Hints and Tips to Get You Going

Hints and Tips on Forming a Support Group

1. Be clear about your aims and what you want to do, for example:
   • inform the public about meningitis, its signs, symptoms and means of prevention
   • help and support people who have had meningitis and their families by sharing experiences
   • raise money for research, surveillance and medical help
2. Is there already an organisation dedicated to meningitis in your country? If so then make contact with it. It may already be involved in the areas in which interest you, and your skills and experiences may be very valuable.
3. If there is no meningitis organisation in your country, there may still be like-minded people who would join you in achieving your goals – share your aims and experiences in an article for publication by the media, ask for people to join you.
4. So now you are not alone – does your group have a specific, achievable goal? Concentrate on that at first and establish the audiences that you wish to reach.
5. Think of how your group members will reach your chosen audiences; will you organise meetings or speak at meetings organised by others?
6. Make local influential friends; for example the mayor of your village or town, your local Member of Parliament and any celebrities, who can help to give face and voice to your cause. Working at a local level at first will help to establish your reputation for getting things done.
7. If you wish to give out information to the public think of seeking a medical advisor to check its accuracy and give it professional weight and approval. Think also if such information will need to have approval from any authority in your country, and think how you will produce and distribute it.
8. Would it help to have a simple website to publicize your cause? But think first if this method of communication will reach your chosen audience.
9. Do you need to raise funds to support your cause? Think to what use you would put them. Try for local funds first. Think about any need for liability insurance for public fund-raising events in your country.
10. In order to raise funds from the public or to achieve your objectives in your country does your group need to have a legal identity, for example does the group need to become a registered charitable association? Speak to your local authorities or to a professional in charity law.
11. Do not be afraid to ask for help from others with experience of doing what you wish to do. Many of the members of CoMO have just such experiences to share. If you do decide to establish a meningitis organisation then membership of COMO will help your organisation to develop its ideas and to share experience and practice.