SELF HELP GROUPS

SELF HELP GROUPS

1. have strong tradition in health care

   • number of S/H grps has increased since emergence of internet
     • S/H grps don't suit everybody

2. consists of people with similar life experiences

   • sharing these experoences enables them to give each other unique quality of support

3. run by the members for the members

4. can take time and effort to find right group

   • Megan's searcg fir grp for her and her daughter

5. may expand their activities

   • may provide services
   • may campaign for change

6. JUDY WILSON

   • study of S/H grps
     • have the potential to empower people and tackle feelings of isolation
       • isolation can be due to the illness, addiction, disability, life circs
         • compounded by low income, experience of being service user

7. Seeta Patel study re barriers to participation

8. H/C professionals don't always recognise imp of S/H grps