The ultimate guide to coordinating support for loved ones in need: A support crew odyssey
Carina Gallegos is our Support Angel and Customer Love Manager at Support Crew.
Carina looks at ways to offer support to a loved one – a friend and/or family member – by creating a Support Page with Support Crew.
Life is a journey filled with highs and lows, and sometimes our loved ones face challenges that require more than just a helping hand – they need a support crew. In this ultimate guide, we embark on a journey through the art of coordinating support for those who need it the most. Whether it’s a friend navigating a health crisis or a family member facing tough times, the power of collective support can make a world of difference. So, grab a cup of tea, settle in, and let’s explore the heart-warming world of Support Crew.
Setting the stage
Every great journey begins with understanding the terrain. When a loved one is going through a challenging time, it’s crucial to set the stage for effective support. Acknowledge that each person’s journey is unique, and empathy is the compass that guides us through uncharted waters.
Support Crew is a free and private online support platform that helps you to coordinate all those offers of help from family and friends. New Zealanders are quick to offer help during challenging life events, whether it is a cancer diagnosis, an accident, or the loss of a loved one. But this help might arrive all at once; include multiple lasagnas and fish pies, and involve a lot of phone calls and emails to coordinate.
Support Crew makes it easy to ask for the help you really need, when you need it. Think of it as a guide for your loved ones to understand exactly how they can help by allowing you to ask for the support you need – a kind of treasure map that leads to a community of care.
Navigating the dashboard
Now that you’re armed with your Support Crew account, let’s navigate the dashboard like seasoned sailors. The dashboard is where you can manage tasks, organize help, and keep everyone in the loop. Support Crew isn’t just a platform; it’s a treasure trove of resources. Explore the tools at your disposal to enhance the support experience.
1. Start a Support Page
Begin your journey by starting a private Support Page here. This is the digital heart of your Support Crew – a place where updates, tasks, and well-wishes converge. Share the page link with your crew, inviting them to join the mission. This will be a private space, accessible only to those you have invited to join.
2. Customise your Support Page:
Make the Support Page uniquely yours. Add photos, updates, and take advantage of the messaging feature to keep everyone in the loop. Use the calendar to schedule need requests: meals (and include dietary requirements as need be), someone driving you to appointments, childcare, pet care, or just a companion to sit with you during or post-treatments, for example. Let people know whether you are taking phone calls or visits.
Assembling your Support Crew
No odyssey is complete without a trustworthy crew. Invite friends, family, and well-wishers to join your Support Crew. Use the platform’s tools to manage roles and permissions, ensuring everyone plays a vital part in the support journey.
- Don’t be afraid to ask:
Whether it’s preparing meals, running errands, or providing emotional support, don’t be afraid to use your Support Page to ask for just that: support! Divide and conquer to make the load lighter for you with the people who have your back.
- Coordinate schedules:
Time is a precious resource, and coordinating support becomes more manageable when everyone is on the same page. Use the platform’s scheduling features to ensure your needs are covered by letting people know what you need when. Busy lives? No worries! Share the link to Support Crew’s Give Store, the perfect hub for friends and family to purchase meals, supermarket vouchers, fuel vouchers, fruit and vege boxes, and even care packages no matter where in the world they live and without needing to live nearby.
Communicating with heart
Communication is the wind in your sails. Keep the dialogue open and honest.
- Updates:
Update your Support Page as much as possible progress reports to keep people who care in the loop. It makes a difference for those onboard to feel that they are playing an important part in your journey and feel included in where you are at.
- Messaging:
Support often involves more than just practical assistance. Use your Support Page’s messaging feature to share updates.
Celebrating victories, big and small
In every odyssey, there are moments of triumph. Celebrate the victories – whether it’s a successful surgery, a milestone in recovery, or simply a day of joy. Use the Support Page as a virtual party venue, where triumphs are shared, and the collective spirit soars.
Coordinating support for loved ones in need is a journey that requires a village. With the Support Crew platform, you’re not just building a support network – you’re creating a tapestry of care and compassion. So, embark on this odyssey with an open heart, a supportive crew, and the powerful tools of Support Crew at your fingertips.
As you navigate the waves of challenges, remember that the strength of a community lies in its unity. Start your journey today at https://app.supportcrew.co/register and let the love and support flow freely. Together, we can make a difference.
