SELF-HELP IN GROUPS – A GUIDE TO ACTION

There is a large number of self help initiatives in Berlin. The range of subjects is broad and covers self help groups on subjects such as the following: allergies and asthma, cancer, osteoporosis, diabetes, alcohol or addiction to medications, sexuality, self experience, women’s groups, seniors’ groups, mourning, separation, loneliness, depression, fears and groups of members of a family, to name but a few. About 2/3 of all self help groups work on subjects from the area of health and illness. Nevertheless, there are always new reasons for forming another group.

The formation and activities of self help groups are supported in essential ways by self help contact offices. These are service facilities which inform interested persons – both affected parties and professionals – of the possibilities, modes of work and existence of self help groups. Self help contact offices provide self help initiatives with rooms for their meetings and support the work and formation of self help groups through advice and practical assistance.

Since 1983 a network of self help contact offices has arisen in Berlin thanks to the assistance of the Berlin Senate Administration for Health, Welfare and Consumer Protection. These locations offer Berlin’s residents advice, information and support on questions of self help.

This brochure sets out to present the basics of self help groups, to provide a practical guide on founding self help groups and to convey some insight into how they work.

This brochure is intended for persons who would like general information on self help groups and for founders and members of self help groups.

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