1. Creating and Facilitation Peer Support Groups

2. Characteristics of a support group
Made of peers
Facilitator
Small in size
Voluntary

3. Support group benefits
Provide companionship
Cheap to run
Empower people
Information sharing
Emotional identification
Find and be role models
Provide "safe place"
Comfortable setting
Reduces anxiety, stress

4. Groups help with… Diseases, injuries, medical conditions
Eating disorders
Sexual identity questions
Physical disabilities
Unhealthy habits
Emotional problems
Addictions
Bereavement
Parenting

5. Creating a support group
Decide what to achieve
Join with other groups
Decide on a length of time
Open or closed?
Set a time and place
Select a facilitator
Figure out details
Recruit members

6. Recruitment
Referrals
Media
Word-of-Mouth

7. Facilitating Prepare yourself Prepare your room Start the meeting
Introductions/information
Encourage listening
Encourage support
Encourage discussion
Offer support
Offer solutions
Close the meeting

8. Other tips Track progress Share responsibility Let everyone talk
Emphasize confidentiality
Encourage outside contact
Keep recruiting
Share rewards/failures
Keep perspective
Remember your purpose

9. Four steps of assertive caring
Empathize with their dilemma
Set limits
Suggest alternatives
Get member agreement on alternative