can't find it?
so you couldn’t find what you were looking for….
There are still a bunch options available. You could still find what you’re looking for through service providers in your area. If there are no support groups available in your community, you may want to start one yourself.
When thinking about your options and what you might like to do, there are a number of things to consider first.
what is a support group?
A support group is any group of people whose purpose is to support one another dealing with common issues. A support group can be any size and can accommodate participants from a specific part of community, or they can be open to anyone who wants to come and talk about the common issues identified by the group.
why are support groups important?
Support Groups can provide a much needed place for people who are looking to share their experiences with others like themselves. They encourage the sharing of stories and promote a feeling of inclusiveness and belonging. They create a safe space to ask questions and learn more about yourselves and others. People who participate in support groups often form valuable friendships and support networks, take better care of themselves and are less likely to feel isolated or depressed. Sharing experiences allows members to give each other support, and to exchange practical information and ways of coping. It also allows participants to understand themselves better through the insights of others.
what kind of support groups are there?
Some support groups can be informal and led by the members themselves, while others can be more formal and led by a trained facilitator. Some are general and provide opportunities for people to talk about anything on their minds, while others have a topic upon which they focus. Some are “open” (members can join at any time or “drop in” as needed), while others are “closed” (require some sort of joining process and a commitment to attend regularly).
Some groups get together just to share information and encouragement, while others grow into longer-term mutual support communities where members help each other. Still others grow into educational programs with outside speakers coming in to teach about various issues.
If you’re considering starting something in your area, that’s great! Check out our info pack on how to go about it.
download our Support Group Info Pack
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indeqx acknowledges and respects the traditional custodians of this land. We are committed to reducing barriers to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities that inhibit their growth and empowerment. Sovereignty was never ceded – always was, always will be Aboriginal land.
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