Frequently Asked Questions

• How can talking about my situation help me?

Talking about yourself and your situation might not help you but experience tells us that there can be a great relief in sharing our thoughts and feelings with others who are receptive to us.

• I find it difficult to open up and talk to people that I know really well. Won't it be even more difficult to talk to strangers?

Groups are not for everyone but it's amazing how much support and encouragement you can get from being part of a group of like minded people sharing their experiences.

• What if I find it difficult to arrive at the group on my own?

We agree it can be very daunting, however if you join at the very beginning you can be sure there will be others feeling pretty much the same as you. If you join later, the atmosphere and energy of the group should ensure a warm welcome, especially from those who remember how daunting it was for them when they first joined.

• How much will it cost me?

Footprints is a non profit making organisation. We are aware that any dependency can drain personal and family finances therefore all we ask of you is that as and when you can to make a small donation towards the group for future activities. The most important thing is that you bring yourself.

• Will what I say in the group be treated as confidential?

Confidentiality is very important to us.

At the beginning of every group meeting we will agree between us all that what is said in the room will be kept strictly confidential.

In the event of any danger to yourself or anyone close to you we will work with you to take the most appropriate steps to address that danger. If this involves getting extra help we will work with you to alert the necessary support agency to help you.

• Won't listening to other people's problems just make me feel worse?

It's true to say that some people's stories will be upsetting to hear. At the same time the group is about sharing on many different levels.

Laughter is as important as tears in bringing our feelings to the surface. Out of some of the worst situations we can find humour, some very funny things can happen in the lengths we have to go to in trying to support someone we love.

There will be a rich source of experiences to share within the group setting.

• What if I don't like being in the group?

There's a chance you won't, but hopefully you will be able to tell us why so that we can explore where we might be going wrong for you. Being part of the group really is a matter of choice.

As we have said, groups do not suit everyone and our aim at Footprints is to find what's best for you.

• When I go out or do anything for myself the person I care for reacts badly and although I'd really like to come to a group I'd rather not rock the boat. What can I do?

This is a very difficult situation and we can understand why you might opt to keep the peace.

However, think of looking after a tiny helpless baby who seems to need you 24 hrs a day.

In that situation most health visitors will advise that you take a break and slowly move towards putting into place things that you like to do.

This is the kind of issue we will explore together. Many behaviours surrounding dependency can lead to you as the carer becoming as much a prisoner to the dependency as the dependent.

If it really is too much of a mountain to climb all in one go, please dialogue confidentially with us your thoughts and feelings and in that way you can slowly become a part of Footprints.

Footprints is for you, please contact us with any questions that might help you to make up your mind to join one of our groups.

Alternatively click on Alternative View. We will be posting weekly thoughts on issues that might well be of interest to you.