Self-Help Connection

Starting a Group, Types of Self-Help/Support Groups and Community Resources Currently Meeting in Nova Scotia and Potential Groups

Here is the information you need to start a self help group.

What is a Self-Help Group?

The International Network For Mutual Help Centres has developed this working definition:

• Self-help or mutual support is a process wherein people who share common experiences, situations or problems can offer each other a unique perspective that is not available from those who have not shared these experiences.
• Self-help groups are run by and for group members. Professional providers may participate in the self-help process at the request and sanction of the group and remain in an ancillary, or consultant role.
• Activities focus on social support through discussion and sharing of information and experiences but may extend to other activities and ways of interacting.
• Self-help groups are open to people who share a common concern.
• Self-help groups meet face-to-face, by conference call and online on a regular basis.
• Self-help groups are voluntary and open to new members.
• There is no charge to participate in a self-help group, although a nominal donation to cover expenses is sometimes requested, but not required.

The Difference Between a Peer-Led Self-Help Group (also referred to as a support group) and a Professionally-Led Support Group

A Peer-Led Self-Help Group:

• members share the same problem or situation; they are peers
• meets as members agree: some groups meet monthly, some two times a week
• leadership is shared, not paid
• size may be limited or membership may be open
• meetings are ongoing until the group ends naturally
• no pre-registration but possibly screening
• membership by choice
• flexible program (group decides and/or follows the needs of the moment)
• focus can be anything, including support, social/recreational, education, advocacy, growth/problem solving
• no, or minimal fee, to cover costs
• usually meet in informal settings, e.g. homes, churches

A Professionally-Led Support Group

• the facilitator may not share the problem of the group members; is not necessarily a peer
• meets within the time constraints of the facilitator
• trained facilitator, usually paid
• size may be limited or membership may be open
• often a set number of weeks; may be open-ended
• may be pre-registration; possible screening
• membership may be required
• program is structured by the facilitator with input from the participants
• focus usually on education and growth but can be support and social/recreational
• fee may be charged
• usually meet in institutional settings, e.g. offices, hospitals

The Guide to Starting a Self-Help Group

This document (also called the starter's kit on how to start a group) provides tips for starting a self-help group in your community. The Consumer/Survivor Self-Help Group Development Guide is available for download in PDF format for no charge. To see a list of our other guides, please go to our publications page.

Types of Self-Help/Support Groups and Community Resources, by Locale, Currently Meeting in Nova Scotia

Please open up the PDF to see the three page introduction, followed by a nine page listing, which mimics our Directory. Please call us at 902-466-2011 or email us selfhelp@eastlink.ca to gain further information on the group or resource that you are interested in. (please note the corresponding page number that the group is located on in our Directory) Finally, if you wish to purchase our directory, follow the publications link, for details.

Potential Groups

Please Contact Ashley Cooley at Self-Help Connection for more information on the following groups. She can be reached at 902-466-2011 or you can email her at ashleycooley@eastlink.ca

• Name: Arthritis Support Group
• Location: King's County

• Name: Arthritis Support Group
• Location: Sydney

• Issue of concern: Body Dismorphic Disorder
• Location:Dartmouth
  
  
• Name: Learning Disabilities Group
• Location:Dartmouth

• Name: Male Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse
• Location: Halifax

• Name: Family Members of Persons Living with Neuropathy
• Location: Bedford

• Name: Adult Transracial Adoptees
• Location: Halifax/Dartmouth
  
  

About The PDF Format

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