Look in your local newspaper, search the internet (“online support groups) or listen for public service announcements in the media, and identify a community support group you would be interested in attending. The group should fit the criteria that were addressed in class. You may choose from AA, NA, Al Anon, Al a Teen, Overeaters Anonymous, Gamblers Anonymous, Bereavement Groups, The Compassionate Friends, NAMI Family Support, NAMI Mental Health Support, and Depression and Bipolar Alliance Support Groups. Please understand these meetings may require you to contact the group leader and request to attend even though the meeting is open to the public. This could take time so waiting to the last minute is a very bad idea.
Web Sites that maybe useful:www.NEFLAA.org; www.afgareaa.org; www.nami.org; https://oa.org/find-a-meeting; www.na.org/meetingsearch; look in your book chapter 34, page 617 box 34.4, know that you want a peer support group-they are free.
At a minimum, you must pick two on-line support group, they can be the same group or two different groups, they can be supporting the person with the disease or the family.
Step 3: By 09/16/2021 you should have spoken with group leader, confirm dates, times and location you may attend.
Step 4:Attend meeting.Be sure you are clear on your paper the location, date and time of the meeting, Introduce yourself to the group leader and ask about the appropriate way to introduce yourself to the group members and if you will be allowed to participate or just observe. You may be asked to explain your purpose in attending the group. While it is fine to say that it is part of course assignment, it will also be important to express a sincere interest in the focus of the group. Groups often times like to feel they may be helping someone else by allowing a visitor to attend. You may want to mention that your visit will provide you with information about community resources for your primary care patients.
Step 5:Report is due by 10/18/2021. Compare and contrast the two support groups you participated in by answering all ten (10) questions below.
Instructions for Paper
Prepare a 1-2 PAGE typed double spaced, include your name and date you wrote the paper.
Obtain the following information for your report:
1. Date, time and address of groups (zoom address/web site)
2. Include the full name of the group you attended. If it is affiliated with a state or national organization, include that information as well.
3. Provide a brief definition of the group.
4. Identify the mission of the group.
5. What are the demographics of the group, i.e., is the group gender or age specific?
6. How does this group support the individual who attends?
7. Is there a spouse or caregiver counter-part to this group? i.e. for AA meeting there Al-Anon for spouses?
8. How could this group enhance family dynamics?
9. How does this group enhance the community in which it is located?
10. Based on the mission (goal) of the group, summarize why you might or might not consider referring one of your primary care patients to this group.
