How To Start A Support Group For Kids ?

[maximoo]

Hello All: I was wondering how does one start a support group for kids? I've never been to a support group of any kind and am unsure how to set one up, what topics/themes to include, how long & how often meetings should be. Where should meetings be? Is a newsletter a good idea? I don't make a lot of money so I couldn't put much out. Should a fee be charged to cover materials? Would I need a grant? I do know I'd like to have activities for the kids--perhaps a simple cooking lessons, & different topics like how to handle the pressure @ birthday parties etc, easy biology lessons about celiac & its effects, word games (learning ingredient words that mean gluten), role playing. etc. Maybe I could get a guest speaker from time to time like a nurse or dr Should there be a fun field trip too?

I have no idea if this is even feasible. I do know that necessity is the mother of invention & since I haven't seen a support group for kids I'd like to know what it would take to make it possible & successful. Any & all ideas would be appreciated.

[Cara in Boston]

We joined the group organized by Children's Hospital in Boston. We've only been gluten-free for about 3 months so we haven't really become active but here are some examples of what ours does (maybe someone with more experience can expand on them):

Each kid gets a "care package" in the mail welcoming them into the group. Ours was filled with all kinds of treats (donated from vendors I imagine?) and sample foods, along with lots of baking mixes and general information.

They have regular meetings (I think).

They have three annual special events (summer BBQ, Holiday party, etc.) where you can meet everyone and all the food is safe - we are REALLY looking forward to that!

There is a handy newsleter - maybe it comes every other month?

We paid a fee to join. Can't remember what it was, but not a lot. Worth every penny.

I think they also have an email list, but I'm not sure . . .

Good luck -

Cara

[Boatswife]

I am also looking into starting a support group since there's none around (not even within a 4 hour drive!). I love the ideas mentioned above.