Programs & Services > New Directions > Support Groups FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions: Support Groups
New Directions (ND), a department of the Family Service Association of Toronto, provides specialized services for women who have experienced the loss of an intimate life partner through separation, divorce, bereavement, or the ending of a same-sex or common-law relationship. Our work focuses on helping women meet the challenges and tasks of the loss experience.
- How does NEW DIRECTIONS help women?
- When can a support group be most helpful to me?
- After I join a group can I decide to not continue?
- What can I expect if I attend a support group?
- Who leads the support groups?
- Is the service confidential?
- Why is the group restricted to women?
- When do the support groups run?
- Where is the NEW DIRECTIONS office ? Support groups are scheduled in the early evening. Is the area safe for women?
- Is there a fee for the group?
- Does NEW DIRECTIONS provide child care? Transportation subsidies?
- How do I join a support group?
- What training and credentials does the staff have?
- What have other women said about the support groups?
How does NEW DIRECTIONS help women?
ND services are designed to help women understand and deal with the tasks that follow the loss of an intimate life partner. Our 8-week support groups are based on the belief that women can take control of their lives. The groups provide an opportunity to:
- Meet with other women dealing with similar issues in a safe and supportive environment,
- Receive support, give support to other women, and exchange information on issues dealing with the ending of relationships,
- Learn effective ways of dealing with these life changes, and
- Decrease the isolation that often accompanies the loss of an intimate life partner.
When can a support group be most helpful to me?
The initial period following the ending of an intimate relationship is often a time of intense emotion. There are usually many practical issues to resolve. Women have told us that the group is more useful after the initial stage of the loss. The program coordinator meets individually with women to help them determine when the group will be most helpful.
After I join a group can I decide to not continue?
Once the group begins, if you believe that it is not a helpful resource, you do not have to continue attending.
What can I expect if I attend a support group?
You will be meeting with a diverse group of 8-10 women of various ages, ethnocultural backgrounds, and life experiences. A new topic is discussed each week, beginning with sharing our stories and progressing through discussions of loss and grieving, letting go, learning assertive behaviour and thinking about the future.
Discussion focuses on the emotional tasks facing women dealing with the loss of an intimate relationship. Each woman decides how much of her story she wants to share with the group. Male bashing is not acceptable behaviour in the group. Our staff can suggest resources to help you with legal, financial or child care concerns.
You can expect to complete the group feeling less isolated and more knowledgeable about the emotional tasks facing you and the ways in which you can deal with these tasks.
Who leads the support groups?
The support groups are facilitated by two trained and supervised volunteers who have experienced the loss of a partner.
Is the service confidential?
All services provided by our agency are confidential. Your written permission is required in order for us to communicate with anyone. On occasion, women may meet other women they know at the agency. Should this situation arise, tell the program coordinator so that she can ensure your privacy is protected.
Why is the group restricted to women?
It has been our experience that many women are more comfortable sharing their feelings and experiences with other women. The coordinator can also provide referral information for programs in the community with services for both women and men.
When do the support groups run?
The support groups are held in the evening, from 6:30 to 9pm for 8 consecutive weeks. After the 8 th session group members may decide to continue meeting on their own at a time, place and frequency of their choosing.
Where is the NEW DIRECTIONS office? Support groups are scheduled in the early evening. Is the area safe for women?
We are located in Lawrence Square, Lawrence Avenue West, near the Allen Road. The Lawrence West Subway Station on the Yonge-University-Spadina line is across the road. Three hours of free surface parking is available at all times surrounding the stores in the mall. The parking area and the mall are monitored by security.
Is there a fee for the group?
The group fee is $100 for 20 program hours over the eight weeks. The program coordinator can provide you with information about our bursary program.
Does NEW DIRECTIONS provide child care? Transportation subsidies?
There is no on-site child care. Information about child care and transportation subsidies is available from the program coordinator.
How do I join a support group?
Contact the Service Access Unit at 416.595.9618 for information about upcoming support groups. The program coordinator will contact you to schedule a time for a meeting. During this meeting you will have an opportunity to ask questions about the group. Together, you will decide whether the support group will meet your needs.
What training and credentials does the staff have?
The program manager and the program coordinator are trained at the post-graduate level and have many years of experience working with women. Our volunteers are trained and supervised by agency staff. Support group leaders have been participants in a ND support group.
What have other women said about the support groups?
"I found this to be a very helpful program. It was almost as if someone was there to hold my hand through a very tough time."
"[This group] helps you to understand that you are NOT the only person going through [this] process".
"You did a lot for me and the other women in the group…you did a lot for our well being…."
"Thank you for making me feel human."
