How to Form a Support Group

Having a support group available can help people with just about any kind of problem, or their families. If you can't find a support group that fits your need in your area, you can start one yourself. This is a great idea, because there are probably other people in your community that can benefit from it as well.

Things You'll Need

• Meeting place
• Group leader
• Advertising

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Find a location to hold the support group meetings. You can ask churches or hospitals if they may have a room that you could use, for example. Decide who will be the group leader. Since you are starting the support group, this may be you.

• 2

  Ask local people who are professionals in the area if they would like to help lead meetings on occasion or even give a presentation. This will give the support group credibility in addition to making it more helpful for attendees.

• 3

  Plan when and where you will have the first meeting. This should be far enough in advance to give you time to get the word out about the new support group.

• 4

  Publicize the support group by advertising in local newspaper. Design an attractive and informative flier that you can distribute and post on bulletin boards in your area. If your group will be dealing with an issue that people may discuss with their doctor, see if you can leave some fliers at local clinics and hospitals.

• 5

  Talk to local television and radio stations to develop local awareness about your target issue. This will give you an opportunity to announce the support group.

• 6

  Determine as a group how often you should meet and what your goals are. Ask group members what they hope to gain from group meetings and what they would like to see the group accomplish in the future.