Suggestions for starting support group in a new area/small town

lorihoop

Hello all,

I am in need of advice and suggestions as to how to put a breast cancer support group together. I have been put in contact with another woman in my area through the pastor of a church that my family does not attend who is also going through breast cancer, and she and I were contemplating starting some sort of support group in our area since there is nothing here.

How would we go about advertising a group and getting a designated meeting spot/time/etc? I am on a buy/trade/sell group for the little town we live in, I thought maybe sparking a convo through that group to try to find some women who may be interested.

Thinking about contacting our local libraries today to see what they can offer too, and even the pastor of the church that referred me to the woman I have been speaking to about this. I wouldn't even mind having it my home if we can find no other location to host it in, but I think other women might be uncomfortable with that, especially if we've never met in person.

Any other options I may be missing? Any and all suggestions are appreciated. The support I have received through my little time in this group is what has spurred this idea on.

Thanks!!

Jelson

are there a few doctors/hospitals from whom you might assume most of those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer in your area obtain services? you might enlist them to post a notice in their office or even to reach out to their patients providing your invitation and contact information? You might also put your beautician on the alert to send customers who might mention their diagnosis. My own informal group was formed through word of mouth and was helped by a yoga instructor who hooked up two of her students.

glad you are benefiting from your own group and I applaud you for your efforts to share and include.

lorihoop

Yes, I know my plastic surgeon would do all she could to help get the word out. She does a lot of reconstructions.
I see her tomorrow for a surgery follow up appt. and will ask her then.


Thanks for the reply. Was in quite a bit of pain yesterday on the one side so I didn't get around to calling the libraries, but will try to do that today.

rainnyc

This is a fabulous idea. Does your surgeon/hospital have a social worker who might be helpful in getting the word out? I think the library is a good idea for a place to meet, as well as to put up flyers.

Does your town have a department of social services? I live in a big city, but we have local online news sites (Patch is one example). Maybe once you have a place and time, get an announcement up there?