How to maintain functional support groups A functional support group results where: • The group understands its goals and objectives; • The group creates an environment in which it is comfortable communicating and where members are not punished for disagreeing; • Communication is open, honest and respectful and everyone is free to express thoughts, opinions and feelings; • Group members have a strong sense of belonging; • Group members are viewed as unique and there are different experiences, views and opinions, especially since the purpose of forming a group is to take advantage of the differences; • There is flexibility; • Confidentiality is maintained; and • There is respect for all. Exercise Participants are put in groups, depending on their geographical locations. They discuss the following: • What the name of the support group is going to be; • How many times they want to meet; • Activities or topics they want to discuss in their support groups; • Values; • The date of the first meeting; and • Challenges they are likely to face. Exercise / ‘Trust-building’ Allow participants to engage in activities such as falling into another person’s arms, being led blindfolded, etc. REFERRALS (Mini lecture and discussion) Referrals involve providing information that directs the needy to a source of help. There are a number of agencies where one can get help: • You can look in the community for knowledgeable people who can help (such as community-trained caregivers or a pastor, friend, aunt, uncle, grandmother/father; and • The community clinic, which is quite helpful, can be utilised. The clinic staff might ask you to see: • A counsellor, who might help you identify problems and solutions; • A medical doctor, because there may be a need for blood tests and medication; and • A psychiatrist, for there may be a need for more advanced treatment. 122 Community Healing: A training manual for Zimbabwe