Currently, Peel Health does not offer a hepatitis C support group. Other health units offer hepatitis C support groups available to people who have either been infected with, are affected by, or are at risk of being infected by hepatitis C.
Please visit the following websites for further information regarding the dates, times and locations of support groups.
Durham hepatitis C support group
York Region hepatitis C support group
What is a support group?
A support group is a place where people experiencing a similar life issue, such as living with hepatitis C, can come together in a confidential environment to share and learn about an issue. They also provide each other with a support network and build new friendships.
Benefits of support groups
- Confidentiality pertains to all groups, both formal and informal; what is said and done in the group stays in the group
- Support groups provide a safe place to talk about your feelings and experiences
- You will be able to relate to others in the group
- Knowing that you are not alone is an important and healing insight
- Support groups can help you learn about hepatitis C, new and current treatments, and how to manage
- This social environment allows you to help others as you help yourself
- Support groups break down people's sense of isolation.
There are two types of support groups: formal and informal.
Formal support groups
- Formal support groups are usually held at the same time and place on a regular basis, often weekly or monthly
- They're usually led by either a professional social or health service provider and/or a peer with experience in the issue and who has the skills to lead groups
- They are usually closed, meaning new members cannot join after the first three sessions
- They usually cover health education and have a psychosocial component: people can share their life experiences and support each other on issues they're struggling with
- Participants can encourage each other to solve the issues facing them
- Some formal groups decide to become incorporated, setting clear roles and becoming registered with a charitable number. The established, incorporated group can then apply for charitable funding, which may give them the freedom to develop programs or pay for special events
- Established groups can also become chapters. Visit the Hepatitis C Society of Canada website for more information on becoming a chapter.
- With formal status, groups need to hold regular annual general meetings, have elections and set clear roles and responsibilities.
Informal support groups
- Informal support groups allow people to meet and support each other on the issues they're dealing with
- They are often open-ended-people can come and go as they please
- New members can join anytime
- They also cover health topics and can use these topics to base discussions on
- They can be a place for social support and health education
- Participants and/or a health or social service provider can lead them
- Most groups are best led by a combination of health and/or social service provider and someone from the community experiencing the same issue.
Both formal and informal groups give people the chance to check in with each other.
It's important to research what is available and choose the group that best meets your needs.
