Joining or Starting a WSA local area Support Group

[Richard]

There have been a number of posts recently about people looking for local area WSA Support Groups, and some wanting to start a group.

I feel it's necessary to explain what's involved. First of all, the list of where support groups (or support contact people) are is here:

http://www.wellspouse.org/index.php?opt ... &Itemid=50

If there's no group or contact person, call the Office at 1-800-838-0879, to find out whether other members are in your area, and/or to find out about getting a support group leader package.

To join or start a WSA Support Group you _must_ be a WSA member. The Registration page is here:

http://www.wellspouse.org/index.php?opt ... &Itemid=53

Note that WSA membership is $25 a year -- a reasonable sum in light of the expenses the Well Spouse Association incurs, with paid Office staff to answer questions from members and prospective members, keep records, maintain the Web page, mount exhibits, and coordinate volunteers for the WSA, as well as other costs for publicizing our services, producing the quarterly newsletter, Mainstay, supporting Support Group Leaders and their groups, and maintaining the online WSA Forum. BTW, membership in the online WSA Forum is free, but we would be happy for you to join the WSA and/or donate money for the work of the organization. The online Forum is a virtual support group, but these are never as good as the real thing, meeting fellow spousal caregivers face-to-face, and making new friends who really know what it's like.

For further information, click on the WSA logo at the top left of this page, or call 1-800-838-0879.
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