The Gemini self management groups

The group that runs Thursday p.m. is a semi-structured group. It was initially set based on the Rethink guidelines on Self-Management support groups. This group runs for 6-8 weeks, to fit in with The Gemini groups and activities timetable.

At the first meeting we have a planning session, to find out what members would like to cover in the sessions that follow. From this The Gemini staff plan a programme on the appropriate subjects chosen.

Over the past two years we have covered a number of subjects which include:

• Managing anxiety
• Managing day-to-day life
• Discussion on medication
• Stigma and labels
• Coping with depression
• Sleep

We created a mission statement and set up some ground rules in the beginning, including respecting each other and keeping things confidential within the group.

At the beginning of each session, we go around and ask members to talk for three minutes about their past week – the good and the bad. We have found out from the feedback sheets that members enjoy this particular part of the group.

Much of the material we use is taken from Mental Health handbooks. These books are based on a process know as C.B.T. (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) and we use the associated handouts in the sessions.

On a Monday another two members of staff run an Anxiety Management group. This group was set up in January 2007. A considerable amount of planning went into the group initially, including checking that it complied with Rethink’s standards and policies. This group also had a planning meeting with members at the beginning. Staff give out monitoring forms on a regular basis to check the group is on the right track for those taking part.

Subjects the group have covered include:

• How anxiety makes you feel
• What does anxiety mean to you
• Breathing techniques
• Confidence building
• Diet and exercise
• Diary planning with members

We also have an achievement tree, where members can hang a label on to mark a positive achievement.