When you get hit with a sudden layoff, the first few days can leave you feeling numb. Then those days turn into weeks, and if your job search isn't turning up any leads, that numbness can lead to loneliness and frustration.

I received a message from a reader this past week who described that very scenario. She was laid off in June of last year, she hasn't worked since, and she's feeling very isolated. She misses having face-to-face contact and wanted to know of job support groups that may offer her an outlet.

The great news for her is that there are great, supportive and engaging groups in our area with facilitators who are passionate about helping. Something interesting has happened, though, in the past year or so. Many of the groups have seen dwindling attendance. Some have decided for now that their mission is complete.

Bill Crigger is president and managing partner at Compass Career Management Solutions-OI Partners in Charlotte. He and his wife, Robyn, are active in job support groups, including Charlotte Professionals, which Bill helps lead in two locations twice monthly.

"In 2009, we had 60 people attending the group. People came in and you almost needed a bull horn," he said. "Now we're averaging about eight people at both locations."

The good news in that number is, at least on the surface, it looks like more folks are finding work. One way Crigger gauges hiring is by looking at human resource jobs. "Those are jobs you don't have to fill. I've seen more HR jobs since November than the two years prior totaled together," he said. "Why hire training people if you don't plan on growing?" It looks like companies are growing.

Even with an uptick in hiring, job support groups remain an invaluable resource in our community. They offer motivation, opportunities to network and even a chance to talk one on one with a facilitator or guest speaker.

"It helps the individual realize that they are not alone. That is huge," added Crigger. It also gets you out of the house. Crigger advised going to several different groups.

"Pick one closest to you. Pick two farther away and attend those meetings. Then find one that seems to fit you," he said. "Go from south Charlotte maybe up to Davidson. You may not know people up there. You'll immediately expand your network potential."

If you're interested in either attending or helping with a career support group, you can access an updated roster at cits.groupsite.com/main/ from Rich Sauser, founder of Charlotte-based The Public You. There is a highlighted link to the list there on the home page.

It's still a good idea to call or email the listed contact to make sure the group is meeting and that the location hasn't changed. To the reader who sparked this column, good luck in your journey. I hope you find a group that offers you the opportunity to network and the motivation to launch a successful search.

On a side note, Rich Sauser is conducting a survey related to job support groups. One goal is to get more specific information about why some have seen attendance drop. The information will then be used to help leaders better focus their mission for the needs of job seekers in the current economy. You can access the questionnaire on the above-mentioned website.

To reach Bill Crigger, check out his company's website at www.compass career.com .