starting local support group

[Hank's mom]

I spoke to a local woman about support group. The one that used to be here disbanded due to lack of attendance, mostly it seems due to embarrassment of stigma. I would like to start a new group. We're pretty isolated in the winter out here on the Cape and there isn't much public transportation, though a few good businesses have offered free space for a group. My question is do I put my home telephone or request a doctor or hospital to do this. Not a big fan of email address for this, too many take advantage of that. Has anybody done this or have ideas. Thanks,
momxfive

[Helen]

Mom,
 Ive never been involved in a local support group so dont really know what the protocol is,others here may be able to help you better but we do offer a support group starter booklet
and if you like I can e-mail it to you.
 Just let me know.

 Helen 

[willy]

Here's my 2 cents on the subject.

Most hospitals will work with you and provide free space.  If you want you can pay them but I would guess that you would in effect be providing them a service.  You might also find that they would provide a DR to peak with you on technical subjects (BX, treating, diagnosis information) for free as a public outreach sort of service.

As you mentioned that anonymity is an issue you might find that people would be willing to "diddipear" into a meeting rom in a hospital for an hour.  You might not find them so willing to sit on Main Street at Smokey Joes Cafe where it is known that heppers have a meeting.

Once you have a meeting you can post the name, location, and contact info at other forums and local hospitals.  If you use a e-mail address use a "throw away" one if you are concerned about spam.  Your best contacts will be referrals.  I believe that the papers will also list info for free since that is also a public event/ public service situation.

You can also contact other support groups and copy their organisation; why reinvent the wheel?  I'm sure that they would be glad to help.

best,
Willy

[DjTurtle]

momxfive!
I have been in a local support group in the past, back in Fargo, North Dakota. I now live on Cape Cod also! Viper and I tried to attend a meeting here, but no one showed up. So we figured that there wasn't one going anymore. The best way I know of starting a support group is to start meeting. Post information in any hospitals or clinics in the area. We did have 2 people's home phone numbers llisted on our poster. Informing your doctor about the group can sometimes help. As you may or may not know, Viper and I have an online support group. It is off and going well. We are getting close to 200 members, and only started back in May of 2006. http://hcvsupport.org/forum/index.php

I will private message you, and see if we can work together on a local support group.

Love to meet other heppers,
DjTurtle