ABSTRACT
Some group members may have had bad experiences of groups, lack confidence or self-esteem, be shy or have difficulty mixing with other people. Facilitators' task is to enable group members to talk about their feelings, to reassure them and to make sure that they feel comfortable and safe. The first step in this process is to provide a friendly greeting, to ensure that the environment is comfortable and to make all the practical arrangements clear. The next step is helping people get to know each other. Make the ice-breaker activity light-hearted and fun. Once initial introductions have been achieved and people are feeling more comfortable. Sharing fears and worries as part of forming the ground rules is very important. It enables individuals to become aware that there are others in the same situation as themselves, who have similar fears. Acknowledge the discomfort people may feel during discussions about the interaction areas they have difficulty with.
