Nodal point of self help - an introduction
Sist oppdatert:
The Directorate of Health and Social Affairs recently launched a “National Plan for Self-help” as part of the Escalation Plan for Mental Health (1999-2008). Among the initiatives is the establishment of a nodal point for self-help.
Selfhelp is aligned with self-mastery and user involvement, but above all it emphasise that all people possess inner resources
that can be activated and regained. The self-help effort represents initiatives that are aimed at strengthening the ability
and opportunity of individuals to take part in their own process of change. It is not intended to be an offer in lieu of required
treatments, but as a supplement or combined effort towards the broader population.
Self-help is one factor in understanding public helath and health in general. For many, self-help represents a well suited
alternative, but arenas providing for self-help activities have been scarce. Equally important is changing professional’s
attitude towards self-help, its effect and broad range of use including different diagnosis or life problems that cause’s
mental distress. Methods used, for whom, how to organize and anchor activity are important prerequisites for professionals
to understand when exploiting the self-help opportunity within their service.
The nodal point’s main objective is to build bridges between health care services, health authorities, volunteer organisations,
politicians and individuals to develop arenas for self-help activity and effective networks. Secondly, collect and systemize
experiences made and initiate research on relevant activities.
National Plan for self help
