Lupus clients face the challenge of dealing with a long-term illness that often produces multiple symptoms and follows an erratic course. As a result, they are often faced with the need for major lifestyle changes. Social support networks have been shown to be effective in promoting the necessary transition to successfully cope with many chronic illnesses. This article explores theoretical perspectives on the role of self-help groups in clients with a chronic illness. It also presents the experiment of one local community in developing a telephone help-line support system. A telephone help-line manned by lupus members can meet some of the needs of lupus clients. A model for developing similar self-help community services is presented. Ideas for future development of supportive services for lupus clients are discussed.