1. WELCOME
HOW TO START
AN EFFECTIVE
SELF-HELP
SUPPORT GROUP
New Jersey Self-Help Group Clearinghouse
www.NJgroups.org

2. WHAT IS A MUTUAL AID SELF-
HELP SUPPORT GROUP?
• It’s a group of people who all share a common
problem or life situation who come together to
both give and receive support.
• Members share their feelings, coping strategies,
resources & experiences with others who truly
understand.
• “Mutual help” is at the heart of the group.
New Jersey Self-Help Group Clearinghouse
www.NJgroups.org

3. BENEFITS OF
ATTENDING GROUPS
• Sense of Community • Positive Role Models
• Learn Coping Skills • Empowering
• Knowledge • Accessible
• Helper Therapy • Learn about Local
• Resources
Advocacy
• Feel “Normal”
• Acceptance &
Understanding • Liability Becomes
Assets
New Jersey Self-Help Group Clearinghouse
www.NJgroups.org

4. WHO CAN START A GROUP?
• Persons who can’t find a group.
• Those who want to give back.
• Professionals who want to help clients.
• Agencies who want to help families of clients.
• Teachers who want to help students.
• Doctors who want to help patients
• Clergy who want to help congregants.
• Consumer-run organizations who want to help
each other and themselves.
• Basically....anyone with the PASSION
New Jersey Self-Help Group Clearinghouse
www.NJgroups.org

5. BASIC STEPS IN
STARTING A GROUP
• Look for Existing Groups / Literature
• Develop a Group Vision / Focus
• Find a few People to Help
• Find a Meeting Place / Time
• Develop a Group Format / Structure
• Publicize Your Group
• Have Your First Meeting
New Jersey Self-Help Group Clearinghouse
www.NJgroups.org

6. DEVELOP A CLEAR
FOCUS FOR YOUR GROUP
• WHY are you starting the group?
• WHO can join your group?
• WHAT will be the purpose of the
group?
• HOW will the group goals be
accomplished?
New Jersey Self-Help Group Clearinghouse
www.NJgroups.org

7. OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
LEADERSHIP
- Who will lead the group?
- Will there be more than one leader?
- Will you have elected officers?
- Will the leadership be shared?
DURATION
- Will the group be time limited?
- Will the group be on-going?
AFFILIATION
- Will the group be a local chapter of a national?
- Will the group be an autonomous group?
New Jersey Self-Help Group Clearinghouse
www.NJgroups.org

8. WAYS TO PUBLICIZE YOUR
GROUP
• Local Helplines • Cable TV
• Radio • Word of Mouth
• Key Professionals • Church Bulletins
• Develop a Brochure • Speaker’s Bureau
• Hang Up Flyers • Look on Internet
• Business Cards • Newspapers
• Network with • Local Associations /
Groups Agencies
• Have a Newsletter • Health or Other Fairs
• Magazines • Anyone!
New Jersey Self-Help Group Clearinghouse
www.NJgroups.org

9. WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN
A MEETING LOCATION
Groups meet in a variety of places.....
• Has movable tables and chairs
• Neutral, private location
• A central location that is easy to find
• Long term availability
• Safe parking at night
• Accessible
Thanks to Dr. Joal Fischer, SupportWorks for this list
New Jersey Self-Help Group Clearinghouse
www.NJgroups.org

10. A BASIC GROUP FORMAT
• Start of Meeting
• Introductions / Check Ins
• Group Discussion
• Other Activities
• Wrap Up & Formal Closing
• Refreshments / Social
New Jersey Self-Help Group Clearinghouse
www.NJgroups.org

11. GROUND RULES
• Ground rules are essential
• Create a “safe” space
• Provide a way to correct inappropriate
behavior
• Keep rules to a minimum
• Put them in writing and read aloud at
meetings
New Jersey Self-Help Group Clearinghouse
www.NJgroups.org

12. EXAMPLES OF
GROUND RULES
• Only one person may talk at a time.
• No advice giving. Always speak from the “I.”
• We must share the time. No monopolizing the
conversation.
• We need to be non-judgmental and respectful
of each other.
• What is said in this room, stays in this room.
• If we come in late, we will quietly take our seat.
New Jersey Self-Help Group Clearinghouse
www.NJgroups.org

13. DEVELOP A “Core Group”
IF POSSIBLE
Find a Few People to Help You
Have a Core Group Meeting to:
 Divide the Workload
 Discuss Group Basics
 Plan Your First Meeting
New Jersey Self-Help Group Clearinghouse
www.NJgroups.org

14. YOUR FIRST
“PUBLIC” MEETING
• Decide on a date, time and place.
• Create a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.
• Start and end meeting on time.
• Talk about how and why group got started.
• Have members introduce themselves. Make
sure everyone gets a change to speak.
• Decide on time/date of next meeting.
• After meeting, serve refreshments & socialize.
New Jersey Self-Help Group Clearinghouse
www.NJgroups.org

15. MAKE THE ROOM
“COMFY”
• Arrange chairs in a Circle if possible
• Use your ground rules
• Keep the group POSITIVE
• Do something fun!
• Deal with problems as they arise
New Jersey Self-Help Group Clearinghouse
www.NJgroups.org

16. GET MEMBERS INVOLVED
“If it’s their group, they will come (and bring friends).”
• Involve members in the group operation.
Ask for volunteers!
• Promote a sense of “group ownership”
ownership
through shared leadership
• Encourage input / participation through
group discussions.
• Every member in the group can be a
leader.
New Jersey Self-Help Group Clearinghouse
www.NJgroups.org

17. BEING A GREAT
GROUP CONTACT PERSON
• Acknowledge person’s courage to call
• Be honest about the group
• Don’t talk too much about you…
LISTEN!
• Don’t give too much support
• Thank the caller for calling
New Jersey Self-Help Group Clearinghouse
www.NJgroups.org

18. NJ SELF-HELP GROUP
CLEARINGHOUSE
• Helps people find self-help groups
• Helps people to start groups
• Helps existing groups solve problems
• Is non-profit & all of our services are free.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
To request additional information on starting or
running groups call us at 1-800-367-6274 (1-800-
FOR-M.A.S.H.) or 973-989-1122. Visit our website
at www.njgroups.org (Copies of today’s slides and
webinar will be available on our website.)
New Jersey Self-Help Group Clearinghouse
www.NJgroups.org