Starting your own group

If you can’t find the right group for you, you can start your own group.

This can be a good way to meet people and build support.

There is no one way to start a new group.

Some groups are formal, with rules and procedures; while others are more like casual friendship groups.

All groups are different, but the tips below can help you get started:

Start simple. Get together a small group of people with the same disability or interests as you.

Organise a meeting somewhere casual and cheap, like a park or a coffee shop.

Talk about the rules and goals of the group at the first meeting and write them down.

Have a way for people to call into the meeting from home. For example, by Skype or phone.

Create a social media group on Facebook or Google Groups that you can use to communicate outside of meetings.

Start reaching out to others who may like to join. You can do this by contacting disability organisations, going to events, or even sharing the group with friends on social media.