How to Increase Attendance at Support Groups

Support groups bring together people struggling with similar health issues. From mental-health disorders to full-blown physical diseases and conditions, support groups provide an opportunity for participants to discuss ideas on coping. However, sometimes these groups suffer from poor attendance because the value of the meetings is not apparent. Increasing attendance at support groups is a matter of increased awareness of the group's mission and making the benefit of such a group completely clear to the outside world.

Instructions

• 1

  Form a partnership with local health-related organizations. From hospitals and clinics to other support groups, link up with organizations that have a shared interest in your group. Ask these facilities and local doctors to refer patients to your group for assistance in dealing with health-related issues. Put up fliers in health facilities. Visit newly ill patients to provide support and invite them to join the group.

• 2

  Set up a table at local community events. Distribute handouts and other written information to those interested in your group's mission. Enlist the help of several support group members to talk one-on-one with people who stop by your table. Hand out small trinkets with the name of your support group on them so people remember who you are.

• 3

  Advertise in local publications. Place an ad to reach those who might not otherwise know that you exist. Don't overload the ad with information; just list the name of your group, contact person, phone number, the time, date and location of your meetings. Also, state the mission of the group, so people interested in joining are clear on the benefits of your group.

• 4

  Disseminate marketing materials to group members. Word of mouth is generally the best way to spread the word about groups of any kind; this is certainly true of support groups. Ask members to join in your efforts to increase attendance by handing out some fliers or postcards to family and friends emphasizing the benefits of your support group.

• 5

  Plan group activities and outings. Gain interest from new people with a different approach to support groups with fun and exciting activities. Picnics, beach outings, museum trips and luncheons are all fun and relaxing ventures for support groups.