Dedicated to Colostomates, their Families and their Carers
Starting up a support group can be daunting, especially if you have never done anything like it before.
• Where do you find your members?
• Who do you ask to come along?
• What sort of group should it be?
• How many times will you hold a meeting?
Setting up a support group brings many exciting challenges - the aim of a support group is to offer support by providing regular meetings where people can talk together in a supportive way. Having clear aims and objectives will give the group credibility, which can help relationships with nursing professionals and other organisations.
What a support group offers
Having a colostomy can turn someone’s world upside down. As well as dealing with the effects of the condition, people need to be able to meet others who 'Live with a Colostomy'. The difficulty of having a stoma is that it is a very private matter and some colostomates are unwilling to tell others how they are feeling. A support group can offer a safe and confidential environment.
Considerations when setting up a support group
Providing an environment where
members can talk openly about their problems and express their doubts
and concerns to others who have had similar experiences is high on the agenda, as is ensuring new and experienced ostomates never feel they are on their own. Some considerations you might like to apply when setting up a support group;
• Devote time to welcoming people and get to know one another.
• Assess what has brought people together and what experiences they have to share.
• Ensure that there is good communication between the members.
• Respect what
others think and ensure all have a voice to state
their opinions.
• Clarify the groups common values and give meetings some structure.
• Pay attention to the group’s make up, include everyone it aims to reach. (colostomates, ileostomates and urostomates plus internal pouch users–in
fact anyone who has a stoma and their family, carers and friends.)
• Ask the Colostomy Association for literature that you can display.
There are leaflets on all subjects and the Association will be
delighted to advise you what is available.
• Work out who would take on key roles for the group, if people are away.
What kind of support group do you want to organise
Once you have considered all the options and the practical implications
of setting up a support group, you should have a clearer idea of what
is involved and whether you wish to go ahead with the support group.
If you know your stoma care nurse well, discuss with her the idea of
your group and what you hope to achieve. She may be able to suggest the
way forward and how she feels new and experienced colostomates would
benefit.
Set out a list of your intentions
and be realistic. Decide whether you want your group to be informal e.g. a cuppa and chat, kind of group or a more structured group
with visits from stoma care nurses, talks and/or question and answer
sessions. You may want to invite manufacturers and suppliers along to
exhibit their stoma products? Reminder: If you do invite speakers, check with them what they will need on the day e.g. projector and screen, audio equipment, they may be happy to bring their own.
Naming and promoting your support group
Decide on a group name and on how you will promote it to members and professionals. A well
worded poster which includes dates and times of your meetings, how
regular they are and organisers contact details, can be
placed in doctor’s
surgeries and supermarkets - anywhere that the general public will see
it.
Finding the right venue
• Think about how many people are likely to attend?
• Is the location convenient and welcoming for members?
• Is your meeting place safe and easy to reach?
• Are there tea and coffee making facilities?
• Will you hold meetings in your own home until the group is established?
• Investigate the possibility of your
local hospital or community centre offering a room free of charge?
Contact your local Borough Council Voluntary Action Group, who will
offer advice on setting up a group in the area.
Running a support group - however small or large - is a worthwhile
and satisfying venture. The difference it can make is enormous. A support group provides a welcoming community for the ostomate who need never feel alone.
The Colostomy Association have a number of members who are happy for you to contact them. They too will advise you about the setting up of support groups. Please contact us and we will be delighted to forward your details to them so that they can contact you direct.
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