If there isn’t an existing support group in your area or one that is addressing your concerns, you may wish to start a support group.   The following are questions to ask yourself before making a decision and items to consider when planning a support group may be helpful

Questions to Ask

• Do I have the time and energy to start a group?
  
• Do my family members support me in this?
  
• Can I handle the extra demands?
  
• How will the group be led?
  
• Do I know a few people to share responsibilities at the beginning?
  
• Will it be an informal support group or a legally registered one?
  
• What are the goals of the support group?
  
• How can they be best achieved?
  
• What will the structure of the group be?
  
• How will group responsibilities be shared?
  
• Will the group have speakers? If so, do I know of resources?
  
• What would the format of the meetings be?
  
• Where, when and how often will the group meet?
  
• Are there any funding sources available?

Background Steps to Take

• Visit other support groups to see how they are run.
  
• Talk to experienced leaders of other support groups and find out what things they have found most effective.
  
• Check out community resources.
  
• Form an organizing committee.
  
• Have planning meetings.
  
• Select a group leader or rotating schedule or leaders.
  
• Decide on the focus and priorities of the group.
  
• Define the group’s aims and objectives.
  
• Decide on meeting format.
  
• Establish ground rules for the meetings.

o Confidentiality of discussions between members of the group

o Respect for each others views

o Listen without interruption

o Be patient with other members

o Establish parameters of discussions - specific issues and/or self-help strategies

o Have constructive discussions

o Keep group on track

o Finish meetings on time

• Plan a launch meeting.
  
• Look into ways of publicizing the launch meeting.
  
• Hold regular meetings.

Group Coping Strategies

• Solicit feedback from members.
  
• Have realistic goals about what your group can accomplish.
  
• Make group decisions regarding enhancing the effectiveness of meetings.
  
• Break down task into small enough pieces so that no one has too much to do.
  
• Rotate tasks and responsibilities.
  
• Try to develop backup support.
  
• Take a breath and relax.