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The role of a self-help clearinghouse
Prevention in Human Services
|January 6, 1983
Summary
A Self-Help Clearinghouse can support mutual aid groups by providing information, referrals, and technical assistance. This umbrella organization strengthens community coping skills and social support systems.
Area of Science:
- Community mental health
- Social support systems
- Mutual aid organizations
Background:
- Growing number of self-help groups necessitates a coordinated approach.
- Existing mutual aid groups require support for sustainability and growth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose the formation of a Self-Help Clearinghouse as an umbrella body.
- To outline the functions of a Self-Help Clearinghouse in supporting mutual aid groups.
Main Methods:
- Establishment of an information, referral, and research service.
- Provision of technical assistance to existing groups.
- Facilitation of new self-help group formation.
Main Results:
- A Self-Help Clearinghouse acts as a central resource for mutual aid groups.
- It serves as a barometer of community stressors.
- It enhances social support, coping skills, and competence.
Conclusions:
- A Self-Help Clearinghouse can be integrated into community mental health services.
- It offers significant promise in strengthening community resilience.
- It provides vital support for the proliferation of self-help groups.