Author
Marion Wilkens, as appeared in Alpha1 Journal 2/2025.
Our group leader meeting this year was more than just a fixed date on the calendar. It was an intense, vibrant weekend full of exchange, reflection, and shared perspectives. The agenda provided a clear structure to the meeting – the participants' interactions brought it to life.
Friday: Arrive, exchange ideas, network
The event kicked off on Friday afternoon in the lobby of the conference hotel. Upon arrival and receiving warm greetings, it quickly became apparent that these were people united by a common goal. The atmosphere was open and expectant – a perfect start to the weekend.
The subsequent round of introductions focused on the work of the self-help group. Participants openly shared what had gone well in the past year and what had been challenging. Equally important was the question: What do I expect from this weekend?
These honest insights fostered closeness, understanding, and a foundation of trust for the days to come. New this time were various exercises from pulmonary rehabilitation, with and without a ball, performed outdoors in Frankfurt's Rebstockpark in good weather and with active participation.
The conversation continued over dinner, with laughter and attentive listening. New contacts were made, and existing ones were strengthened – networking without any pressure, but rather out of genuine interest in one another.
Saturday: Learning, reflecting and creating
Saturday started with an intensive lecture and workshop on the topic of communication in challenging situations.
Speaker Florian Czieschinski, MA Sociology, skillfully combined theory and practice. Participants were able to share and reflect on their own experiences from group work – a valuable insight for everyday work as a group leader.
In the subsequent debriefing, specific group examples were discussed. Together, we developed support strategies and noted: What can we take away for our own work? The peer exchange made it clear how much power lies in collaborative reflection.
After lunch, the first part of SHG aktiv followed, covering the following topics:
- Rare Diseases Run – a keynote speech by Katrin Fell
- Request for a self-help group unit at the 2026 general meeting
- Presentation and discussion of a participatory survey
- Idea collection based on concrete examples
- Topics related to the website and event calendar
- The importance of advertising for self-help groups
It became clear here: Commitment thrives on ideas – and on people who are willing to take on responsibility. The coffee break was a short but important moment for exchange and reflection before the second part of SHG Aktiv began. This part delved deeper into structural issues, such as: • Development of regional groups • Membership development in connection with self-help groups • The importance of groups for regions • Support for independent self-help groups by the association. Together, participants analyzed the situation, thought ahead, and developed perspectives. The evening offered time for conversation, relaxation, and a shared meal. These informal moments also strengthened the sense of community.
Sunday: Evaluation and Outlook
On Sunday, we looked back and forward together, through:
- Evaluation of the GL survey on willingness to be active
- Planning further participatory activities
- Report on „News about the information day (incl. participation fee)“
- News from the club
- Career prospects at AATM
A detailed joint summary of the weekend followed, and in closing, it became palpable how much clarity, motivation, and cohesion had been gained from this meeting. The group leaders' meeting impressively demonstrated the importance of personal exchange, collaborative learning, and active participation. The content, discussions, and encounters will have an impact far beyond this weekend – influencing our daily work with patients and shaping the future of our self-help groups.
