Self-help groups are usually formed where there is an identified need by people who are looking for support. This can be for personal or family conditions, mental health or recovery. Often they are formed when there is no suitable group available for a variety of reasons. This might be due to location, availability or lack of suitably focused groups in their location. For whatever reason, self-help groups are an important part in the well-being of members as building a connection with people who understand reduces isolation which can accompany chronic illness.
Building a Self-help Group
Components
Self-help groups, by their very makeup, do a great job in promoting wellness and recovery in persons experiencing mental illness, physical disabilities, or other life altering events. Many of the benefits of self-help groups...
Setting your Group up for Success
Mission/Vision Statement Many groups have mission or vision statements that include phrases such as “...so that others do not have to suffer alone,” or “...in the hope that we might find a cure,” or “...so that reco...
Group Dynamics
Cross Talking Some group leaders will take advantage of difficult behaviour and turn it into an educational opportunity for the entire group. As an example, a group might have several members who continuously cross talk or hold “second conversatio...
Benefits of Self-help Groups
Wellness is a lifestyle that incorporates a self-determined balance of healthy habits such as getting adequate sleep, eating nutritious foods, avoiding excess alcohol and recreational drugs, having a strong, support system, engaging in meaningful a...
Formalities
Each group forms in an informal manner at first and may never formalise their status, or they continue to build and decide to become an organisation, and either incorporate or stay non-incorporated. Registration through the appropriate government o...
Attracting Members
Self-help groups often attract like-minded members through word of mouth, social media and a range of informal and formal situations such as hospital links, carers, and other organisations. There are a number of possibilities to attract new members...