Information for Professionals
SHRC has developed a wide variety of resources and services for professionals who are working with self-help/mutual aid initiatives, or who are interested in integrating a self-help model into their work.
Please contact us for a personalized consultation about how we can support your self-help efforts.
Online publications
SHRC has developed several downloadable publications that are available free of charge. We can also mail you copies of most of our publications for a small fee. We offer lists of Top 10 Resources for you to browse, as well as these resources listed below that are specifically aimed at professionals.
To view our complete list of downloadable publications, please browse our resource database.
Tools for professionals:
Self Help and Health Promotion
Integrating Self-Help Strategies in Your Health Promotion Work
Self-Help models community-based health promotion
Matrix Tool: Comparing Self Help to Professionally-Led Support Groups
Self-help Groups: Moving from Professional Leadership to Mutual Support
Tips for the Helping Professional: Exploring your role in the world of self-help
French language tools for professionals:
À côté, pas au-dessus - savoir se positionner en tant que professionnel
Conseils pratiques pour le professionnel aidant
Groupes de soutien: Passage d'un leadership professionnel au système d'entraide
Referring to self-help groups
2008 Directory of Mutual Aid and Self-Help
Every two years the Self-Help Resource Centre up-dates our directory of mutual aid and self-help groups, primarily in the GTA. The 2008 Edition is now on sale [click here to order]
You can also find out more on our website about self-help groups:
Workshops and presentations
SHRC has developed an extensive line of workshops for professionals looking to promote self-help strategies in their workplace. View our list of workshops here and contact us if your agency is interested in booking one of our low-cost workshops or presentations.
Print publications
SHRC publications include educational packages on topics including starting a self-help group, finding free publicity, appropriate roles for professionals in self-help environments, etc.
2008 Directory of Mutual Aid and Self-Help
Every two years the Self-Help Resource Centre up-dates our directory of mutual aid and self-help groups, primarily in the GTA. The 2008 edition is now on sale [click here to order]
Our resource centre also has books and videos about self-help. Come by our office and browse!
The top 10 tips for professionals working with self-help initiatives
By Julie Smith
1. Educate yourself through the experience of self-help.
2. Make referrals to self-help groups.
3. Prepare your client/patient for the self-help mutual aid group.
4. Share your expertise with a self-help/mutual aid group.
5. Offer practical support to a self-help/mutual aid group.
6. Promote referrals to the self-help/mutual aid group.7. Spread the word about the value of self-help/mutual aid.
8. Help start a new self-help/mutual aid group.
9. Help a group make a transition from a professionally led to a self-help group.
10. Make connections with your local self-help centre, organization and networks.
(see detailed tips here)