Start a Support Group

Article Summary

If you administer a vestibular disorders support group (or want to), we’re eager to help. VeDA assists support groups by publishing contact information for new or established groups as well as meeting dates and times in our Support Group Directory.

VeDA Support Group Network (VSGN)

We encourage you to start a support group if there aren't any existing groups in your area. By joining the VeDA Support Group Network (VSGN) you gain access to resources such as meeting outlines, mentoring, and help promoting your meeting locally.

Joining the VSGN Is Easy!

Start by completing the Volunteer Application to tell us a little bit about yourself. Choose "YES" for the option "Support Group Leader (in Person or Online)" and we'll reach out to learn more about your support group.

Email us for more information about how to join the VSGN. You can also download our list of recommendations on how to start a support group.

What Makes Support Groups Interesting?

Support groups offer people with vestibular disorders an opportunity to meet face-to-face with others who are experiencing similar challenges, as well as to hear presentations by health professionals on topics of interest. The Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA) serves as a hub for, and offers assistance to, support groups around the world. VeDA recently surveyed the leaders of these groups in an effort to identify the characteristics of successful support groups and how VeDA might improve the assistance it provides to them.

Discussion Topics

Download a list of possible topics for meetings. You might also find it helpful to cross-reference this list with our free downloadable publications.

Support Group Meeting Formats

Varying the presentation and organization of meetings can be helpful for providing variety and for delivering information. But the ultimate goal is to establish a network with which people can ground themselves in order to move forward.

Sample Meeting Outlines

Sometimes being in charge of leading a discussion can be daunting, but if you go to the meeting with a few key questions to pose to the group, you’ll find it easy to keep the session lively! To review a support-group leader’s outline for leading a meeting about understanding a vestibular disorder as an invisible chronic illness, read more.

Order VeDA brochures to distribute to your support group attendees.