Suggested guidelines for starting a support group sucessfully.

5 Comments

Comment by Riette on April 14, 2009 at 3:28am

Hey Clarence. Where we live is little or no support for diabetics. I'm starting a support group for diabetics and my 1st meeting is 7 May 2009.
My aim is first to give information so that people know what to do and why they are doing what they do.. I'm going to discuss with the group what they think the aim of such a group should be and how it should be handled. I feel that we should have a monthly meeting where a certain topic about diabetes is dicussed. After which anyonde can share with the group any diabetic related insidents. For those who does not want to speak publicly I'm going to put a box where they can put in questions and sugestions and information they would like to share. I'm also going to have a book where everyone's details can be written in like name, tel no, Dr's name, type of insulin, type of glukometer, date diagnosed etc.. I'm also going to ask for volenteers to help me administrate the group - sort of a "board/management" with a secretary and someone to handle finances. What do you think? Do you have any suggestions?

Comment by clarence haynes on April 15, 2009 at 2:04pm

Hello RIETTE, Congratulation on taking the bull by the horn and tackling a much needed problem,you are going in the right direction and know that the plan you have in mind will work.If you send me your address,I will send you a book to help you get started. Set up a AMIGOKIT program, wherreby you call 5 diabetics, everyday to keep in touch, it sollves 2 problems, making someones day and could save a life, if there is no answer to your daily call, call 911 that person could have a fall, stroke, insulin reaction,etc As your opening statement, say, THE PERSON THAT KNOWS MOST ABOUT THEIR DIABETES WILL LIVE THE LONGEST, To find out what topics your group might be interested, place a box on the table,where people can voice their concerns and only sign an initial. Stress the importance of a diabetic team ( diabetic specialist, dietitan,podiatrist, social worker,pharmacist), wear a MEDIC-ALERT identification, it can SPEAK for you in case of emergency, listen to your BODY, it tells you when to eat, what to eat, snack , EXERCISE, rest, sleep. have a DIABETIC BUDDY, someoneyou are in daily contact with. One of your best souces of info is JOSLIN CLINIC, in BOSTON. Dont hesitate to ask me what you need to make a change in your diabetes program. clarence.haynes@sympatico.ca
























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Comment by clarence haynes on May 15, 2009 at 10:30pm

Hello, Rietti,how are you coming along setting up your support group? As a member of LIONS CLUBS since 1972,, advise you to contact your local LIONS club, they have an excellent diabetes prevention and awareness program. Check with the DIABETES AWARENESS CHAIRMAN and tell that person the AMIGO in TORONTO said to work together. Keep in touch and am anxious to hear you progross. Dont forget to call 5 DIABETICS,and have them join me, in silence, JULY 30 INSULIN APPRECIATION DAY,to give THANKS FOR INSULIN, giving hundreds of millions of US a chance to live healthy and productive lives TODAY.. AMIGO clarence.haynes@sympatico.ca

Comment by Riette on May 16, 2009 at 12:53am

Hi Clarence I've started the goup. We have our next meeting near the end of this month. There are 5 adults and 6 children with T1 diabetes - a lot of type 2's. Our first meeting was only a small group of 5 diabetics and teir families - type 1 and 2. So far so good. With this group I managed to find another young diabetic. you can read all about it in my post here.. Thanx for your input..

Comment by clarence haynes on May 17, 2009 at 3:14pm

Hello RIETTE, congratulations on making the first step, the hardest part was getting started The AMIGOSS is having our groups meet in a circleand will call it a CIRCLE OF FRIENDS. Maybe it is something you might try and I think you will find everyone is a part of sharing and supporting. Keep your meetings short and have different person chair the evening till you find someone who would be a leader. To start off meetings put a box on the table and members can put in things they want to find info about. just a paper with a question, no signatures, have a large alarm clock or timer set for 15 minites, so no one will talk longer and cause problems. Check with your local LIONS CLUB, They are great at helping any way they can and have an excellent diabetes prevention & awareness program. I have been a member since 1972. Keep me posted. clarence.haynes@sympatico.ca

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