Saheli introduces Saheli Sabah 2018 -
A Women’s Support Group   

Support groups are an integral part of any community’s well-being. It brings together people facing similar issues and enables them to share information, stories and personal experiences. By doing so, members of the support group are able to offer one another emotional comfort and moral support, along with some practical advice to help cope with your situation.

While some women find support in their family and friends, many find it helpful to turn to others outside our immediate circle for a judgement-free support. 

There are several benefits to participating in the support group including:

·         Feeling less isolated or judged

·         Feeling a sense of empowerment and control

·         Tools to improve your coping skills

·         Finding your voice to talk about your feelings without reservation

·         Reducing depression & anxiety

·         Getting practical advice from others in the group

·         Developing new and strong friendships with like-minded women

Saheli has successfully organized several support groups in the past including Saheli Gupshup and Saheli Support Group. Saheli Sabah 2018 uses the model based on the manual called: ‘The Power to Change”. This manual was developed by the Daphne project supported by a European Community’s research program to build self-esteem and self-determination in survivors and other women through effecting a change in our attitudes towards ourselves and digging deep within ourselves for resources to help us change.

Our model comprises a 15-minute introduction to the topic by a Saheli facilitator followed by an open discussion among the support group members. Everyone is encouraged to participate in the discussion. Members learn from each other while developing tools to cope with life experiences. They share their joys and sorrows and learn to laugh as they understand that a lot of people have faced and dealt with similar experience. Games, ice breakers and surveys are used to improve self-realization.

All information discussed at the sessions is confidential, enabling members to build trust and confidence among the group to participate successfully. Previous support group members have been able to build long term relationships based on the mutual sharing and understanding created at these gatherings. This attests to the success of Saheli support groups.  

Saheli Sabah 2018 is made possible by a generous grant from Lahey. Thanks to the grant, Saheli can reimburse up to $10 for Uber rides and scrumptious Indian dinner for participating members at each session.

The group will hold its first meeting on Wednesday, February 7 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm and continue to meet every Wednesday at the same time for the next 8 weeks through March 28 2018. The venue for meetings is at the Saheli office on 11 Bedford Street in Burlington. We do not have baby sitting service, so please make alternate arrangements.

For more information and to sign up, call us at: 1-866-472-4354 or email us at: info@saheliboston.org. Space is limited, so please register early.

The most frequent compliment received from previous participants:

“Being able to talk openly and freely without being judged. Being with other women who understand.”

|