SUPPORT GROUPS KOSOVA
Support Groups Kosova connects people with similar experiences so they can help and learn from each other about how to face their problems.
Illustration: Argjira Kukaj
Support Groups Kosova (SGK), an initiative created by the good will of young people connects people with similar experiences so they can help and learn from each other about how to face their problems, safely and judgement free. At the same time, participants are supported regarding their livelihood and problem management.
Inspired by support groups in other countries, and being unable to be a part of such groups in Kosova because lack of, in mid 2021 SGK was established. This initiative was very welcomed by the public.
Regardless of the high stigmatization of mental health cases and of different social groups which do not necessarily fit with social norms, a group of young people are trying to break these stigmas. Instead of letting stigma oppress us, we are stepping over it.
We are trying to create a space where everybody feels safe to ask for the help they need. We have begun small, creating only three support groups, the ones for anxiety, lgbt people and sexual harassment. Through these groups participants can treat topics of anxiety, mechanisms of facing anxiety, guilt, internalized shame and how it affects the self-consciousness of a person, “coming out”, sexual health of LGBT persons, and discussions on sexual violence against women.
It is important to emphasize that these are not treatment groups. These are places where individuals who share similar issues can give and accept support about living and managing their problems.
Our meetings last one and a half hours and we discuss regarding different topics in non-formal conversations facilitated by our trained volunteers, who together have diverse professional experiences. Every so often we have lectures by health professionals and professionals of other fields depending on the topic of the discussion. Beyond meetings, support groups offer an opportunity of members of these groups to socialize with one another. Consequently, making us understand that our aim of creating new bonds within people, is being fulfilled.
Seeing the importance of such groups in our country, we have partnered with local NGOs such as “CEL Kosova” and “CSGD” to offer other free services to our participants based on individual needs they might have, such as medical, psychological and legal help.
Our future plans include expanding with new topic groups and expanding geographically in other cities such as that of Peja. Support Groups are open to everyone without discrimination, you can contact us through social media, email or phone. Support Groups are here so that everybody’s voice can be heard and so that no one feels alone.
About the author: Nol Musa is a co-founder of Support Groups Kosova, he in an activist, an environmentalist and a law student at the University of Prishtina.
This grant is supported by the Balkan Trust for Democracy, a project of the German Marshall Fund of the United States
