Empowering Support Groups HIV Care, Support, and Treatment

Definition of a Support Group Group of people who come together to talk about common experiences, problems, and concerns, without being judged, blamed, stigmatized, or isolated. Fanelli, C., and Moyo, A. 2008. Guidelines for Establishing and Operating Successful Support Groups for People Living with HIV. Baltimore: CRS

Support Groups and the Continuum of Care van Praag E, Tarantola D. Continuum of care (figure). In: Scaling up the continuum of care for people living with HIV in Asia and Pacific: A toolkit for implementers. Bangkok: Family Health International, 2007. Adapted from: Narain JP, Chela C, van Praag. Planning and implementing HIV/AIDS care programmes: A step-by-step approach. New Delhi: World Health Organization, 2007.

Importance of Support Groups Helps people face challenging and stressful situations and build a sense of community. People with similar experiences can: Better relate Offer more authentic empathy and validation Give practical advice and suggestions Share relevant and credible information Mead, S., and MacNeil, C. 2006. “Peer Support: What Makes it Unique?” International Journal of Psychosocial Rehabilitation. 10(2):29-37. Fanelli, C., and Moyo, A. 2008. Op. cit.

Importance of HIV Support Groups Members give and receive emotional, social, and spiritual support, which improves their physical and emotional well-being. Belonging to a support group helps PLHIV: Develop positive strategies for living with HIV Strengthen knowledge Gain self-confidence Make friends, reduce isolation Develop a public voice, overcome barriers Fanelli, C., and Moyo, A. 2008. Op. cit. Venter, W. November 2004. HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control: A short course for humanitarian workers, Facilitator Manual. RHRC Consortium.

The Power of Support Groups Listen to this story that illustrates the power of support groups Invite one participant to read aloud “The Power of Support Groups” on the first two pages of Handout #1.

Purpose of Support Groups To improve the quality of life of PLHIV and their families and promote physical and emotional well-being To empower members with information on HIV prevention, care, support, and treatment (including ARVs) and to learn from each other’s experiences To give refuge from HIV-related stigma and discrimination, promote acceptance, and offer opportunities for collective work to address stigma and discrimination Fanelli, C., and Moyo, A. 2008. Op. cit. How to set up Support Groups. http://www.etu.org.za/toolbox/docs/aids/supportgroups.html (Accessed 06/28/2013)

Kinds of Support Groups Post-test clubs Treatment adherence groups Discordant couples support groups Support groups for key populations Teen clubs Etc. Colton, T., et al. October 2006. Community and Home-Based Care for People and Communities Affected by HIV/AIDS: A Comprehensive Training Course for Community Health Worker. Watertown, MA: Pathfinder

Support Group Discussion Topics and Activities Manage disclosure and relationships, including safer sex Discuss topics prioritized by group members (positive living, treatment adherence, nutrition education, etc.) Organize activities (social, sport, celebrations) Address issues relevant to the group GNP+ and UNAIDS. 2009. Positive Health, Dignity and Prevention: Technical Consultation Report. Amsterdam: GNP+ Fanelli, C., and Moyo, A. 2008. Op. cit.

Volunteer Credibility in Working with Support Groups As someone without HIV, you may have little credibility — vital to establish trust Be an excellent communicator Show a caring attitude Ask open questions and listen Be willing to help Admit when you’re wrong Do not judge others Coltin, T. et al. October 2006. Op. cit.

What Makes a Successful Support Group? Clear purpose Confidentiality Scope and limits Leadership roles, responsibilities, and structure Membership Ground rules Where and when meetings are held Planning discussion topics and activities Partnerships Self-evaluation Fanelli C. and Moyo A. 2008. Guidelines for Establishing and Operating Successful Support Groups for People Living with HIV. Baltimore: CRS How to set up Support Groups. http://www.etu.org.za/toolbox/docs/aids/supportgroups.html (Accessed 06/28/2013)