Support groups are gatherings of people who share similar experiences or challenges, providing emotional support, practical advice, and a sense of community.
Tips & Links
Support groups can be valuable for people living with or caring for others with health challenges because they offer emotional encouragement, shared experiences, practical advice, and a sense of connection and understanding.
Learn More
- Learn what a support group is, what to expect, and the benefits of finding social connections from Healthlink BC.
- In BC, various organizations offer disease-focused support groups for individuals and their families. These groups provide peer support, information, and resources for specific health conditions, including mental health, cancer, dementia, and more. Learn more about specific groups from BC Cancer, Pain BC, Parkinson Society of BC, Alzheimers Society of BC, and many others.
- Some groups such as Alcohol Anonymous and other addiction programs are founded on the strength of sharing and communicating towards a common goal.
- Self-help groups are usually facilitated by members of the group, sharing and open communication is expected, as well as privacy and confidentiality amongst the membership.
Things You Can Do
- Explore if joining a support group would be beneficial to you. Think about your mental health and emotional well-being. Know that you can exit a support group if at any time you do not have the capacity to remain or it is not the right fit for your needs.
- Make a list of the different support groups available to you. Some topics to search may include disease-specific groups, caregivers, loss or bereavement support, cancer, or emotional health.
- Choose how you want to meet with others – in person, by phone, or virtually through your computer.
- Visit the Family-Caregivers of BC website and learn about their family caregiver support groups.
- Find a disease/condition specific support group for caregivers listed by Family-Caregivers of BC.
- If you or someone you are caring for is choosing Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID), learn about the MAiD Family Support Group.
- Dying with Dignity provides an online directory to groups who support end-of-life concerns.
- Consider that some people are private people and do not want to share their concerns in a group setting. Understand that support groups are not for everyone.
- Explore if support groups are part of your personal support network by using the Nidus Personal Support Planning Tool.