Spinal Cord Injury Association
______________________________

of Illinois

E-Mail: SCIInjury@aol.com

How to start a Support and Discussion Group

People * Planning * Place * Publicity * Programming
(see also SCII Support Groups)

People

After deciding to start a support group, identify two or three persons who share the interest in starting (not simply joining) a support group. Although it is possible to run a support group alone, it is easier and chances of burnout are reduced if others assist with the process.

Consider these questions: How many people want a support group?  Is there a group who has expressed an interest in meeting for support?  Is there a concentration of SCI in one area?  A feel for the demographics will affect not only who attends, but where the meetings will be held and what the group's emphasis will be.

Who can attend?  Should the group only be for people with SCI and spinal dysfunction, or can individuals with other disabilities attend?  Should it be only for people with disabilities, or should it include family members and friends?  Having two separate meetings, one to address the concerns of those with disabilities, and another to include the family and friends.  Many options are available, depending on the needs of the group.

Planning

Frequency of meetings, location of meetings and emphasis of the group are items that need to be addressed prior to the first meeting.  If the group meets less than once a month, it runs the risk of losing momentum and focus.  Some groups have the interest to meet more than once a month; if so, go with the interest, but don't feel that every two weeks is the norm.

Decide on the kind of group: Peer support groups are led by others with similar disabilities.   Usually thee groups are not led by a professional like a social worker or rehabilitation psychologist or counselor.  A reasonable compromise might be a psychologist or counselor with a disability.

Professionally led support groups are led or advised by a professional, such as a rehabilitation psychologist, social worker or rehabilitation counselor.

Discussion groups are not necessarily support groups, but ones with an educational emphasis to them.  Tools used include videos, specific topics at each meeting, or speakers.  Often, after the presentation, the group is given time to discuss the topic.

Place

Decide on a central location.  In many areas, transportation is a major problem.   A rehabilitation hospital can provide a good location, as many people already know where it is, and meeting rooms are generally available, and there are many professionals interested in SCI.  A private residence with a large room, or a clubhouse makes a good alternative, as are church halls, independent living centers, etc.  The location should be accessible, with plenty of parking and be wheelchair accessible. This includes the restroom facilities.

Groups may be tempted to have rotating meetings to make the meeting more accessible to people with transportation problems.  This has benefits and potential problems.  A benefit is that some people will have at least a few meetings in their area.  This can increase the total number of people attending through the year.  A potential problem is that the group becomes fragmented because only certain people attend certain meetings.  Also, unless the meeting locations are well publicized in advance, people may forget where the meeting is and decide not to attend.  With the same location, people always know where to go.

Publicity