What's in a name? A discussion paper on the labels and location of self‐organising community groups, with particular reference to mental health and Black groups
| Published date | 18 August 2010 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.5042/mhsi.2010.0441 |
| Date | 18 August 2010 |
| Pages | 23-29 |
| Author | Patience Seebohm,Carol Munn‐Giddings,Paul Brewer |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care |
Mental Health and Social Inclusion • Volume 14 Issue 3 • August 2010 © Pier Professional Ltd 23
public authorities, helping them to meet their
statutory requirements for community engagement or
providing an alternative to statutory provision.
This article explores similarities and differences in
the way that the terms ‘self-help’, ‘peer support’ and
In this time of scarcity, statutory mental health
funding for independent self-organising community
groups is limited. Those most likely to benefit might
be labelled ‘self-help’, ‘peer support’ or ‘service
user’ groups who locate themselves alongside
What’s in a name?
A discussion paper on
the labels and location of
self-organising community
groups, with particular
reference to mental health
and Black groups
Patience Seebohm
Independent Researcher
Carol Munn-Giddings
Professor in Participative Inquiry and Collaborative Practices in the Faculty of Health and Social Care, Anglia Ruskin
University
Paul Brewer
Chief Executive Officer, Sound Minds
Abstract
This article discusses the labelling and location of self-organising community groups – ‘self-help’, ‘peer support’
and ‘service user’. It notes the increasingly close relationship between these groups and statutory authorities,
and how this relationship may put the benefits of the groups at risk. Historical, cultural and social factors are
discussed to help explain differences and separate developments within African, Caribbean and other Black
communities.
Key words
Mental health; Self-help; Peer support; Service user groups; Black groups; Mutual support; Self-organising;
Community engagement
10.5042/mhsi.2010.0441
SELF-HELP
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