Why be part of a self-help group?

Need for help

When we are going through difficult times, we sometimes feel isolated, excluded. Self-help groups enable us to feel accepted, understood and especially to no longer to be alone.

Need to take charge

In times of trouble, it is important to find ways to deal with our problems. Self-help groups can help us take charge of our lives.

Need to feel accepted

Sometimes we like talking to people who can really understand us and accept us for who we are. In a self-help group, the members understand each other and everyone feels respected. This sometimes has the effect of dedramatizing certain situations: the fact of knowing that others are experiencing things similar to us can give us a more positive image of ourselves.

Need to be informed

Often people who join a self-help group need to be pro-active with regard to their situation and do not really know where to begin. The members of the group can provide information that will help them progress.

CAP Santé Outaouais autorise the reproduction of this texte. We only want you to indicate the source : How-to manual for self-help groups, CAP Santé Outaouais, Internet edition, www.capsante-outaouais.org

Introduction
Categories of self-help groups

Why be part of a selp-help group?

Who can be a member of a self-help group?

Characteristics of a self-help relationship

Creating a self-help group : where to start

Facilitating the self-help group

The Effectiveness of a self-help group