Date: Fri 23-Apr-1999

Publication: Hea

Author: SHIRLE

Quick Words:

self-help-networks

Full Text:

HEALTH MONITOR: Network For Support Groups

The Connecticut Self-Help Network is the only statewide clearing house for

self-help support groups.

The network was organized in 1981 as a volunteer collaboration among mental

health/health service providers and self-helpers. The network is part of the

National Clearinghouse which supplies information about local groups using

national models. It has grown to a database of 900 currently listed

Connecticut groups and over 1,000 national groups published in a directory,

including such groups as Alcoholic Anonymous, Compassionate Friends Multiple

Sclerosis Society, and others.

The network's primary purpose is to promote and strengthen self-help groups in

the state of Connecticut. It offers resources to anyone interested in finding

a group, through its Directory of Self-Help Groups in Connecticut as well as

by phone inquiries. It also offers technical assistance such as workshops and

consultations for starting new groups, leadership training, and group

facilitation. The network currently is searching for new support groups to be

included in its directory and database. All free support groups will be

considered for free membership. To obtain a group membership information form,

or find a support group, contact the network at 203/624-6982.