Running a support group is no easy task.
People with rheumatic diseases around the world count on support groups for education about their disease and emotional support. In scleroderma, many support group leaders feel overburdened or lack the training and resources to lead their groups effectively. To support these leaders and encourage new leaders to form their own support groups, SPIN has partnered with scleroderma support group leaders to create the SPIN-SSLED Program. This 13-week training program provides leaders with information and resources to help them feel more comfortable, confident and supported in their roles, and contribute to a more positive support group experience.
If you fulfill the criteria above and are interested in trying the SPIN-SSLED Program, please contact your patient organization.
One of the goals of the SPIN-SSLED Program is training new or current support group leaders to run virtual support groups accessible to patients from different geographical locations, especially where no in-person support group exists. During the current COVID-19 pandemic, virtual support groups are great tools to help receive emotional support and connect with other individuals living with scleroderma. Please see a list of available virtual scleroderma support groups run by SPIN-SSLED graduates below. The table will be updated periodically. If you are interested in joining one of the virtual support groups listed below, please contact the responsible person for more information.
The SPIN-SSLED program has been funded by the Scleroderma Society of Ontario, the Canadian Institute for Outcomes in Rheumatology Care, and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
