When you are running a support group you constantly ask yourself if you are doing enough?
Are we reaching as many people as possible, what could we do differently?
There really is only one way to find those answers and that is to ask your members, they are the ones that matter.
As you know during the pandemic we all had to think out of our comfort zones, grandparents were still facing this living bereavement of unjustified estrangements, they still needed support and to see they were not alone.
Many group leaders decided to ’embrace’ technology and investigate zoom and other similar platforms, after the initial issues such as people cleaning their ovens whilst on zoom or being able to see the top of many grandparents heads, I think we can congratulate ourselves for plodding on!
The first thing, of course was that it didn’t matter where in the world grandparents were, they could join us, the world did become instantly smaller. We really were holding hands across the globe.
It has to be said that of course meeting in a virtual world can never be the same as sitting next to someone, to be able to hold a hand in a physical sense, but what I have observed is that every participant within that computer screen, shows exactly the same empathy and compassion to others. For which I am eternally grateful.
Within BGSG our members now are from all over the world, there are no borders or barriers.
For 15 years I have hosted support group meetings in my home, and I never know how many people will actually attend, it can be 5 or 25!
The friendships I have made in that time are so precious, we have over that time lost some very dear friends but we all help each other in those sad times, and take comfort from the fact that they were all and always will be part of our special family.
We have now all moved into a hopefully more settled stage, and I can’t speak for other groups but BGSG will continue with our regular face to face meetings in Bristol, and continue to run regular zoom meetings. There is a valuable place for both.
We have updated all the groups on our website, so that it is clear who is running just online meetings, or in person meetings, in your areas. I hope that helps.
It is worth me saying that I am always happy to do a one to one online meeting as well, if that is helpful.
So back to most important people, the members of BGSG, here is just a few comments made:
I would love to meet face to face with others, but the zoom meeting is the next best thing. I’m so grateful for the group running the zoom.
It’s the fact that this group is a secure and safe place where, quite simply put, people understand.
What I find here with BGSG sharing experiences & knowing others understand & empathise . I would like F2F but only managed to do that once. Zoom has been good when I’ve participated & hope to in the future. I’ve appreciated the one to one phonecalls/messages as well
I do think talking in person is the most helpful way for me.
It’s been a great support …. You feel you are connecting with others who understand … I very had phone calls with BGSG and received so much reassurance.
Face-to-face is not possible for me because of location so Zoom is very important. Nobody should underestimate the support if provides. Since we started zooming due to the pandemic I feel I’ve really got to know other group members so much better and formed close friendships as a result. I think it’s important to remember that we get a lot of support but it’s important that we’re able to give it as well. I’ve learned a lot through our meetings so don’t want them to end!
I really love and benefit from the Zoom meetings. I am inspired and reassured constantly from reading and connecting with unfortunate parents whose heart aches like mine. I’m thankful for the group, and continue to stay hopeful. Just to chat, and listen to people who totally understands is such a blessing. I have also been so lucky to have gained a couple of true friends.
I would prefer to meet face to face, but Bristol is too far.
Luckily, I do have a lot of support from friends within this special group and hope, one day, to have a chat and cuppa together!
I prefer one to one chats on the phone or on-line.
BGSG has been my therapy when I feel so alone.
So, hopefully we cover most bases!
