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Support Groups

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CPFF support groups bring together people who are going through similar experiences to share their feelings, coping strategies, and more. Feelings of isolation are common among people living with PF. Family and friends may not understand the impact of the disease as you may not “look sick”. Support groups migrated online during the pandemic. Contact a group to find out if they are meeting virtually.

About Education and Support Groups

“I think the CPFF care groups are just amazing! When your spouse first gets diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis you feel lost and scared. So when you join CPFF it’s an immediate new family.”
~ Jack Pal – PF Caregiver

A support group is a gathering of people affected by pulmonary fibrosis, brought together because of common experiences or challenges living with the disease. Typically, anyone affected by any form of pulmonary fibrosis can become a member of this type of group.

There are different types of support and education groups, some casual while other include various activities and guest speakers. Although each group operates in a unique way, all groups meet regularly to share experiences and information. You will need to decide where, when, and how frequently your group will meet.

How you’ll benefit by attending a CPFF support group

  1. You’ll learn more about the disease and how to help yourself and your loved one
  2. You’ll realize you are not alone; others are dealing with similar issues
  3. You’ll learn the importance of caring for yourself
  4. You’ll learn tips and suggestions to make this journey more manageable

What we are offering participants is a safe space to share their concerns, find solutions, express feelings and ideas, and support one another. No one understands better what you are going through, than someone living in similar circumstances.

-Trish Tonelli, CPFF Support Group Facilitator

What Really Happens Inside CPFF Support Groups?

John Chan, CPFF Support Group facilitator shares what these conversations are all about. You’ll find real connection, shared experiences, and support from people who truly understand.

Find a PF Support Group in Your Community

National

PATIENTS

CAREGIVERS

FRANÇAIS

FACEBOOK

BRITISH COLUMBIA

VANCOUVER

VANCOUVER ISLAND

ALBERTA

CALGARY

PROVINCIAL

SASKATCHEWAN

SASKATOON

MANITOBA

WINNIPEG

ONTARIO

BLENHEIM

KINGSTON

LONDON

HAMILTON

NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE

OTTAWA

SARNIA

WINDSOR

TORONTO / YORK REGION SOUTH

NEWFOUNDLAND

ST. JOHN’S

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

STRATFORD

NOVA SCOTIA

HALIFAX

SYDNEY

How to Start a Support Group

CPFF Founder Robert Davidson (1947-2019) speaks about the importance of support groups and 
describes the CPFF Patient Support Toolkit and how to get started with your own group.

Interested in starting your own support group? CPFF can help. We have created a toolkit to help you every step of the way. Developed by CPFF with support from our medical advisory committee and a grant from InterMune Canada Inc. (acquired by Roche Canada), this handy kit will assist you in planning, sharing and executing a PF patient support group in your community, either in person or online. Please contact Sharon Lee for guidance at info@cpff.ca.

Start Your Own Education and Support Group in 8 Simple Steps:

  • Prepare by reading the CPFF Support Group Leader Toolkit
  • Set a re-occurring time and date to meet
  • Get permission to use a location
  • Promote the event
  • Confirm participant attendance
  • Choose a presentation from the CPFF Support Group Leader Toolkit or use the presentation template to create your own
  • Arrange a light snack and/or refreshments
  • Have registration forms ready
Checklist and pen
IPF Toolkit

Using the CPFF Support Group Leader Toolkit

The CPFF Support Group Leader Toolkit can be used in many different ways and can be tailored to your needs. 

This leader guide outlines a few suggestions about how you can use these resources. You may also use them in other ways as you see fit.

Types of Meeting Formats

There are two basic patient meeting formats. Which meeting format you would like to implement is up to you.

Re-occurring Support Group

A support group is a smaller group of patients and caregivers meeting together to discuss their disease and share.

Patient Forums

A forum is a larger meeting where experts present information to the group about their disease, with time left at the end for questions.

During a support group session, a woman comforts a man and puts a hand on his shoulder.

How to Use Your CPFF Support Group Leader Toolkit

You will find the following resources to help you in the organization, promotion and operation of your own education and support program:

One (1) Group Leader Presentation

Meeting Modules

One (1) Recruitment Poster

One (1) Participant Registration Form

If you have any questions about the toolkit please email info@cpff.ca

More Resources