Group Development

Self Help Nottingham is the home of self help; a hub of expertise, resources, information and support covering all aspects of good practice in self help and mutual aid groups.  We have over thirty years of experience in the field of self help and can provide everything you need to know about setting up, maintaining and supporting self help groups.  We have a team of highly experienced Self Help Development Workers who work alongside individuals, groups and professionals helping people to make the best use of their own personal skills, experience and ideas.  Support is available right from the start and throughout the lifecycle of the group and can be as little or as much as you feel you require.

Self Help Nottingham works with a range of groups including:

• face-to-face self help groups
• professionally supported self help/support groups
• peer-led groups
• on-line self help groups
• groups combining social networking sites and face-to-face meetings
• groups in the process of transition from professionally-led, to self help

Starting a new group
Many people approach Self Help Nottingham with a view to starting a new self help group.  Whether their plans are well advanced or very tentative, we are happy to help by talking through the process.  Most people benefit from exploring the implications of setting up a new group, particularly in relation to the time and energy they can spare and how this might impact on their health and well-being. 

It can take up to a year to get a group established, in other words to the point where it is meeting regularly, at a consistent venue, with a small active membership.  In some cases, particularly if the group is for people facing an uncommon issue or rare condition, it can take a little longer.  Sadly some groups never get off the ground despite the enthusiasm and commitment of everyone involved.  This is true for both face to face groups and on-line communities.

Self Help Nottingham produces a comprehensive Starter Pack offering a step-by-step guide to setting up a self help group.  This publication is packed full of tips, suggestions and information and is available to new groups in Nottinghamshire free of charge.

Support provided by the groups training and development team
Self Help Nottingham can help new and fledgling groups with:

• a place to explore ideas and plans
• advice and guidance on good practice
• help with drafting and producing publicity materials
• help with getting in touch with potential members
• information on venues and meeting rooms
• ongoing support and training

Support for established groups
Once a group has set out along the path to becoming established the support provided by Self Help Nottingham continues.

Most groups have a need for a little support from time to time. Funding worries, membership and participation issues, internal disagreements and relationships with professionals, are all common areas of concern for established self help groups. Sometimes all that is required is a sounding board or listening ear. At other times information and advice can help to move the group on.
The Self Help Development Workers at Self Help Nottingham are available to assist groups with many issues, including:

Problem solving
The Team can help you to:

• clearly define the issue
• generate ideas
• explore options and solutions
• introduce new strategies
• review and evaluate your progress

Policy Development
The Team can help you to develop:

• a child protection policy
• a vulnerable adults policy
• sound financial procedures
• risk assessment procedures
• equal opportunities policy

Diversity
The Team can help you to:

• review barriers to participation
• become a more inclusive group
• review literature etc. to attract a more diverse membership
• develop new skills through diversity training

Committee skills
The Team can help you to:

• review policies
• work together more effectively
• review roles and responsibilities
• develop creative problem solving strategies
• review and update the group’s aims and objectives
• resolve disputes through mediation

Funding
The Team can:

• provide information on sound financial management
• suggest sources of funding
• assist with gathering evidence
• advise on the application process
• assist with costings
• review funding applications

Gaining an online presence
The Team can help you to consider good practice when:

• setting up a website or web presence
• creating a social networking site
• starting an online group
• setting up an e-mail account for the group

The Groups’ Training and Development Team also provides:
a calendar of training courses for groups

• key member day – for people running groups
• networking opportunities
• development days and discussion forums
• resource loan
• briefing papers
• a link between professionals and groups
  

If you feel your group might benefit from some extra help or support, or if you would like further information about setting up a self help group in Nottinghamshire, please contact us:

click here to use our information request form

or telephone 0115 911 1662, Monday-Friday, 9.00am-5.00pm and ask to talk with a training and development worker.

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Page updated: 23 February 2012