This is topic How do you start a support group? in forum General Support at LymeNet Flash.


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Posted by merrygirl (Member # 12041) on :
 
I want to start a local support group in my area. The closest locations are over an hour away. I live in a heavy tick area (we have the second most reports of Lyme in our county)

The thing is that I am relatively new to Lyme disease. Is this going to pose a problem?

I just thought even if a few Lymies got together to discuss what everyone is going through etc.

Any advice appreciated. Melissa
 
Posted by CaliforniaLyme (Member # 7136) on :
 
You just need 2 people to have a meeting!!!

If you have one, THEY WILL COME*)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Local libraries rent out rooms or donate them for free- so do churches-

and you can put up flyers or get local radio stations to announce you!!!!!!!!!!

Yay*)!*)!! One more support group*)!*)!!
We need every one*)!!!!!!!! & Everyone*)!*)!!!!!

Take care-
 
Posted by merrygirl (Member # 12041) on :
 
Thanks! I will start calling around.

Melissa
 
Posted by tanzi2u (Member # 9237) on :
 
merrygirl, check your PM's.
 
Posted by merrygirl (Member # 12041) on :
 
up
 
Posted by tanzi2u (Member # 9237) on :
 
Merrygirl and I have been in contact, small world actually.

So the question is what works, what doesn't...what is the best way to avoid the pitfalls...and what are the common ones anyway?
 
Posted by lymednva (Member # 9098) on :
 
I am also interested in this thread.

Lymeout and I are working on starting a group at our church. Their first inclination is to lump us with the autoimmune support group. We did our best to explain why we don't belong there!

There are quite a few members at our church who have Lyme, in varying stages.
 
Posted by merrygirl (Member # 12041) on :
 
up for more help please

[hi]
 
Posted by CaliforniaLyme (Member # 7136) on :
 
Diva, you could explain that maybe
some of those people belong with *you**)!*)!!
 
Posted by imanurse (Member # 7022) on :
 
I would be willing to share the information I compiled. I posed this question here longer ago and got little response, so I wrote up my own info using resources I found.

I have -
Guide to Starting a LD support group
Tips for Running a Support Group (includes pitfalls)
Support Group Membership Rules

Just send me a pm. I like to share.
 
Posted by merrygirl (Member # 12041) on :
 
Thanks imanurse! PM sent!

melissa
 
Posted by pineapple (Member # 11904) on :
 
" A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way." ~ John C. Maxwell

"The first task of a leader is to keep hope alive." ~ Joe Batten

"Leadership is action, not position." ~ Donald H. McGannon

http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=3;t=018290
 
Posted by jimmystermite (Member # 11671) on :
 
Good for you, merrygirl... I have been "toying", actually more than toying, with the very same idea myself...
There is nothing around where I live either, but I am just not sure how to go about starting it...
I have not yet even been diagnosed with Lyme, only Fibromyalgia, so I have been very hesitant..
Hope it works out well for you...
 
Posted by LaurenTurner (Member # 12320) on :
 
I almost posted about this same topic the other day. I am interested in started a group too. There are no support groups in my area. I think the closest one is in Austin- which is like 8 hours from me. My local doc told me that he is treating over 60 patients with Lyme Disease. So there has to be a lot in my area. EVen though according to the CDC there are no incidences of Lyme Disease in my area. [Roll Eyes]
 
Posted by merrygirl (Member # 12041) on :
 
Well I did it. It is official. I started the support group with the help of another Lymenetter! If you guys are thinking about it it DO IT it was relatively easy. I am glad I did.

If you have any q's about what I did PM me and I will share! Good Luck! Melissa
 
Posted by AP (Member # 8430) on :
 
I started one last October via meetup.com. Though I just handed it over because I am moving, we grew pretty darn fast.
 
Posted by pmerv (Member # 1504) on :
 
IMA, maybe your articles would be good for the Lyme Times! Care to share?
[email protected]
 
Posted by Tracy9 (Member # 7521) on :
 
www.vistaprint.com

YOu can get things made cheap; I made hundreds of large postcards for my support group but ive never gotten it off the ground. I will though; just need to feel well enough to circulate them.
 
Posted by imanurse (Member # 7022) on :
 
Hi all,

Congrats Merrygirl on the success of your first support meeting!

Those of you that sent me a PM or those that are interested in some info, please send me your email address so I can send you the files.

Sorry I neglected to check back in with this thread in a more timely manner.
 
Posted by imanurse (Member # 7022) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by LaurenTurner:
I almost posted about this same topic the other day. I am interested in started a group too. There are no support groups in my area. I think the closest one is in Austin- which is like 8 hours from me. My local doc told me that he is treating over 60 patients with Lyme Disease. So there has to be a lot in my area. EVen though according to the CDC there are no incidences of Lyme Disease in my area. [Roll Eyes]

Hi Lauren-

Have you contacted your state association and told them you are interested in starting a group in your area? They would probably be a great resource and help with announcing your group.

Send your email address to me by PM if you want some info.
 
Posted by pmerv (Member # 1504) on :
 
IMA my email is pmerv at hughes dot net
thanks
 


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