Start a Support Group
SADAG guides and trains new volunteer Support Group Leaders on running a Group step-by-step. We help with free training webinars, materials, handouts, information and more.
The training takes place online over 6 sessions. Each session is followed by an evaluation and assessment survey. After completion of the theoretical training, there is a 3 part practical component.
This FREE 6-part online series covers everything from:
- What a Support Group is
- Who should join or start a Support Group
- Training and preparing you to become a volunteer Support Group Leader
- Preparing your Support Group
- Launching your own Support Group
In part 1 of the training, we cover a general introduction to Support Groups, which is followed by an application form as well as an evaluation and assessment survey.
Who Can Start a Support Group?
Most people who start Support Groups have very little experience in running a group and have limited knowledge about Mental Health, other than their personal lived with experience. As Support Groups are never the first line of patient Mental Illness Intervention, rather they focus on supplementary aftercare support, you don’t need to be a Mental Health Practitioner to run a Support Group.
Support Group Leaders are:
- Giving and caring members of the community who want to make a difference
- They dedicate time and effort to make a space where people feel safe, heard, supported and understood
- In many cases, they are patients/ex-patients themselves
- SADAG Support Group Leaders need to be 23 years or older to start a Support Group. If you’re itching to start a Support Group and are over the age of 18, but not yet 23, why not consider starting a Peer Support Group? Click here
How SADAG will help you:
SADAG guides and trains new Support Group Leaders on running a group step-by-step; including a free online 6-part Support Group Leader Training as well as three practical observation sessions.
After successfully completing the training, SADAG will continue to help and support you with ongoing training webinars, materials, handouts, information and more.’
If you are interested in starting a Support Group please email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for Part 1 of our Support Group Leader Training and further instructions.
Why did you start a Support Group?
What tips would you give to someone who wants to start a Support Group?