Members meet on a regular basis in hospitals, churches, and community centers. Besides providing emotional support, group members share practical, valuable insights gained through first-hand experience with the same situation. Many self-help groups advocate to bring about policy changes for the benefit of all who share the group's concern. National self-help organizations offer support through newsletters, hotlines, and assistance in starting groups. Often, persons in self-help groups are better at following medically prescribed courses of treatment, show improved lifestyle changes suggested by their physician to prevent relapse, and are less anxious and depressed regarding their illness or situation.
Some studies indicate self-help groups can reduce mortality rates.
Discusses the evidence in support of the effectiveness of self-help groups. A statewide directory of self-help groups called Connections . Numerous public awareness and professional education Workshops and Inservice presentations about self-help groups. Technical Assistance to more than 200 new and existing self-help groups. Information and updates in Helping Hands, a newsletter published three times per year.