Support Groups: Program Description


4-20-10
PROGRAMS AND SERVICES MANUAL
POLICY
SUPPORT GROUPS: PROGRAM DESCRIPTION


GOAL

Through the provision of both ongoing and short-term facilitated groups, the goal of the Support Groups is to respond to the relevant existing and emerging issues related to HIV/AIDS of men and women, both infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.

RATIONALE

Support groups serve as opportunities to share experiences; create mutual support; exchange personal and health information; acquire new knowledge; explore choices about life, health and well-being; and build a sense of shared community.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Ongoing groups run throughout the year at one session per week.

Short-term groups are offered in each of three cycles (fall/winter/spring). Each group is time limited with the length predetermined prior to the first session.

Facilitation responsibilities are shared by two volunteers per group: at least one is an AIDS Committee of Toronto (ACT) volunteer, and at least one is chosen for their personal connection to the issues being addressed. Additional guest facilitators/speakers are arranged as needed.

Where members of a support group want to continue on a self-help basis without ACT facilitators, ACT endeavours to provide group members with the skills necessary to continue independent of ACT facilitators and facilities.

STAFFING

The Support Groups are staffed by a full-time program coordinator and volunteers.

LOCATION AND HOURS

Support Groups are offered at ACT during regular hours of operation and at off-site locations.



RECORDS

Basic member information is compiled at intake.

Group activity forms are completed after each session by group facilitators.

Group members are requested to complete an evaluation form at the end of each cycle.

The above records are kept on file and maintained by the Support Group Coordinator.

EVALUATION

Support Groups at ACT are evaluated in the following ways:

1. Post-group evaluations are completed by group members.

2. Input and feedback is sought from group facilitators.

3. Input and feedback is sought from members of relevant ACT teams.