Author: Helen

What NEED does this meet?

Sometimes people need the help of a support group, however it can be dificult to find them. This website would be a central database of support groups, creating one place to find support.

What is the APPROACH?

There are various websites that provide a database of support groups, but they are usually centred around a particular problem, eg: migranes, stopping smoking, etc. This would cover all support groups within the UK.
Provision of a forum with channels for each category would enable people to share their problems and support ideas, providing a caring community.

What are the BENEFITS to people?

This would make people’s lives easier in that they won’t have to trawl the web and phone books looking for help. They could make one efficient stop to the website to find a support group and visit the forums for more help.

What is the COMPETITION?

Competition would be sites such as Boots.com, some government and doctors surgery sites, however these contain only a small number of selected support groups.
This would rise above the competition in that it would be a site that encompasses all support groups and includes a forum.

What BUDGETS & LOGISTICS are required?

The site itself would be fairly simple, a mainly static site with a dynamic page for support groups to add themselves. Possibly an administrator who would verify and authorise the support groups before they are added.
The other section of the website would be a forum. There are numerous free forums available and setup is relatively simple. A number of volunteers could be made moderators so ensure the forum is kept “clean”.