One parent decided to share her grief and sorrow by starting a self help group for families whose members are looking after the mentally challenged. Today the group known as AMEND is well recognized for its grass root emotional and educational support to families. Why don't you start a self help group and reduce your emotional burden?


What are Self Help Groups (SHGs)?
  • Self Help Groups, SHGs are essentially emotional support groups rallying forth around a cause. In this case, the Cause is related to coping with the challenge of caring for the affected family member. Families that go through the devastating experience find solace and comfort in meeting others with similar experiences in SHGs started for this purpose.
  • It is a simple affair to form SHGs. An individual seeking help can advertise in the local newspaper( against a P.O.Box identity if required to ensure privacy), to gather similar families in that city or in the State.
  • Plan a monthly or a fortnightly meeting in a common and mutually convenient place. Initial meetings can be held in some local community centers. If no place is available, seek the help of Secretary, Health in your State.
Read The Story of AMEND in Meeting the Mental Health Needs of Developing Countries , NGO innovations in India edited by Vikram Patel and R.Thara, SAGE publications India Pvt.Ltd., 2003


Self Help Groups in India.
For International Family Support Groups, visit
www.nami.org
www.world-schizophrenia.org
sahanaya@panlanka.lk
www.eufami.org
© 2004 Action for Mental Illness, Bangalore, India