As a result of yesterday’s interview, JY and I have decided to keep the ball rolling!
We have both expressed interest in
starting a local support group however neither of us is a doctor nor do
either of us have any formal counselling skills. What we do have is the want and need to share our experiences as well as an interest in helping others.
I have done a lot if internet research
into getting some training in support group leadership but nothing has
really stuck out as something that I can do from right here, right
now... but then I had an ‘aha’ moment where I thought back to a section
on a website I frequent, Faces of Loss, Faces of Hope,
where they offer guidance in setting up a Face2Face Friendship Group in
your own hometown (read below to find out more about Face2Face groups).
I had 2 thoughts...
1. Why reinvent the wheel?
While I was trying to find the ‘right’
way to go about this, something fabulous and successful has already
been set up and is being offered!
2) Why not us?!
__________
“Faces of Loss, Faces of Hope is all about connection. Hopefully, through our website (and facebook page), you’ve been able to connect with other parents with stories similar to yours. While
connecting online is great, there is still something really special
about making a face-to-face connection with someone who ‘gets’ what it’s
like to lose a baby.
Face2Face Friendship Groups are not
meant to be formal ‘support groups,’ but rather simple gatherings of
friends who share a deep common bond. Groups of friends hanging out, enjoying a meal or a cup of coffee (or tea! Or wine!), and talking about their babies.
Most groups meet once or twice a month
at local restaurants and coffee shops. There are currently over 100
groups up and running across the US and abroad!”
__________
And so... we are taking the plunge! We
are going to co-lead our own local group!! We have to firm up and
submit our applications and then we will receive our leader package and
we can take it from there!
I think I can speak for the both of us
in saying that we are excited (and little nervous) to get this next
chapter in our journey underway!
On a personal level, setting up a
support group has been something I have wanted to do from almost day one
of finding out that there is nothing similar in place in Yellowknife
and I have my fingers crossed that we can make a successful go at
helping others in our community who feel are feeling lonely feel a
little less so.
