How to Stay Connected to Your "Grandparents Raising Grandchildren" Support Group
Written by the
Support Group Sub-Committee of the
Commission on Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
Being a part of a support group has so many benefits for those who participate, especially for grandparents raising grandchildren. Support groups help participants feel less alone, learn ideas and strategies from people who have the same experiences. Support groups help prevent isolation, loneliness, and depression. Support groups help participants form a new community of caregivers to connect with who know exactly what each other is going through. Many grandparents tell us that participating in a support group has helped them learn information about services and resources, gain a better understanding as to some of the issues that may be impacting their families, and most importantly, feel supported.
In this current public health crisis, support groups are not able to meet in person. Fortunately, with modern technology, there are many different and creative ways to still stay connected, even when we can't meet up in person. We recently reached out to support group facilitators from across the state to hear about ways they are connecting with support group members and we were thrilled to learn that many group facilitators have connected with support group members either by phone or e-mail. We have heard about other groups that are meeting through FaceTime or through Zoom.
Below is a list of suggested ideas for support groups to stay connected during COVID-19 State of Emergency: