1. Empowering Support Groups
HIV Care, Support, and Treatment

2. Definition of a Support Group
Group of people who come together to talk about common experiences, problems, and concerns, without being judged, blamed, stigmatized, or isolated.
Fanelli, C., and Moyo, A Guidelines for Establishing and Operating Successful Support Groups for People Living with HIV. Baltimore: CRS

3. Support Groups and the Continuum of Care
van Praag E, Tarantola D. Continuum of care (figure). In: Scaling up the continuum of care for people living with HIV in Asia and Pacific: A toolkit for implementers. Bangkok: Family Health International, Adapted from: Narain JP, Chela C, van Praag. Planning and implementing HIV/AIDS care programmes: A step-by-step approach. New Delhi: World Health Organization, 2007.

4. Importance of Support Groups
Helps people face challenging and stressful situations and build a sense of community. People with similar experiences can:
Better relate
Offer more authentic empathy and validation
Give practical advice and suggestions
Share relevant and credible information
Mead, S., and MacNeil, C “Peer Support: What Makes it Unique?” International Journal of Psychosocial Rehabilitation. 10(2):29-37.
Fanelli, C., and Moyo, A Op. cit.

5. Importance of HIV Support Groups
Members give and receive emotional, social, and spiritual support, which improves their physical and emotional well-being. Belonging to a support group helps PLHIV:
Develop positive strategies for living with HIV
Strengthen knowledge
Gain self-confidence
Make friends, reduce isolation
Develop a public voice, overcome barriers
Fanelli, C., and Moyo, A Op. cit.
Venter, W. November HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control: A short course for humanitarian workers, Facilitator Manual. RHRC Consortium.

6. The Power of Support Groups
Listen to this story that illustrates the power of support groups
Invite one participant to read aloud “The Power of Support Groups” on the first two pages of Handout #1.

7. Purpose of Support Groups
To improve the quality of life of PLHIV and their families and promote physical and emotional well-being
To empower members with information on HIV prevention, care, support, and treatment (including ARVs) and to learn from each other’s experiences
To give refuge from HIV-related stigma and discrimination, promote acceptance, and offer opportunities for collective work to address stigma and discrimination
Fanelli, C., and Moyo, A Op. cit.
How to set up Support Groups. (Accessed 06/28/2013)

8. Kinds of Support Groups
Post-test clubs
Treatment adherence groups
Discordant couples support groups
Support groups for key populations
Teen clubs
Etc.
Colton, T., et al. October Community and Home-Based Care for People and Communities Affected by HIV/AIDS: A Comprehensive Training Course for Community Health Worker. Watertown, MA: Pathfinder

9. Support Group Discussion Topics and Activities
Manage disclosure and relationships, including safer sex
Discuss topics prioritized by group members (positive living, treatment adherence, nutrition education, etc.)
Organize activities (social, sport, celebrations)
Address issues relevant to the group
GNP+ and UNAIDS Positive Health, Dignity and Prevention: Technical Consultation Report. Amsterdam: GNP+
Fanelli, C., and Moyo, A Op. cit.

10. Volunteer Credibility in Working with Support Groups
As someone without HIV, you may have little credibility — vital to establish trust
Be an excellent communicator
Show a caring attitude
Ask open questions and listen
Be willing to help
Admit when you’re wrong
Do not judge others
Coltin, T. et al. October Op. cit.

11. What Makes a Successful Support Group?
Clear purpose
Confidentiality
Scope and limits
Leadership roles, responsibilities, and structure
Membership
Ground rules
Where and when meetings are held
Planning discussion topics and activities
Partnerships
Self-evaluation
Fanelli C. and Moyo A Guidelines for Establishing and Operating Successful Support Groups for People Living with HIV. Baltimore: CRS
How to set up Support Groups. (Accessed 06/28/2013)