So you’re wondering how to start a support group online.
In light of a global pandemic, it’s been challenging for people to get the help and support they need. Being separated, and feeling disconnected, especially when in the throes of a mental health breakdown, trauma healing or in the middle of therapy treatment, it’s easy to feel derailed. Getting further away from the path towards healing can set anyone on a downward spiral.
But there’s hope – and lots of it.
With support groups online, it’s totally possible for anyone anywhere to seek the help and guidance they need to get back on track towards a more stable way of living.
In this blog post, we’ll cover:
But first, let’s discuss what a support group is.
Living with cancer can feel like a huge weight on your chest. Suffering the unexpected death of a loved one or reliving PTSD flashbacks can all affect one’s quality of life.
A support group offers those living with hardship an outlet to see and be seen, a place where they can witness and bear witness to others going through a similar experience. A support group can be small and intimate or large and inclusive. The participants can be from a very specific, tight-knit community (women living with terminally-ill cancer or men with glioblastoma) or they can range from different communities and include anyone who wants to open up the conversation (cancer survivors, family members of cancer survivors, etc.).
Online support groups come in different shapes and sizes, and they can feel just like an in-person safe space, even online. They can be informal, put on, and or hosted by the members themselves. Conversely, a trained professional or facilitator can run the group.
Depending on the nature and topic, an online support group can be “open” (people can drop in at any time) or “closed” (there is a commitment and joining process involved). Some online support groups start out as an outlet to swap information and share words of encouragement, while others grow into mutual support communities where members go above and beyond to take care of each other offline; carpools, daycare, caregiving, moral support, etc. Through the power of online connections, support groups aren't just about sharing emotions. They can also be platforms to enhance well-being in various areas of life, including physical health. For instance, with today's technology, many people use online platforms not only for mutual aid but also to share resources on balanced nutrition and healthy cooking techniques. Some members may even suggest options that directly impact personal wellness journeys, like choosing nutritious meal plans. This could be an opportunity for group members to explore meal kits as a straightforward means of enjoying diverse and healthy meals without hassle, ultimately supporting one’s overall lifestyle goals. Some also become more about education and awareness, evolving into programs that educate the public and shine a light on the cause.
The bottom line is that everyone needs to feel emotionally safe and supported in whatever capacity you choose to meet. Instilling a sense of belonging and comfort begins with how you set up your support group online.
In the beginning stages, it’s important to figure out the rough outline of how your online support group will be presented to your community. Do you want to partner with an organization or do you want to take this on yourself? Are you looking to incorporate professional support or is this more of a place to connect, share and open up about each other’s experiences?
Here are the three stages of setting up a proposal to start a support group online. Although not an exhaustive list, it’s a good beginning point when brainstorming how to put it together and to imagine what it will look like down the road:
A support group meeting format can take shape a few different ways depending on how you want to reach out and connect with the group members. Ask yourself the following questions:
Once you’ve established the backbone of your online support group, at this stage, look to see what other groups are doing. Is there already an existing group in your geographic location? If there is, can you make yours more specific, or build on it?
Researching to see how other people meet up and connect will inspire your group and help you to model yours after a group that already has proven success. Plus, it establishes ties and strengthens the connection with other founders and members who might at least be able to point you in the right direction. It helps to ask how they got their groups started, what are some challenges they’ve had to overcome, what resources they used, and which resources might be beneficial for you.
Take a look at the following three group formats to see which one can serve as the best container for your online support group:
Also, take into consideration how you will reach out and make contact with the people who need to be in your support container the most. Set up a Facebook group, YouTube channel or create waves through social media channels like Instagram. Try creating your own website, visiting community centers and clinics, through word of mouth and meet-up events, either virtually or in-person.
Your support group held in an online space might seem a little disconnected if you’re used to meeting up in person. Once you get the knack of being in a virtual space, it’s easy to see how the pieces fall into place and how beneficial it can be for the participants involved.
Once the motivation is established, and you have a basic format planned out, choosing the right technology that positively impacts your online support group will bridge the gap between being online and being in person. Cohesion amongst participants, creating a safe and private virtual space, and providing instant access to emotional support are all made possible with two-way group communication technology.
Be on the lookout for comprehensive moderator controls and educational features like screen sharing, an online whiteboard, and high definition audio and video conferencing capabilities. You might also want to build out other things for your group. For example, a shop where you can sell merchandise on a platform like Shopify or a decent Shopify alternative.
Other details to think about and decide with other group members is:
As your online support group gains traction and touches people’s lives, keep in mind the breadth and depth of your reach. Here are four things to do as you launch your online support group:
Choose A Name For Your GroupFrom finding help to planning to start your own support group online, video conferencing software is there to support you through all stages. You’ll need video-based technology to communicate with other like-minded people in the research phase. You’ll also need it when planning the format with co-founders, and you’ll definitely need it when you’re actually hosting the events and creating a virtual space that caters to your members.
Just like with any support group, the key factors to a successful one are all based on creating a nurturing and safe environment. Even in an online space, it’s critical to maintain a level of professionalism that is inclusive, free from judgment and any other forms of negativity that could impact a participant’s journey to healing. Whether in a handbook or during orientation, use these four guiding stars to foster a space of compassion, safety, and belonging:
Even online, you can replicate the safety and sense of belonging people are looking for in a support group that’s affordable, easy to use and inclusive.
With FreeConference.com, bring together your community online by attracting people from all over to bond and heal in a safe and controlled virtual setting. Especially in light of trauma or life events that have impacted people’s sense of belonging and safety, a video conferencing solution for support groups that is reliable opens up the door to connection, an important part of everyone’s healing. Add Video Chat, conference calling and Speaker and Gallery Views to the structure of your online support group for a bonding and cathartic group experience.
Create your FreeConference.com account and get access to everything you need for your business or organization to hit the ground running, like video and Screen Sharing, Call Scheduling, Automated Email Invitations, Reminders, and more.
