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This article draws on findings from a Big Lottery-funded project ESTEEM which aims to produce evidence-based guidelines for health and social care professionals on how to support self-help groups, sometimes described as peer support groups. The project involves Anglia Ruskin University, Nottingham University and Self-Help Nottingham, a specialist charity supporting self-help groups, and is being carried out in three stages between 2010 and 2013.
In stage one which ran from 2010 to 2011, a qualitative study of 21 self-help groups was undertaken in Essex and Nottingham ([2] ESTEEM Project Team, 2011). Participating groups focused on a wide range of issues including life-threatening to chronic physical ill-health (n =10), mental ill-health (n =5) and socially isolating situations (n =6). Members of four of these groups were from specific Black and minority ethnic groups. Interests often crossed over; for instance health-focused groups addressed isolation and socially isolated groups discussed health issues. ESTEEM researchers are also interviewing health and community professionals to gain their perspective on how best to support the groups. Group members, professionals and commissioners are involved in designing and reviewing the work. The research is not yet complete, however, early analysis indicates that improved mental well-being appears to be an important outcome associated with group membership.
Our focus in this article is on how members of one group, set up by and for people with cancer, regained mental well-being. Adrian Roberts sets the scene by describing the emotional impact of getting a diagnosis of cancer. Nazira Visram then describes why and how she set up a self-help group. Both describe their experiences in this and other self-help groups, examining what might be key factors in making these groups effective in promoting mental well-being. They conclude with personal messages to clinical professionals and commissioners.
Self-help groups
Self-help groups are organised for and by people with the same health or social issue who voluntarily share their experiences and coping strategies for mutual support ([9] Wilson, 1994). [7] Munn-Giddings and Borkman (2005) argue that it is this unique combination of self-help and reciprocity that enables individuals to help themselves. Self-help groups can be distinguished from professionally led support groups, service user groups pursuing service issues, health advocacy groups, and individually focused self-help activities and programmes....