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Just thought I would let you know how that support group went.
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<blockquote data-quote="Tiapet" data-source="post: 359990" data-attributes="member: 455"><p>Janet, when I started up the family support group for NAMI back up in PA years ago there was none at the time for kids (that was the one I was doing). There was only the one for adults. It was really slow going and tough building the base, getting people out there, getting it known (flyers and publicity, etc.) and then actually getting people use to the idea and knowing what the needs or wants of the group at large was. I commend you for what you are doing! It is tough, I won't lie. We always had snacks and drinks available as well (a big draw and hit because people always seem to be more apt to come with that available, don't ask me why and it helps too). I had handouts of everything I could find available for each and every meeting and if some topic came up that I didn't have something on, the next time I made sure I got information for that as well. I also tried to find speakers to come and talk at times on certain subjects. You might want to look into that. It's not hard to find someone to speak usually. It can be a professional or a layperson or even someone who has experience. Depends on what the focus is (see what people seem to want to know about). I think I missed what exactly your support group is (the title?) about? Or who it's exactly geared toward? </p><p></p><p>The other thing I found is that when you do questions and answers or in general when you get anyone speaking, you have to be really strong on keeping it on topic and focused. I know it can springboard to other things #1 (and that's good but write down where it went for another time to bring up again next meeting). Limit the time or stop it from straying from that particular topic because then the focus is gone and people tend to loose what information they are getting. The #2 problem that can come up (and it may not for you but just a head's up) is that you might encounter someone who likes to dominate all the conversations and others won't be able to get to speak or get intimadated and won't speak up because of this person. Watch for that to occur as well. Try to look for that shy/awkward person you can draw out and help. Those are usually the ones who are in need of the most help but are also the most fearful in asking questions.</p><p></p><p>Finally, I found it very helpful to have a meeting every now and again where I gave and outline of the steps from A to Z in what to do when you need to get help. Since I was dealing with families with children as our focus it would be seeking help for the child-how to do it, where to go, what to ask, when they are diagnosis what it means, the actual diagnosis's definitions, medications, treatment options, etc...on down to IEP's. I didn't get into detail with this outline in the meeting, just the steps and let them take it from there to ask further questions (and they always had them). <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /></p><p></p><p>Oh, ice breaking to get people talking and feeling comfortable too. No one really likes to introduce themselves but, as you know, we can all feel isolated too so I would do different things to get the ball rolling to foster people getting to know one another too.</p><p></p><p>I hope this helps you some and if I can think of anything more I'll post it. If you have questions, feel free to ask me too.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Tiapet, post: 359990, member: 455"] Janet, when I started up the family support group for NAMI back up in PA years ago there was none at the time for kids (that was the one I was doing). There was only the one for adults. It was really slow going and tough building the base, getting people out there, getting it known (flyers and publicity, etc.) and then actually getting people use to the idea and knowing what the needs or wants of the group at large was. I commend you for what you are doing! It is tough, I won't lie. We always had snacks and drinks available as well (a big draw and hit because people always seem to be more apt to come with that available, don't ask me why and it helps too). I had handouts of everything I could find available for each and every meeting and if some topic came up that I didn't have something on, the next time I made sure I got information for that as well. I also tried to find speakers to come and talk at times on certain subjects. You might want to look into that. It's not hard to find someone to speak usually. It can be a professional or a layperson or even someone who has experience. Depends on what the focus is (see what people seem to want to know about). I think I missed what exactly your support group is (the title?) about? Or who it's exactly geared toward? The other thing I found is that when you do questions and answers or in general when you get anyone speaking, you have to be really strong on keeping it on topic and focused. I know it can springboard to other things #1 (and that's good but write down where it went for another time to bring up again next meeting). Limit the time or stop it from straying from that particular topic because then the focus is gone and people tend to loose what information they are getting. The #2 problem that can come up (and it may not for you but just a head's up) is that you might encounter someone who likes to dominate all the conversations and others won't be able to get to speak or get intimadated and won't speak up because of this person. Watch for that to occur as well. Try to look for that shy/awkward person you can draw out and help. Those are usually the ones who are in need of the most help but are also the most fearful in asking questions. Finally, I found it very helpful to have a meeting every now and again where I gave and outline of the steps from A to Z in what to do when you need to get help. Since I was dealing with families with children as our focus it would be seeking help for the child-how to do it, where to go, what to ask, when they are diagnosis what it means, the actual diagnosis's definitions, medications, treatment options, etc...on down to IEP's. I didn't get into detail with this outline in the meeting, just the steps and let them take it from there to ask further questions (and they always had them). :) Oh, ice breaking to get people talking and feeling comfortable too. No one really likes to introduce themselves but, as you know, we can all feel isolated too so I would do different things to get the ball rolling to foster people getting to know one another too. I hope this helps you some and if I can think of anything more I'll post it. If you have questions, feel free to ask me too. [/QUOTE]
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Just thought I would let you know how that support group went.
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