This document provides guidance on starting an effective self-help support group. It discusses what a mutual aid self-help group is, the benefits of attending groups, who can start a group, and the basic steps to starting a group such as developing a focus, finding a meeting place and time, and publicizing the group. It also offers tips for elements like ground rules, leadership, and involving members to encourage group ownership. The goal is to help people form support systems and coping strategies by bringing together individuals experiencing common hardships.

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