Caring for a person who has Alzheimer's disease or any form of dementia can be a difficult and stressful experience. Many carers have found support groups to be a useful way of meeting with others in similar situations. It can be very reassuring to know that you are not alone.

What is a Support Group?
A support Group is an informal gathering of people who share similar experiences, situations or concerns. By meeting together, Support Group members can offer each other emotional and practical support. Support Groups usually meet once a month at a regular time. These groups are coordinated by people employed in health related fields or by people who have been carers themselves. The coordinator will organise the date, time and venue for the meeting in consultation with members.

A Support Group meeting may include:

*	Information about Alzheimer's disease and other dementia related illnesses
*	Group discussions
*	Sharing experiences and practical tips and advice on living with or caring for someone with dementia
*	Relevant information and educational sessions given by guest speakers and/or videos
*	Some support groups have an occasional social outing
*	Sharing a cup of tea/coffee

How can a Support Group help you?

*	Giving you a chance to share your feelings and hearing the experience of others
*	Helping you to understand more about dementia
*	Being understood by others in similar circumstances
*	Giving you the chance to re-charge your batteries (however brief)
*	Discovering other ways of managing the behaviour of the person with dementia
*	Increasing your knowledge of other services and resources that are available to you

A Support Group doesn't:

*	Have joining fees or costs involved. Some groups may ask for a small amount to go towards tea, coffee and biscuits.
*	Make you sign any forms, join any committees or commit your time.
*	Tell you when to come.

You may attend as often and whenever you like - each month or once a year if you wish. Anyone can attend these meetings. You do not have to be caring in your home to take advantage of a Support Group meeting.

For information on locations of Dementia Specific Support Groups and General Carer Support Groups please call the Dementia Help Line on 1800 639331 or email helpline@alzheimersonline.org The details for the groups are currently being updated and will be available again on this page in the near future.

To view other support group information on this website, click on the following links:

Telephone Support Groups
Early Stage Dementia Support Groups