Why join a support group?

When I first set up BGSG a grandparent said to me, "I don't want to join a group that makes me feel worse than I do already."
They are words that I try to keep in mind at all times.
By the very nature of being a support group, those who need support are sad, angry and bewildered, it is important of course to allow members to be open and honest about their feelings.
As I am often the first point of contact, grandparents are able to unload their most personal feelings, to a complete stranger, but I hope someone who listens and understands.   Hopefully, no longer a stranger by the end of our conversation. In complete confidence.
So why join a support group in the first place?
I don't think that I can really answer that it is for others to do that.
What I don't want is for anyone to think  that our meetings are full of tears and great sadness, there is an element of that but because of the support that members give to one another it actually is a positive and uplifting couple of hours.
As  Marc and I see everyone out at the end of the afternoon no-one leaves without a smile on their face.
We enjoy ourselves so much 16 of us are off to have lunch together in March!
Jane
www.bristolgrandparentssupportgroup.co.uk