Anything Can Be a Support Group
When most people hear the words support group, they picture a circle of chairs sharing thoughts and feelings. While that’s still a valuable model, it’s far from the only way to build meaningful connections.
Research continues to show that social connection is one of the most powerful contributors to physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being. Strong social relationships are associated with better mental health, improved quality of life, and even longer life expectancy, while social isolation has been linked to poorer health outcomes. Add in what we now know about the brain’s ability to adapt through neuroplasticity, and one thing becomes clear: spending time with other people really matters.
And the best support group might not look like a support group at all.
Instead of asking people to come to a meeting, why not build community around something they already love? Meet people where they naturally gather, share an activity, and let friendships grow from there.
1: Exercise Together
If you’re taking a boxing, dance, yoga, Tai Chi, cycling, or walking class with others, congratulations! You’re already part of a support group. Moving together builds both physical and social strength.
2: Cheer for Your Favorite Team
Host weekly watch parties at home or meet at a local restaurant or sports bar. Win or lose, you’ll have something to celebrate, or complain about, together.
3: Get Creative
Painting, improv, pottery, knitting, woodworking, photography, or any DIY project can give people a chance to create while enjoying great conversation.
4: Eat Well Together
Try a new restaurant each month, organize a potluck, fire up the backyard grill, or swap favorite recipes. Food has always been one of the best ways to bring people together.
5: Enjoy Live Entertainment
Attend concerts, theater productions, comedy shows, or local festivals. Sharing experiences creates memories that last long after the curtain closes.
6: Game Night
Whether it’s Chess, Bridge, Mahjong, Dungeons & Dragons, board games, video games, or trivia night, game nights combine laughter, teamwork, and friendly competition.
7: Movie Night
Head to the theater or host a movie night at home. The best part often comes after the credits when everyone shares their favorite moments.
8: Retail Therapy (Yes, It Counts!)
Take a stroll through the mall, browse a farmers’ market, explore local shops, or hunt for treasures at thrift stores. (Bonus points if you sneak in a little mall walking while you’re at it!)
9: Let Pets Lead the Way
Organize dog walks, visit a dog park, or simply meet other animal lovers. Pets have a remarkable way of bringing people together.
10: Volunteer Together
Giving back is even more meaningful when it’s shared. Volunteer at a food bank, community event, or nonprofit and strengthen your community while strengthening your friendships.
The Bottom Line
If you’re bringing people together on a regular basis, you’re building a support group, whether you call it one or not. Shared experiences, meaningful conversations, and genuine friendships are what matter most.
Interested in starting your own group? PMD Alliance’s free, on-demand Support Group Leader Training provides the tools, resources, and confidence to help you create a welcoming community, whatever that community looks like.