The role of self-help groups in promoting well-being: experiences from a cancer group

Purpose – 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