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The role of self-help groups in promoting well-being: experiences from a cancer group
journal contribution
posted on 2023-07-26, 13:00 authored by Nazira Visram, Adrian Roberts, Patience Seebohm, Melanie J. Boyce, Sarah ChaudharyPurpose – This article aims to describe how a self-help group for people with cancer helped members regain mental well-being. It is set within the context of the ESTEEM project which aims to develop guidelines for health and social care professionals on how to support self-help groups.
Design/methodology/approach – The article is based on personal experience of belonging to the self-help group. It also draws on a participatory qualitative study of 21 self-help groups concerned with a range of health and social issues, carried out for the ESTEEM project.
Findings – Group members regained a sense of control over their lives, developed supportive relationships and participated in collective activities. They saw other members redefine their identity, not as victims but as people with a purpose in life. Early findings from the ESTEEM project suggest that other self-help groups similarly promote social inclusion and mental well-being.
Research limitations/implications – ESTEEM is a three stage programme still underway and conclusions are not yet finalised. Interview questions did not focus on well-being; the association emerged during analysis.
Practical implications – The authors argue that the member-led nature of self-help groups is safe and effective in promoting well-being. Top-down monitoring and evaluation requirements are unhelpful.
Social implications – This article and the ESTEEM project aim to increase the options available to commissioners and professionals wishing to promote mental well-being.
Originality/value – Self-help groups are seldom mentioned in the literature on well-being. This article starts to fill this gap
History
Refereed
- Yes
Volume
16Issue number
3Page range
139-146Publication title
Mental Health and Social InclusionISSN
2042-8316External DOI
Publisher
EmeraldLanguage
- other
Official URL
Legacy posted date
2013-05-09Legacy Faculty/School/Department
ARCHIVED Faculty of Health, Social Care & Education (until September 2018)Usage metrics
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