RespiteMatch.com Health Blog

Key Words
support group, self-help group, mutual aid group, mutual support,self-help organization, self-help clearinghouse, self-help network, caregivers’ network

Glossary
Support group: Two or more people who come together to deal with a shared concern or problem.

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Support groups provide caregivers a meeting place where they can share information, thoughts, feelings and experiences with people who are either in the same boat or have “been there.” The groups are usually a small number of individuals with a common interest who meet at a specific location on a regular basis. However, support groups are now springing up on Web site forums, bulletin boards and chat rooms; as well as on listservs, newsgroups, use-net groups and e-mail mailing lists. Whether it requires bricks and mortar or takes place in cyberspace, the support group can be one of the most valuable tools in the caregiver’s survival kit.

Support groups, also called self-help groups, can be organized

to provide information and education about a specific disease, disability or social concern
to explore the psychological and social impacts of diseases, disabilities and social issues
to exchange information about resources and support services
to help individuals learn new care skills
to create a social network for mutual aid and support
for advocacy and lobbying
Caregiver support groups

provide social and emotional support
reduce caregivers’ feelings of isolation
Give people an opportunity to vent feelings and frustrations
give caregivers strength to cope with stressful events and experiences
reduce caregivers’ levels of depression and anxiety
give caregivers information and hope
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Things You Should Know
Support group participation

The more actively support group members participate in the group:

The higher their levels of satisfaction
The greater their coping skills
The more positive their attitude toward the problem or issue
Barriers to participation in support groups

reluctance to disclose personal problems to strangers
perception of joining a group as a sign of weakness
fear of becoming overwhelmed by other people’s problems
lack of information on availability of groups
lack of support from family and friends
lack of information on how to start a group
geographic distance
age — older adults are less likely to seek outside help
ethno-cultural background
mobility restrictions
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Types of Support Groups

Traditional support groups and self-help groups
These are usually informal groups of individuals with similar concerns who meet, on a regular basis, to exchange information and provide peer support. The group leader may be a peer or a professional facilitator. The group may be self-organized or part of a larger organization.
Telephone networks
Telephone networks can be particularly effective for people who need one-on-one support but are unable to attend regular support group meetings.
Self-help networks
Self-help networks consist of support groups that have banded together to form a larger organization. This usually provides a strong base for fundraising initiatives and advocacy and lobbying activities. Self-help networks usually have a single focus or cover a specific geographic location.
Self-advocacy groups
Self-advocacy groups focus on educating the public about the group’s priority issues and lobbying decision-makers to bring about legislative, policy and program changes and initiatives.
Online support and self-help groups
Discussion groups on the Internet
Individuals can post messages and respond to messages on bulletin boards or enter “live” chat rooms.
Newsgroups on e-mail
Individuals can post and respond to messages on bulletin boards.

E-mail mailing lists
Subscribers to a specific e-mail account share ideas, feelings and information.
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Things to Look For
Successful support groups

provide a safe, secure, welcoming environment
respect the confidentiality of members’ discussions
encourage members to be respectful towards each other
emphasize emotional support and practical coping skills and strategies
encourage active participation and active listening on the part of all members
encourage members to give and receive help
are open to all members of the public who share a common experience
hold meetings on a regular basis, preferably free of charge
have an organizational framework
are run by and for group members
use peer members as facilitators and educators
invite professionals to participate as guest speakers and to play a consultative role
have strong community links
share their collective knowledge about a wide range of resources