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

• 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.

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