How do you set up a support group?

1. Create your vision and mission for the group. Start by describing the ultimate purpose of the group, for example: ‘to help parents empower each other through education and support’.
2. Sponsor and promote the group.
3. Create a schedule.
4. Encourage feedback.

What is a formal support group?

Formal support groups may appear to be a modern phenomenon, but they supplement traditional fraternal organizations such as Freemasonry in some respects, and may build on certain supportive functions (formerly) carried out in (extended) families.

Do support groups cost money?

Support groups don’t cost much to run – advertising for the group and maybe some refreshments are all you’ll probably need to pay for. Another cost might be meeting space, but you can usually get someone to donate it. Support groups empower people to work to solve their own problems.

Do support groups really help?

Participating in a group provides you with an opportunity to be with people who are likely to have a common purpose and likely to understand one another. Benefits of participating in a support group may include: Feeling less lonely, isolated or judged. Reducing distress, depression, anxiety or fatigue.

Are there benefits to setting up a support group?

There are several benefits to setting up your support group under the auspices of a larger organization, if you can. A larger organization can often offer resources and assistance in setting up a new support group. The name recognition that comes with affiliating with a big, well-known organization can give your group more credibility.

What is the definition of a support group?

A Support Group can be defined as a gathering of people with common experiences and concerns who meet together to provide emotional and moral support for one another. They encourage a sense of community, a source of empathetic understanding and provide an avenue for establishing social networks.

Where is the best place to hold a support group?

Another choice is to hold the meeting at your home (or rotate meetings between the homes of various group members.) There are pros and cons to each choice. It might be more comfortable and convenient for you to hold the meeting at your home, but will you be concerned about the safety of inviting in strangers?

How to keep in touch with your support group?

Post advertisements on www.meetup.com, www.craigslist.org, or other regional community websites. Some people have even appeared on local television news programs. Continue to keep in touch with the foundation about your group. The foundation will publish your information in the newsletter and on our website, too.