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.
GET STARTED
It is important to determine what type of support you are seeking. You may be looking for a support group that is social and where you can be part of a shared community connection. You might want a support group for families and siblings, or perhaps you are seeking information around a specific disability or concern.
Determining what you are after will help you to find the appropriate support network. Do not be discouraged if the first support group you find doesn’t quite feel right. You should feel comfortable in the support group space that you choose, so trying different ones may help you find the best fit.
A good support network should:
– be a place for sharing true feelings;
– be a place to make new friends;
– provide information about resources and positive strategies for coping;
– provide advice on what lies ahead;
– help in dealing with family members, and whatever other services and people are involved in your life.
Take a look at what parents of children with disability have to say about choosing a support network in this short video Child disability: parent support groups.
Support groups can informal or formal. They interlink and you may find you need a combination. Think about the support you may have already with family and friends and more formal groups. Are there any gaps where you feel you need more support, information or resources? Do some research if you can, ask others or make contact with groups. You can also speak with your doctor, paediatrician or other health professional.
Take a look at the Raising Children Network’s webpage Child and parent disability services for a list of support groups, organisations and resources.
Your local community or Parenting Centre may have information as well. For more information and to find your nearest Parenting Centre, see the Child Health and Parenting Service (CHaPS) webpage Parenting centres.
ACTION STEPS
Here you can find a simple list of the best actions to take if you are interested in this topic:
1 .
Think about what supports you need. It is helpful to ask other parents what they found useful, your GP or paediatrician may also have some advice.
2 .
Talk openly with family and friends that are your informal support. Make them aware of your needs, being specific enables them to best support you and your family.
3 .
Do some research if you can. As well as online research, your local Parenting Centre can be a good source of information.
4 .
Find and trial a Community Support group. Give it some time to determine if it meets your needs.
5 .
Be prepared to try more than Community Support Group. Most people benefit from having a range of supports in their network. Remember, your support needs will change over time as well.