Self Help Group Work

Our current programme can be accessed here  

General Support Groups

These groups provide a safe space in which individuals can talk about their experiences with the support of others who have personal experiences of similar issues.  The types of issues discussed in the group include relationships, employment, medical issues, childhood experiences, coping with loss,  depression, anxiety etc.   These groups allow individuals to develop their own coping and problem solving strategies, to set their own (self-defined) recovery goals and to participate and make progress at their own chosen pace.

Confidence Building Courses & One Day WorkShops

SHIP offers a rolling programme of Confidence Building courses and One Day Workshops throughout the year and have developed an effective and flexible structure.  Building our confidence and assertiveness can be the turning point in our mental health recovery.  Our approach is to offer courses and workshops that are person centred and which include a flexible ‘menu’ of personal development topics.

What people have said about recent confidence building courses......

"I’ve met other people with similar or identical problems and I’ve been able to identify with them and learn from them"
"Working in groups can be successful and worthwhile"
"I’ve learnt techniques for saying no and how to ask for what I want and need"
“It has helped me to move on with my life with a positive mental attitude.”

“I feel more positive and I understand that I’m not alone with my feelings.”
“I find myself sharing things with other people, as well as using specific techniques.”

Training in Groupwork Facilitation

Self Help Facilitator Training courses are for survivors/service users, carers and workers who want to learn the SHIP model of facilitation skills so they can facilitate groups in their own communities.   The course looks at the role of self-help and empowerment in working with, and supporting people with mental health problems and/or emotional distress.

SHIP members wishing to undertake the training with a view to becoming a SHIP group facilitator will be required to have completed a Confidence Building courses and to have been attending a support group for the minimum of one year.  The training is open to workers who have attended the Self Help and Empowerment Workshop and a 10 week confidence building course (see separate leaflets)

The course consists of four days training (from 10am to 4pm), please contact the project for details of the next course.

Referral - Self Help sessions are by self referral only

Self Help Referral Form

Self Help Groupwork Infomation

Self Help Autumn programme