An evaluation of a self-help clearinghouse: awareness, knowledge, and utilization

This paper reports on an evaluation of the Self-Help Clearinghouse of Metropolitan Toronto. The purpose of the Clearinghouse is to facilitate the growth and development of self-help/mutual aid groups, and to inform and educate both the Metropolitan Toronto professional helping community and the larger community of the nature and availability of self-help. This study included: (a) a pre- and post-test assessment of awareness, knowledge, and utilization of the Clearinghouse's services and (b) a descriptive assessment of the perceived value of the Clearinghouse from the perspective of a range of informants. Study information was collected from: (a) a selection of representatives of Metro Toronto self-help groups (pre-test N = 70 and post-test N = 52) and (b) a selection of representatives of Metro Toronto health and social services agencies (pre-test N = 70 and post-test N = 55). The findings demonstrated that the awareness, knowledge, and utilization of the Clearinghouse's services by members of the self-help community and human service professionals increased over a 2 1/2-year period. Statistically significant differences were noted among both groups in terms of increased awareness and utilization of the Clearinghouse. As well, professionals' increased knowledge of information and referral services and the directory and the self-help groups' perception of a need for a unique organization dealing with self-help were statistically significant. Both groups perceived a need for a distinct clearinghouse for self-help groups and were very satisfied with the services of the Self-Help Clearinghouse in Metropolitan Toronto.