Services

While it is no longer exclusively a self-help group clearinghouse, the Self-Help Network has not forgotten its roots or the importance of mutual support in our mission to create and sustain community change. Having started twenty years ago as a self-help group clearinghouse, Self-Help Network continues to provide services that promote our vision that all Kansans have a voice and share their talents and experiences to create thriving, supportive communities.

Connections Directory: Self-Help Network, along with community partners and sponsors, produces Connections, a comprehensive directory of more than 1500 state and local self-help groups and more than 1000 national self-help groups. Now in its seventh edition, Connections is used by non-profits, health and human service professionals, and individuals seeking information about and making referrals to self-help groups. Connections is user-friendly, with groups divided into easily referenced categories and subjects and is available at a minimal cost by calling 316-978-3843, or 1-800-445-0116 (toll free in Kansas).

Phone referral service: Self-Help Network also provides a phone accessible referral service at 1-800-445-0116 (toll free in Kansas) or 316-978-3843 outside of Kansas. This service, available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (CST) is provided at no cost for those who would like to receive personal, one-on-one assistance in finding a self-help group.

Online Helpbase: In addition to Connections and the phone referral service, Self-Help Network offers an online database of self-help groups at www.selfhelpnetwork.wichita.edu. Searches are easy, free of charge, and accessible 24 hours a day.

Self-help groups listed with the Self-Help Network’s Helpbase and Connections directory are: cost-free or low-cost; are characterized as “mutual support” groups; are ongoing or repeated rather than time-limited; are centered on a common concern or situation; and promote, facilitate the development of, or encourage the continuation of self-help groups. The listing of an organization or group by the Self-Help Network does not necessarily imply an endorsement of its purpose or quality, nor does a group’s omission signify disapproval.

Online library: The online library at www.selfhelpnetwork.wichita.edu offers helpful tips and tool sheets for every aspect of starting a self-help group and maintaining an already existing group. Available at no cost, this online library is a valuable resource of documents that address organizing a group, group maintenance, leadership, and facilitation.

Assistance for new and existing groups: The SHN provides assistance to anyone who wants to start a new self-help group and anyone who wants to enhance an existing group. SHN can provide guidance on such topics as gaining and maintaining membership, looking at model processes and groups, and other information on the benefits of mutual help,

Other services: SHN staff makes presentations to self-help groups, professionals, and others about the structure, development, and benefits, of mutual help.