How I started a peer support group
At the retreat this past weekend I shared how I started a peer support group in my home town. I was asked to share that here so here goes.
Following the first retreat I attended I started looking for a support group were I could experience the bond I felt with the men at the retreat. I could not find anything within the 100 mile area surronding my home. Finally, I quit looking and decided that if there was going to be one, it was up to me.
My local newspaper gives free ads for support groups in its health and well being section each week so I started there. Writing the ad I realized I would have to give contact information. that was my first difficulty, I had to put my name in the paper if I wanted this to happen. So I wrote the ad which stated "Male sexual abuse survivors peer support group forming. Call ken Followell at ..... for more information." So I had my name published as a survivor. Then I waited.
Good thing it was a free ad, it was 3 months until I got my first call. The only acknowledge I had that anyone had even read the ad was a senior citizen neighbor said he say the ad and wished me luck. He was very friendly and suportive, but I still felt like I wanted to crawl in hole and hide. Finally, survivors started calling. Several really wanted to meet other survivors, but were too afraid to actually meet face to face. I got to where I was talkig to someone new every month or so, but no one would meet. that went on for over a year and a half. Finally 2 men agreed to meet with me on the same day!! We the one time and one decided it wasn't for him but finally I had a buddy to meet with. We meet for a while and one other guy drove 50 miles one way to join us. We decided to reach out for more men, by using a brochure. I wrote it and the other guy in town had his days off, so he hand delivered them to every therapist and sel help group in town. I think all that work burned him out because he started pulling back, but the phone began ringing with men who wanted a group.
There are now 8 of use that meet every 2 weeks and support each other with whatever issues we are facing. It is the greatest gift I have ever given to my self. If anyone would like help starting a group I would be happy to help. If you PM me I will be happy to send you the brochure we used and offer any support and advice I can.
Following the first retreat I attended I started looking for a support group were I could experience the bond I felt with the men at the retreat. I could not find anything within the 100 mile area surronding my home. Finally, I quit looking and decided that if there was going to be one, it was up to me.
My local newspaper gives free ads for support groups in its health and well being section each week so I started there. Writing the ad I realized I would have to give contact information. that was my first difficulty, I had to put my name in the paper if I wanted this to happen. So I wrote the ad which stated "Male sexual abuse survivors peer support group forming. Call ken Followell at ..... for more information." So I had my name published as a survivor. Then I waited.
Good thing it was a free ad, it was 3 months until I got my first call. The only acknowledge I had that anyone had even read the ad was a senior citizen neighbor said he say the ad and wished me luck. He was very friendly and suportive, but I still felt like I wanted to crawl in hole and hide. Finally, survivors started calling. Several really wanted to meet other survivors, but were too afraid to actually meet face to face. I got to where I was talkig to someone new every month or so, but no one would meet. that went on for over a year and a half. Finally 2 men agreed to meet with me on the same day!! We the one time and one decided it wasn't for him but finally I had a buddy to meet with. We meet for a while and one other guy drove 50 miles one way to join us. We decided to reach out for more men, by using a brochure. I wrote it and the other guy in town had his days off, so he hand delivered them to every therapist and sel help group in town. I think all that work burned him out because he started pulling back, but the phone began ringing with men who wanted a group.
There are now 8 of use that meet every 2 weeks and support each other with whatever issues we are facing. It is the greatest gift I have ever given to my self. If anyone would like help starting a group I would be happy to help. If you PM me I will be happy to send you the brochure we used and offer any support and advice I can.
