• ​13 weekly sessions of 60-90 minutes led by a trained instructor

• Each week tackles one aspect of leading a support group, including structuring a group meeting, recruiting new members, fostering a positive group culture, supporting yourself as a leader, and many other topics

• Participants can attend the online videoconference sessions from the comfort of their own homes
  

• Supplementary resources include:
  

1. A workbook that summarizes all modules.
2. An online forum where participants can discuss what they’ve learned with other participants.
3. An online Resource Centre with educational videos and support group activity ideas.

• At the end of 13 weeks, participants receive a certificate attesting that they have successfully completed the program

Reviews: In a feasibility trial to evaluate the SPIN-SSLED Program, participants gave the program an average score of 9.4/10 for satisfaction. Here's what they had to say about the program:

“I recommend this training to help build your confidence, to gain understanding on the purpose of support groups, and to get different perspectives from other support group leaders. After the training and through our regular meetings, I definitely feel more confident and although there is always room for improvement, I know that I have the right team to help guide me there.”

"I learned a great amount of information ... I think it's a very valuable tool, and it's a great way to reach out to people with scleroderma."​

"I came without a lot of high expectations. I figured I knew how to do this... Completely false. Each one of the modules has stuff that I'm going to be using soon [in my support group]."​

"I found the whole thing informative ... I just think it was an amazing course." 

“I want to take this opportunity to tell you how much I appreciate the SPIN-SSLED program. My co-leader and I participated. We both fell head over heels in love with the instructor and our time together. We are busy using the information from the program to improve our support group. We have gone from a group that has meetings twice a year to a group that has 9 or more meetings a year... We are thrilled and we hope you communicate that. Thank you for offering us this training. It is really top of the line!”

SPIN researchers are starting a trial to evaluate the SPIN-SSLED Program in partnership with patient organizations.

You may be eligible to join our trial if you:
1. Are a leader of a scleroderma support group or are working with/would like to work with a participating patient organization to start a support group.
2. Are at least 18 years old.
3. Have regular access to a computer and Internet connection.