How do Support Groups work?

Support groups are organized to help people through an entire range of life stages and crisis. They are a place for people to give and receive both emotional and practical support as well as to exchange information. The main theme is “You are not alone”. Support groups are made up of individuals who share or have shared similar experiences. Support groups are available for friends and family who also seek information to explore various alternatives to living with their particular health concern or crisis. Caregivers, friends and family members also have an opportunity to share their feelings and receive conformation of those feelings. The strength of a support groups is in the individuals who have received help and stay on to help others through situations. The individuals share what has worked and not worked for them, personal experiences, information and resources. They serve as role models for new members.

Group meetings vary from weekly, twice monthly or monthly. They are usually free of charge, informal and self-regulating. In some cases the volunteer facilitators will have received training from a sponsoring national organization. To find out if there is a support group for your circumstance ask your doctor, mental health organization or clinic, or the national self help clearing house. When searching for a support group, the single most important thing to remember may be: if the group doesn't feel right to you or doesn't match your needs, try a different group. There are many options available.

Alcoholics Anonymous/ Al-Anon
Contact the Council on Alcohol & Substance Abuse of Livingston County
Call (585) 335-5052 or (585) 346-3050 for days, times, and locations.

Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Groups
This group meets twice a month at the following location and times:
The 2nd Tuesday of each month, 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Geneseo Methodist Church, Route 63 at Court St., Geneseo

The 1st Monday of each month, 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. 
Noyes Memorial Hospital Conference Center, Dansville 
Contact Wellness Dept. at (585) 335-4355.
or the Alzheimer's Association at (585) 760-5500.

Bereavement Support Group
Sponsored by the Livingston County Department of Health.
Contact the Health Department at (585) 243-7299 for dates and times.

Brain Injury Support Group

Call Brain Injury Association of NYS to locate nearest group.

(518) 459-7911 or Family Help Line (800) 228-8201

Cardiac Support Group
This group meets every other month.
Contact the Health Department at (585) 243-7299 for dates and times.

Caregiver's Support Group (Non-Specific)
This group meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month, 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
It meets at Zion Episcopal Church, which is located on the circle in Avon.
Contact the Mental Health Association at (585) 226-3150 for more information.

Colostomy Support

Support is available through the Volunteer Department at Noyes Hospital; Call (585) 335-4355.

Depression Support Group
This groups meets the first and third Tuesday of each month.
6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 23 Main Street Geneseo
For questions, or more information, please call the Mental Health Association at (585) 226-3150 or by  email: echichester@mharochester.org