Self-help groups bring people together who share a common life experience for support, education, and mutual aid.
Benefits of participating in a self-help group include:
- Learning new information and strategies for confronting problems
- Finding support from others
- The opportunity to help others
- Feeling empowered and more self-confident in coping with challenges.
National MS Society self-help groups have different purposes and goals. Groups may focus on support, advocacy, education, or be more social in nature. Some groups also serve specific populations, such as young adults, parents with MS, care partners, or African-Americans.
Members of self-help groups share a belief that positive personal change happens through individual efforts with the support of others.
The Society recognizes the valuable role self-help groups play in addressing the informational, emotional, and social support needs of people living with MS. There are over 1400 National MS Society-affiliated groups in existence today. For more information about self-help groups in your area, or to talk to someone about establishing a group, contact an MS Navigator at 1-800-344-4867.