Community support networks are the connections between individuals and groups. They are the informal relationships people have with family, friends, neighbours, and other members of their community. And they are the formal relationships you can have with organizations and service providers.

Support networks create communities of people working together, and can give a sense of belonging. They provide important information on local services and supports.

Support groups are a way for people with a common experience to help and learn from each other. They provide a way to connect with people sharing your experience, and are a great way to see what works for others and learn about local services.

Community supports groups may be ‘informal or formal.’ Informal groups are friends, family, neighbours, and colleagues. They are relationships developed over time through shared history, interests and bonds. Formal support groups are things like counselling, respite, carer support groups. They are offered by community organizations, service providers, schools, and other support agencies.

Formal support groups may be led health professionals, organisations or experts, so they can provide more information, but they may not be able to offer the connectedness to a ‘shared group’ that you are looking for.

Peer support groups are led by people with lived experience who facilitate group meetings. They often have training in facilitation and support, but they may not be able to answer complicated questions about health concerns or other issues as they arise that you need information about.

Depending on your situation you may find a combination of community network support useful.

It’s important to surround yourself with positive, supportive people throughout the processes and changes that are encountered as you move through the many stages of supporting people with disabilities. They can provide you with meaningful support.

You will most likely already have a network of family, friends and communities that you belong to that are already providing support. Once you determine what you need it is useful if you can speak with them and let them know that type of support that would be useful for you. They are already there for you, they know your situation and are willing to provide support.

Making contact with organisations or community groups that support people with your specific disability can also be a good way of meeting people, and sharing information.

The type of community support you require will change over time and with different phases of life. An informal support group or peer support group often gives you the opportunity to build close bonds with others that will be sharing similar journey and experiences at the similar times.

What we do know is that people who have and use community networks have a better quality of life. Their level of self-care and emotional wellbeing is enhanced. All involved benefit: the person with the disability, the family, the siblings and the extended family.

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