Home About   Contact   Group Guides   Links   Donate / Volunteer

Self-Help Groups

What is Self-Help?

A self-help group is a voluntary gathering of people who share a common problem, condition, or history. By coming together, members share support and ideas on how to cope and live more productive and fulfilling lives. Groups are usually free of charge, on-going, and open to new members.

Self-help or mutual assistance groups are playing an increasingly important role in the health care system. They complement traditional services by effectively helping people deal with problems, stress, hardship, pain, and personal development. In self-help groups, people take responsibility for each other and themselves. They find that participting with others dealing with similar issues is non-stigmatizing and effective.

News Updates

Fall Self-Help Conference

Sat., Oct. 4th, 2008, The Forum at Carle, Urbana Theme: Mental Health Recovery: Creating Caring Communities.
Registration 8-9 a.m. Conference from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. includes lunch
Keynote speakers include state leader, Nanette Larson, and national expert on surviving trauma, Rev. Jackson Day. A nationally known songwriter, musician and singer, Jason Gray, will also perform at the conference.
Contact: Sharon at the Self-Help Center 217-352-0099 or email sdorsey@familyservicecc.org for registration information.

Jason Gray Concert – Friday, October 3rd, 7 p.m. at Faith United Methodist Church, 1719 S. Prospect,Champaign.
Jason’s music is about hope for persons who have faced difficult life challenges including mental health recovery. For information on Jason go to www.jasongraymusic.com and to order tickets go to www.iTickets.com then to artists and Jason Gray. Tickets: $10 – a benefit concert for Cunningham Children’s Home with support from Carle Foundation Hospital.

2008 Mowrer Self-Help/Support Group Award Form
2008 Mowrer Self-Help/Support Group Award Form

Back to top

Mailing List

Newsletters