Six Simple Steps for Starting, Maintaining and Growing a Successful Aphasia Support Group:
1. Estimate the need of the support group: While you will not need many people to roll out a support group, you will want to make sure that you’ll have enough support in attendance to make it worthwhile. Reaching out to organizations and professionals like local speech pathologists (SLPs), social workers, Aphasia Recovery Connection, aphasiatoolbox, the National Aphasia Association, and local universities may give you an estimate. At www.aphasiatoolbox.com, via social media and our newsletter, we can announce your new support group to about 45,000 SLPs and consumers. You only need a small group of interested people to launch a strong, beginning.
2. Gather a core of a few interested, enthusiastic people: While a lot of the work may initially fall on one or two people, you will need a group in order to establish and maintain a thriving aphasia group. Go ahead and schedule your first several meetings with that in mind while you promote the group in general.
3. Find a nice, accessible place to meet: That shouldn’t be too difficult. Often a local healthcare facility such as a hospital or clinic, or university, a religious organization, or even places such as Panera Bread will provide a nice room. Consider transportation of course and parking, etc.
4. Create an agenda for the meetings but be ready for spontaneity: It’s helpful to have an idea of the events for the meeting, but also be prepared to be spontaneous especially as the group matures. Often, a mixture of routine activities with other theme-based activities and social functions works best - or example celebrating holidays and events. A new member often brings new opportunities for support, growth and action. Your local hospital may be able to offer expert speakers. Get the buy-in of members by brainstorming ideas for meetings and growth and stability.
5. Continue to add new members: it seems that the most successful aphasia support groups continue to add members over time. The addition of "new blood" is critical for the support, nurturing and evolution of the group and its members. Network with other support groups in your area as well as those at a distance. One creative way is to use videoconferencing, (SLP's call it telepractice) to network with other groups. We at aphasia toolboxcan help you make that happen. Exploit word-of-mouth referrals from enthusiastic caregivers and family members. You social media resources such as Aphasia Recovery Connection, the National Aphasia Association , and perhaps if you have a techie member, start your own Facebook page.
6. Stay the course: the establishment of a flourishing aphasia support Group takes time. Likewise the progress and preservation of the group takes attention to the individuals and the change that makes sense for the group. Persistence pays off. The staff an clients at aphasiatoolbox have facilitated support groups for over 30 years so feel free to reach our to them here or call 724.831.8353 .
- Continue : members: it seems that the most successful aphasia support groups continue to add members over time. The addition of “new blood” is critical for the support, nurturing and evolution of the group and its members. Network with other support groups in your area as well as those at a distance. One creative way is to use videoconferencing, (SLPs call it telepractice) to network with other groups. We at aphasiatoolbox.com can help you make that happen. Exploit word of mouth referrals from enthusiastic caregivers and family members. Use social media resources such as ARC, NAA, and perhaps if you have a techie member, start your own Facebook page.
- Continue to recruit and add new members: it seems that the most successful aphasia support groups continue to add members over time. The addition of “new blood” is critical for the support, nurturing and evolution of the group and its members. Network with other support groups in your area as well as those at a distance. One creative way is to use videoconferencing, (SLPs call it telepractice) to network with other groups. We at aphasiatoolbox.com can help you make that happen. Exploit word of mouth referrals from enthusiastic caregivers and family members. Use social media resources such as ARC, NAA, and perhaps if you have a techie member, start your own Facebook page.
- Continue to recruit and add new members: it seems that the most successful aphasia support groups continue to add members over time. The addition of “new blood” is critical for the support, nurturing and evolution of the group and its members. Network with other support groups in your area as well as those at a distance. One creative way is to use videoconferencing, (SLPs call it telepractice) to network with other groups. We at aphasiatoolbox.com can help you make that happen. Exploit word of mouth referrals from enthusiastic caregivers and family members. Use social media resources such as ARC, NAA, and perhaps if you have a techie member, start your own Facebook page.
- Continue to recruit and add new members: it seems that the most successful aphasia support groups continue to add members over time. The addition of “new blood” is critical for the support, nurturing and evolution of the group and its members. Network with other support groups in your area as well as those at a distance. One creative way is to use videoconferencing, (SLPs call it telepractice) to network with other groups. We at aphasiatoolbox.com can help you make that happen. Exploit word of mouth referrals from enthusiastic caregivers and family members. Use social media resources such as ARC, NAA, and perhaps if you have a techie member, start your own Facebook page.
- Continue to recruit and add new members: it seems that the most successful aphasia support groups continue to add members over time. The addition of “new blood” is critical for the support, nurturing and evolution of the group and its members. Network with other support groups in your area as well as those at a distance. One creative way is to use videoconferencing, (SLPs call it telepractice) to network with other groups. We at aphasiatoolbox.com can help you make that happen. Exploit word of mouth referrals from enthusiastic caregivers and family members. Use social media resources such as ARC, NAA, and perhaps if you have a techie member, start your own Facebook page.
- Stay the course: The establishment of a flourishing aphasia support takes time. Likewise, the progress and preservation of a group takes attention to the individuals, change that makes sense for the group and persistence.
- Continue to recruit and add new members: it seems that the most successful aphasia support groups continue to add members over time. The addition of “new blood” is critical for the support, nurturing and evolution of the group and its members. Network with other support groups in your area as well as those at a distance. One creative way is to use videoconferencing, (SLPs call it telepractice) to network with other groups. We at aphasiatoolbox.com can help you make that happen. Exploit word of mouth referrals from enthusiastic caregivers and family members. Use social media resources such as ARC, NAA, and perhaps if you have a techie member, start your own Facebook page.
- Stay the course: The establishment of a flourishing aphasia support takes time. Likewise, the progress and preservation of a group takes attention to the individuals, change that makes sense for the group and persistence.