How to set up a support group

A selection of web-sites containing information on how to set up support groups for different people and purposes.

Have you ever wanted to set up a support group? It may appear to be quite a daunting task, however, with the right tools and resources, it is not as difficult as it first appears, and can be very rewarding.

Support groups are generally formed to help meet the needs of its particular members, whether they are people with a disability, women, youth, elderly, refugees or people who have experienced a common predicament such as a natural disaster.

Support groups perform a range of different functions, including:

• Providing appropriate education and up-to-date information to their members.

• Advocating for improved laws, increased funding and better services within the community.
• Reducing the personal impact on people, resulting from disability and socio-economic disadvantage.
• Raising the public's awareness of issues affecting some people within the community.

The following web-sites contain both generic and specific information on setting up a Support Group (each link opens in new browser window)

• People with Endometriosis
   
  
• People affected by Natural Disaster
   
  
• People affected by Attention Deficit Disorder
   
  
• People requiring Home Schooling
   
  
• Immigrant and Refugee Women who are Victims of Violence
   
  
• People affected by Schizophrenia
   
  
• How to set up a refugee support group kit
   
  
• Same Sex Attracted and Transsexual Young People (pdf file - opens in a new browser window)