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About Us

ConnectGroups – Support Groups Association WA (previously Western Institute of Self Help (WISH) Inc) is a unique not-for-profit, community-based organisation that provides support and assistance for individuals and support groups with start-up, ongoing development, advocacy and networking.

Mission Vision & Values

Since 1983, we have provided practical assistance to both new and established groups to support their effective management and role in the community.

ConnectGroups aims to help people help each other by providing self help and support groups with:

ConnectGroups promotes the philosophy and practice of self help throughout Western Australia. Fostering empowerment among self help and support groups allows people dealing with stressful life problems and situations to share their experiences and to offer emotional and practical support to one another.

Browse around our website to find out more about this wonderful organisation, and the services it provides.

Mission

“To promote the philosophy concept and practice of self help within Western Australia and to facilitate its development and effectiveness by educating, linking and empowering individuals, families and groups to meet their specific needs".

Vision

Helping people help each other.

Guiding Principles and Values

• People in similar circumstances can provide a vital support for each other
• There are self help and support solutions that can be highly beneficial to people in our community
• ConnectGroups has a leadership role to play both in Western Australia and Australia
• Information and effective two way communication are critical
• Be honest, ethical and show respect for others
• We are not to be judgmental, biased or prejudiced.
• Staff and volunteers are a significant asset and are critical to the success of ConnectGroups.
• We are all working with the goal of providing a better society and community, now and for the future
• Decisions and participation in ConnectGroups business and activities, at whatever level, should not be personally motivated or for personal gain.

History

In 1983 a group of concerned community members met around a kitchen table to discuss the formation of an organisation aimed at assisting self help groups in Western Australia. The group was involved in a local family centre and had been unable to find the support and assistance needed for their group.

Following the results of a survey, which they targeted towards self help groups, a public meeting was held in 1982 with over 200 people attending to discuss the needs of groups in Western Australia.

With the help of a small grant from the then Department of Community Services the Western Institute of Self Help (WISH) Inc was established in 1983. The organisation was to undertake the needs expressed at that first public meeting; to promote the philosophy and practice of self help throughout Western Australia.

Over the years the organisation evolved into one that is recognised as the leader of self help initiatives in Western Australia. In 2007 WISH was re-branded to ConnectGroups – Support Groups Association WA Inc. It was felt that this new name more aptly described the type of services offered.

The following is just a small example of the type of achievements the organisation has accomplished over the last two decades;

• Finalist in the 2004 Community Service Awards.
• Preferred Service Provider on triennial funding with Department for Community Development.
• Funded by the Federal Government (Department of Family and Community Services) for the Stronger Families and Communities Strategy Programee in 2004.
• Rural outreach and capacity building in the South West of WA.
• Eight Editions of the printed Directory of Self Help and Support Groups.
• Introduction of its first Online Directory in 2005
• Re-branded to ConnectGroups – Support Groups Association WA Inc in September 2007

Board and Staff

ConnectGroups is managed by a Board comprising ten people from various sections of the community with expertise on a wide range of issues. The constitution states that there must be at least two support groups represented on the Board. This ensures that we keep in touch with the needs of our client base. Board meetings are held on a monthly basis.

Staff include an Executive Officer, Community Development Officer and Administrative Officer.

The Executive Officer works closely with the Board to implement the strategic decisions made for the ongoing development of the service. The Community Development Officer is responsible for assisting support groups with their initial as well as ongoing development and also promotes our services to the wider community. Our Administrative Officer manages our database, website, compiles and coordinates our e-news and online services and deals with initial enquiries.