Zelfhulp Netwerk Zuidoost-Brabant

What is self-help? 

Anyone who is dealing with illness, addiction, or another personal problem firstly goes to the GP or care providers. But there are also some other means to get support in dealing with your illness, problem, or experience: talking with peers. This form of support is called self-help. Relationship problems, sexual identity, addiction issues, feelings of anxiety, and illnesses can give someone the feeling, due to circumstances, that they are all on their own, or in an isolated position. 

At self-help, peers help and support each other by exchanging experiences. People can share their story in total freedom and always anonymously. This not only brings relief, but also ensures that they get to know themselves better. Furthermore, it can prevent or bring an end to the isolation. Participating in one of the groups does not mean that you are all complaining about life. You have the possibility to share your story without being judged. You will experience the recognition from the other participants which helps you to understand that you are not alone. You can learn from each other by listening to the stories. It allows you to look at options and possibilities which may enable you to heal or accept what you are dealing with. 

Talk with someone else 

Stichting Zelfhulp Netwerk Zuidoost-Brabant (the Self-help Network Southeast Brabant Foundation) brings people together. Because the people who have the same experience will often have a better understanding of your struggle than the ones who don’t. By talking about your experiences you will not only know that you are not the only one, but you are also able to talk about the available options and learn how to become stronger as a person.

How it works 

On the website you will find an overview of all the groups that are available, so you can be sure to be in a group with your peers. You can call the Zelfhulp Netwerk or send them an email with questions or let them know that you are looking to get connected to a group. We will share your contact details with the coordinator and he or she will then contact you in return. We do not store your data, so you will stay anonymous within our organization. Together with the contact person of the group you come to an agreement when you want to join for the first time and you will have the possibility to ask all the questions you may have about the group. 

Participating in a group is anonymous and free of charge. In the groups, the participants themselves determine the content of the sessions. They have the responsibility as each self-help group is autonomous. In the past few years more and more people have initiated and started English-spoken groups. There are some English-spoken groups on the subjects of Mental health and Recovery from Addiction. 

Feel free to get in contact with the Support Network Foundation if you are in need for a support group or if you want to start a support group.