What is self-help?

Self-help/mutual aid: the basics

Self-help/mutual aid support groups are informal networks of individuals who share a common experience or issue. Members get together to share support. The primary focus of self-help is emotional support, practical support and information exchange.

Self-Help/Mutual Aid is a process of sharing common experience, situations or problems. Self-help is participatory in nature and involves getting help, giving help and learning to help yourself as well as sharing knowledge and experience. There is no charge to participate, although a nominal donation to cover expenses is sometimes requested. Self-help initiatives are run by and for participants, meet on an ongoing basis, are voluntary in nature and are open to new members. The primary focus of self-help is emotional support, practical support and information exchange.

 

Ongoing groups from A to Z

People come together in groups around any common experience. A listing in your community might include the following types of groups: Abuse, Addictions, Bereavement, Body Image, Cancer, Caregiving, Disability, Employment Related, Ethnocultural, Family/Parenting, HIV/AIDS, Men, Mental Health, Physical Health, Relationships, Seniors, Sexuality, Women, Youth, and more...

 

Characteristics of a self-help/mutual aid support group –
compared to a professionally-led or “hybrid” group.

 

What about quality of care?

Just like there are good professionals and bad professionals, there are good self-help groups and bad
self-help groups. The level of care which a self-help/mutual aid group provides its members is based on qualities such as shared leadership, open communications, respect, clear boundaries and confidentiality.
It is also important to recognize that each group is unique and a good group for one individual may not be right for another. Ask for the Fact Sheet “Tips on Finding the Right Group for You”.