Sibling group leaders
Whether you are setting up a sibling group for the first time or have been running groups for many years, this section will give you guidelines and activities to help you run your group
Group aims F.R.A.M.E
We recommend that your sibling group has the following aims.
Fun
Siblings make friends and enjoy themselves
Relieve isolation
Siblings meet other siblings facing similar situations
Acknowledge feelings
Siblings discuss and value the unique feelings and experiences of being a sibling
Model coping strategies
Siblings learn how to manage difficult situations and identify support networks
Enhance knowledge
Siblings learn more about their brother or sister’s disability
During the course of the sessions siblings will:
Have fun
- Have a break, free from the added responsibilities at home
- Experience being the focus of attention
- Undertake activities that may be difficult to achieve at home
Experience relief of isolation
- Meet up with other siblings and look at the similarities in their situations
- Exchange names and contact details with other siblings
- Talk to group leaders who are experienced with sibling issues
Have their feelings acknowledged
- Learn to identify and name feelings
- Explore the experiences and mixed emotions that many siblings feel about their brother or sister in a supportive setting away from the family
- Learn to talk about their feelings
- Be acknowledged for the important role they have within the family
- Will learn strategies for coping with their situation
Model Coping Strategies
- Discuss the situations they find difficult
- Discuss alternative ways of handling situations and be shown ways of developing strategies
- Practice these techniques
- Identify family members, professionals and other support available to them
Will learn more about their brother or sister’s disability
- Look at general disability issues
- Be provided with specific information about the disability of their brother or sister
- Have an opportunity to ask questions and have them answered