Self help Nottingham group development

Group Development

Self Help Nottingham offers support, advice and resources to self help support groups in Nottinghamshire. Groups need only pick up the phone and ask to speak to a Groups Training and Development Worker. Support can range from straight forward advice and information on funding or developing constitutions to more long-term support around problem-solving, group dynamics and conflict resolution. The Groups Training and Development Workers can also help individuals who wish to start a new group.

Starting a new group

Many people approach Self Help Nottingham with a view to starting a new self help support group. Sometimes their plans are well-advanced but more often they simply want to talk to someone before deciding whether or not to move ahead with their ideas. Most people benefit from exploring the implications of setting up a new group, particularly in relation to the amount of time and energy they can spare and how this might impact on their health and well-being. In our experience it takes about a year to get a group to the point where it is meeting regularly with a small membership. In some cases, particularly if the group is for people facing an uncommon situation 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.

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 also continues.

Most groups have a need for a little support from time to time. Finances, falling membership, the introduction of new projects, imbalance in work loads, problem solving and lack of interest 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 accurate information and sound advice helps 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

help to clearly define the issue
generate ideas
explore options and solutions
support through their introduction
help to review and evaluate progress

Policy Development

child protection
vulnerable adults
financial procedures
risk assessment
equal opportunities

Diversity

review barriers to participation
work to assist the group to become more inclusive
review literature etc. to attract a more diverse membership
provide diversity training

Funding

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

Committee skills

review policies
help to work together more effectively
review roles and responsibilities
problem solve
review and up-date aims and objectives
mediate in disputes

Self Help Nottingham also provides:

a calendar of free training courses for groups
key member days
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 support group in Nottinghamshire, please click here to use our information request form.