Starting a Support Group - Teri

[Guest guest]

Hi Teri - and everybody

Maybe I could help to answer this question - 'how to start a support group'? -

I am trying to build a support group in my area, and here are some of the things one needs to concider.

[1] Location to hold gatherings -

Ideas - your home, a hall, a church, hospital/doc conference room

[2] Advertising your group -

Doctors are NOT allowed to give out names of HCV patients, however a doctor can give the patient info about a HCV group.

Other ideas - posters, fliers, newspaper ads, radio public service ads, bus cards, etc.

[3] Matterials and Resources -

Its good to have Lit to give out, and have info resources.

[4] Professional speakers -

A Med Professional speaker is nice to have to provide topic info, and answer questions.

[5] Group phone contact number -

This is a must, so that folks who want to come can make contact.

[6] Refreshments ??? -

Be sure to provide plenty of BEER.

JUST KIDDING !!!!!!!!! Do not do this. <----------

[7] Times and dates -

Decide when, what times, and how often to meet.

[8] Transportation -

A critical issue for many people. - No car, handicapped, health, distance, fuel money, etc.

Most of the basics are easy enough to do.

The hard stuff is providing a regular location/time, Med speakers, advertising, and Lit resources.

Starting is not all that difficult.

Keeping it going is the problem.

EXAMPLE:

There used to be a support group set up here by the Hospital and Medical staff.

At first it went well.

After a year fewer and fewer folks showed up, until finally they closed down.

Lack of interest - for whatever reason.

This is one reason keeping a support group going is so difficult.

I hope this info helps.

love

don in ks

Gloria,

I know of more than a handful of people who are dealing with Hep C just in the small town I live in... maybe like 12. I would love to start a real live in person support group, I actually talked to my Gastro about it when I was on treatment... any ideas on how to go about starting one? I have to make an appointment to see the Gastro anyway and I could talk to him, I know his old nurse said she'd help as well.... But how do you even start something like that?

Teri