Lead a group

A facilitator helps people connect, participate and learn from each other’s experiences. They can help the group stay connected to its purpose, make space for different opinions, keep things respectful, manage time and respond when conversations become difficult.

They do not need to lead or manage every conversation or solve every problem. 

People participate in different ways. Some people talk often; others prefer to listen, write, use chat or AAC, or contribute occasionally. Give people time, do not put people on the spot and do not pressure anyone to speak or disclose personal information. 

The group can choose topics that fit its purpose and members.

Some topic ideas include:

Everyday connection

Rights and advocacy

Supported decision-making

Services and supports

Choosing providers or support workers

Dignity of risk

Community participation

Quality and safeguarding

To name just a few!

An agenda can help a meeting stay on track and make sure there is time for the things members want to discuss. It does not need to be rigid. Peer conversations can move in unexpected directions, and that can be valuable too. 

Gently make space for other people. You might thank the person for sharing and invite others to contribute. If the pattern continues, speak privately with the person. Keep the focus on making space for everyone rather than blaming someone. 

Different experiences and opinions are a normal part of group dynamics. Remind members about the expectations of the group, encourage people to speak from their own experience and gently redirect any personal criticism back to the topic at hand. Pause the conversation if it becomes disrespectful or unsafe. 

Check in with the person and offer a break or private conversation. Do not pressure them to keep talking. Know what support or referral options are available if someone needs help outside the role of the group. 

Try not to leave everything to one person. Share tasks, invite members to take on small roles, rotate facilitation where possible and keep expectations realistic. Shared leadership can reduce burnout and help members build skills. 

Ask members what is working, what could be improved and whether meeting times, locations, formats or topics still suit them. Healthy groups change over time. Small changes can make a big difference. 

Yes. Talk with members before changing the format. Ask whether meeting in person would make participation easier or harder, and consider accessibility, transport and location. You might stay online, move in person, alternate formats, offer occasional face-to-face meetings or trial a change first. 

Recommended public heading. This carries important safeguarding content without making ‘safety’ or ‘safeguarding’ the dominant language of the website. 

You can decide how much you want to participate and whether the group is right for you. If you feel comfortable, you can raise the issue with the facilitator or another person you trust. You can also choose to leave a group. 

Start with the group’s agreed expectations. Depending on what is happening, a facilitator might remind the group of those expectations, redirect the conversation, speak privately with someone, pause a discussion or ask members what needs to change. Focus on the behaviour and the group’s shared expectations rather than blaming a person.