Mutual support groups in Great Britain: A survey

Abstract

In the fall of 1979 an attempt was made to locate and survey as many mutual support groups in the United Kingdom as could be readily identified. For purposes of this study, mutual support groups were characterized as groups meeting in small units around a specific focal issue; meeting regularly and frequently for purposes of mutual support. Out of a total mailing of 154 questionnaires, 143 packets were delivered and responses received from 112 self-help organizations. Of these, 71 were determined to fit the criteria for mutual support groups and these responses constitute the basis for the present report. The range of focal issues in these groups was quite broad, divisible into three subgroupings: physical conditions, mental and emotional conditions and social status conditions. There appears to have been a more or less steady growth in the number of these groups founded since the end of World War II, with only 3 groups in the sample predating 1940. Mutual support groups vary tremendously in the number of branches and size of membership. Twelve were local (single branch) groups; 35 were national (multibranch) groups and 18 were international organizations. The number of branches ranged from 1 to 30,000 and total membership ranged from 19 to 70,000. A typical branch register contained the names of 84 persons and the typical attendance at a branch meeting was 28 persons. Mutual support groups usually served those who share the focal condition though there are numerous groups open to family and other interested persons. Conditions for membership were generally found to be unrestrictive. The average group meets monthly. Members tend to be adults aged 30–44 years, more often female than male and recruited largely by publicity in the mass media. Aside from the meetings, important activities were identified as book service-literature, social events, newsletter, contact with other members and information—referral services. The groups are, in the main, funded out of voluntary contributions and membership fees. Professional persons and their services were, in the main, regarded in a positive light. The report includes a commentary on the methodological problems in doing research of this nature.