Well I did it! - today I went to the Citizens Advice Bureau and had a chat with them about starting up a support group. They directed me to Volunteer Services where I found a room and subsequently have booked the first Wednesday of each month for the next three months for the brand-spanking new Nelson infertility support group!! :)
I'm pretty excited about it! I have four weeks to get the word out. I've already sent an email to the local community paper and will start informing Dr's, gynos, herbalists, infertility specialists, acupuncturists and whoever else I can think of that may deal with those facing infertility. I am looking forward to utilising my graphic design and marketing skills to do something for the community - something that I feel will be very worth-while.
The first meeting is Wednesday 7th October. The ad in the community paper reads:
INFERTILITY SUPPORT GROUP New group meeting monthly in town for women only. First meeting Wednesday 7th October from 7 - 8pm, followed by tea and coffee. All women going through either primary or secondary infertility are very welcome to attend. Privacy ensured. Ph Lynda on 548 6877 for further details.
Today was the day of new beginnings, it would seem. I went for a job interview as an international student homestay coordinator at one of the local girls colleges (high-school in American-speak!). I will find out at the end of the week/beginning of next week if I make it to the second interview stage. I hope so. I know I'd be good at the job and I'd enjoy it too.
I feel by starting an infertility support group that I have "outted" myself to the next level as a SI. I feel the best I have for a very long time; so I know I have done something great today. My only concern is that PIs might shy away knowing SIs could be present, but I will just have to hope that those attending can see infertility, whether it be primary or secondary, as a grief we all share.
If it hadn't been for all the amazing support I've had on-line for the last almost two years with Dailystrength and recently RESOLVE; I'm sure I wouldn't have realised just how valuable support groups for infertility are. So thank-you to all my SI on-line friends - you've inspired me and given me strength to bring a new infertility support group to a town that didn't have one.
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