Third Age** — Carlos Raimundo, U3A Tweed Coast and the Men's Shed CAOA is inviting colleagues to describe their own special-focus groups — who the group is for, what brings participants together, and what methodology is used. ——— From CAOA Connect · Issue 02, October 2026 — the newsletter of the IAGP Consultative Assembly of Organisational Affiliates.