~ Support Group ~
What was once the brainchild of Siondra Maccow, Vanessa Fraser and Nathalie Lambiex is now a reality for the women of St. Maarten. Health & Beauty was able to have a sit-down interview with the founders of the support group geared toward female empowerment.
- 1.How did you guys come up with the concept for your support group?
Fraser: We came up with the concept from our own life experiences. We all have our opinions about women in the community; being a woman, interacting with other women and how women are projected in society. But, what really triggered it was Irma. There were a lot of articles about how the island was responding to the situation in a different way and how that had to do with PTSD. We all work in Human Resources and saw that even within our own organization there was change. People were going through a lot, opening up to each other; communicating and dialoguing. This created a sense of support and advice. Seeing as we work in the same department we started talking about it, and gradually we came up with a concept of how women could come together and have these discussions in a structured and safe environment on a regular basis.
- 2.You mentioned you wanted to continue this on a regular basis. Your last event was at Axum Café. When do you plan to host it again, and how often?
Maccow: Meeting will be held on a monthly basis, every 2nd Tuesday of the month. We are all ladies, who have lives and kids, so we’re trying to accommodate busy schedules and allow everyone the time. We also want to thank Axum Café for accommodating us.
- 3.How was the turnout the first time you hosted?
Fraser: There were about 20 ladies. We were pleasantly surprised by the turnout. The ladies were all very inquisitive, then became enthusiastic and interactive. For a first time, it was an amazing turnout. As founders, we saw a need, but didn’t know how people would respond and the response was pretty amazing.
Maccow: One of the very encouraging factors about the first meetingwas that we were practically strangers, but the sense of security and trust was quickly established and we were able to open up so freely.
- 4.Do you have the support of representatives of the Mental Health Foundation (MHF)?
Fraser: Before starting the group, we had discussions with MHF regarding our direction and how to go about it. We also received information from them as well as tips on how to properly formulate the activities.
Maccow: The group is only based on interacting right now. We wanted to make sure this was more of a place for women to come to support each other rather than feeling like they were being evaluated. It’s about having a conversation. However, MHF is available in the event one of the ladies is looking for more support.
- 5.If you could say something to potential members, what would it be?
Maccow: We are all St. Maarten women. We are all here and this is an opportunity we were given to support each other. We can create a foundation of encouragement for others as well as ourselves. Our situations are very similar, and you may feel alone, but we are connected. This is an invitation to come together in a safe space.
The group will be meeting this evening, March 13, from 7:00 to 9:00pm at Axum Café on Front Street. To join and for more information, please contact group coordinators via phone or WhatsApp: Vanessa Fraser: +1 721 587 6453; Nathalie Lambiex: +1 721 526 8190; Siondra Compper-Maccow: +590 690 88 78 54.
