How do I Develop a Mental Health Peer Support Group?

In a peer support group, members interact as equals. This differs from the relationship between a patient and a professional. Members find comfort in knowing they are not alone, and these groups often provide a safe place for people to open up. Some struggling with mental health may not have the support of family or friends, so these groups provide a vital base of support. Developing your own mental health peer support group will take time, dedication and organization.

Instructions

• 1

  Pick a focus. Support groups can focus on general mental health or a more specific category such as eating disorders or depression. Select a name for your group.

• 2

  Find a place to meet. Locations might vary depending on availability in your community, but meetings should be conducted in a safe, comfortable place. Try your local library, community center, churches, YMCA or schools. The location should be wheelchair accessible. Decide whether you will conduct meetings on a weekly, bi-weekly, monthly or other regular basis.

• 3

  Set ground rules. Confidentiality should be toward the top of your list. Then create an agenda. This may change each meeting, or you can use the same one as a base to get meetings started. You may want to include time for introductions, time to pass out literature, any group business such as projects or decision-making and of course, a block of time for support discussion.

• 4

  Select roles for group members. Nominate a facilitator to help keep the group focused. Other optional roles include taking minutes, coordinating snacks and refreshments, and keeping time.

• 5

  Announce your group to the community. Create a website that lists the group's purpose. Send out e-mails, flyers and press releases to other local groups, newspapers and businesses to help get the word out. Make sure to provide contact information.