INTRODUCTION TO SUPPORT GROUPS
What are your expectations?
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Discuss what the members are expecting from the group
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What do they think a support group is?
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How are they feeling about being here?
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Has anyone been in a support group before?
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If "yes", discuss their experience of the group
What is a support group?
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Discuss the group's ideas.
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Discuss the points that have not been mentioned.
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A structure where people with common challenges, concerns and needs come together to support one another
emotionally, spiritually, physically and psychologically.
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The members share knowledge, information, ideas and experiences.
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The members have common goals and objectives.
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Support groups encourage members to grow and find new meanings in their lives.
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Through participation in support groups, members learn to take control of their lives.
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Members strive towards self-enhancement.
Why is a support group a good idea?
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Ask the group why they think a support group could be helpful.
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Briefly discuss the advantages of a support group
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It provides a sense of belonging.
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It creates a safe environment for people to express and share their feelings in confidence.
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It relieves stress through talking about problems, concerns and issues.
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It obtains useful information.
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It provides mutual support.
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It prepares members to be comfortable with disclosure.
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It provides education in terms of decisions about behaviour and human and legal rights regarding living with HIV/Aids.
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It facilitates communication.
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It facilitates the sharing of good parenting skills.
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It encourages a sense of hope.
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It promotes positive living.
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It helps members with their self-confidence and self-esteem.
RULES AND OBJECTIVES
At this stage, the group needs to discuss and decide on the basic group guidelines and rules. The guidelines can be written up in a
group contract, which can be signed by the members and reviewed at the beginning of each session. It is important to remember that
for the members to feel part of the group, they need to feel empowered in setting up the group. Therefore it is extremely important
that there is group participation in making decisions about things such as rules and guidelines. The members decide on the guidelines
and the rules, with the facilitator giving ideas if the group has difficulty, or leaves out anything important.
It is also important at this point to talk to the group about general rules of cleanliness and hygiene. The group should be sure to keep
the venue and bathrooms tidy, and be sure to leave them as they had found them.
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Children
The KGOLO-MMOGO PROJECT