What They Are and How to Start and Run One
What is a peer support group and how is it different from a professional led group?
Peer groups are better than a professional-led group. Well! OK I am biased!
In truth- they are just different, complementary, not competitors, invaluable whilst offering different strengths and experiences to members.
In a professional group the leader shares their knowledge, they are the expert, the most powerful person in the group, directing and controlling the discussion. Professional groups are mainly aimed at changing behaviour, and are usually “for-profit” whereas charges, if any, in a peer support group will be mostly to cover costs (e.g. soft drinks if included).
Self-help Philosophy
In a peer support group, the members are empowered, we are all experts on our own ADHD and know something about what works for us, and what does not work. We can also share our expertise and experiences as well as simultaneously help and be helped. Decisions are shared by the group, either directly or through their leaders. Furthermore, in the honesty of a support group, in members all walks of life, we can recognise our own thought processes, struggles and strengths, perhaps for the first time.
Starting a Support Group
Form a nucleus and get in touch with people who may be interested in coming to a group, or co-founding local groups or large adult ADHD groups on social media. This could be a good place to start. Check if ADHD peer support groups exist in your country/region already. They may have useful advice about starting and running a support group and be willing to help with publicity and knowledge.
It can be worthwhile to cooperate with other support groups before and after your support group is established. In Flanders I set up an English-speaking support group for adults where there is large international community. I eventually joined a Flemish network of support groups, with leaders who were able to meet every month to discuss any difficulties in the groups, share research and respond jointly to media etc. It’s also important to ensure the continuity of groups when leading members retire from their position.
Decisions to be Made
Meeting place:
Early on, people involved in building a support group [team] may come forward to share their private home as it is convenient and free. Others may have public connections who can offer space: offices, universities, libraries, clinics, schools, places of worship at low cost for free. Pubs and cafes are known to offer a private room in return for refreshment sales.
Meeting Dates & Times:
Support group leaders & team will likely decide on a regular date and time that serves them. Once a month is usually enough with a trend towards early meetings due to family responsibilities It’s become easy to communicate with teams/members via social media online.
Develop a Plan
1. Mission Statement:
A Mission Statement may be useful as it keeps your aims and hopes for the group in mind. This Statement makes the group’s PURPOSE clear from the beginning for members and organisers. The mission statement can also change as time goes with members’ input as necessary.
2. Who can be a member?
Make clear who the meetings are aimed at.
- Co-existing Conditions?
- All genders, women/men only, or both?
- People with ADHD who are diagnosed, undiagnosed, suspected or waiting to be diagnosed.
Globally, waiting times for an ADHD diagnosis and assessments lag way behind what is needed. - What is a diagnosis qualification?
Consequently, there are millions with this condition going through their lives without help [social assistance and/or financial – private healthcare]. - What about friends, lovers, and family of adults with ADHD?
3. Who is involved or want’s to help?
Once meetings have begun, ask members if they are interested in stepping up to share organisation and leadership functions, speakers or even presentations? This helps keep the group functional and give all members opportunities to and practice new skills.
4. What should be charged or for free?
Will there be costs for a fee charged to cover meeting costs: a room? insurance? free refreshments?
How will you cover them? People are generally willing to pay a small sub at each meeting
5. Talk to existing support groups
What help is available for support groups in your area?
Some countries charities, governments, or health insurance companies may offer some financial or practical support. Support groups are known to reduce health care costs.
Rules
The most important rule is about CONFIDENTIALITY It’s important we all feel safe, respected, and trustworthy.
“Private matters discussed in the meeting, stay in the meeting.”
Other rules/guidelines may be required in a group situation.
Structure
A Lack of Structure can Sink an ADHD Group
Some may have an open discussion others may kickoff a discussion with short talks (10-20 min) The topic may be chosen at the previous meeting from members suggestions (e.g. timekeeping, overcoming procrastination, relationships, products that help, medication etc.) They can be presented by a volunteer member or leader.
Large groups with high attendance, and floating members at each meeting might make a short announcement at the outset on matters new to the area or useful to newcomers about what is available in the area/country for people with ADHD, for diagnosis, accommodations etc.
Discussion Circles
For groups of 30 or less the try the once around to open the meeting: It works well to get everyone involved and talking. Initially allow 3- 5 min depending on group size to each attendee to introduce themselves (if new) and for everybody to summarize current triumphs and challenges. Issues raised can be returned to later in the group discussion if necessary. You may want to give someone extra time in the circle occasionally. A timer is needed (egg time best – no noise, electronic will do), also serves as a physical symbol for who has the talking power).
This opener ensures everyone takes part in the discussion, feels part of the group so no one person can completely dominate the conversation. The format above benefits any meeting with seats arranged in a circle or around a single table so meetings do not split into cliques. Depending on your group dynamics and size, it can be useful to continue to pass an object to a member who wants to speak throughout the meeting, symbolizing they have the floor for an agreed amount of time.
Theme
Should meetings be given a theme (e.g. timekeeping, organising aids, useful books, professional speakers?)
Whilst professional speakers at self-support groups are controversial, an occasional ADHD meeting that opens with a professional speaker can attract new members to the group and even lapsed members back to the fold. Be a bit wary, I never invited anyone who charged a fee. However, I fell for a speaker who, before the meeting, asked me to buy 3 books including her own for the meeting, who then cancelled without a replacement date. I covered the cost of my gullibility myself.
Large Meetings:
Make a short announcement prior to starting what is available in the area/region/ country for people with ADHD. Ensure someone is looking out for newcomers, to welcome and integrate them.
Insurance
I ran a small support group for English speakers in Flanders for 20 years, when the alarming rumor that somebody was suing the boy scouts for a road accident on the way to scouts. I worried but of course I did not do anything. Later I affiliated to a Flemish network of adult ADHD support groups, paying them a small proportion of meeting subs the benefits were, including insurance cover. In the UK, public liability insurance is not legally required but is worth considering the situation regarding your own country.
Finally
We, that is, people with ADHD may be chaotic, disorganized and oblivious. However, we solve problems with empathy, creativity and humour along with adequate structure/scaffolding which really helps us too.
Good Luck!
