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 130 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 (now Department for Communities) 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 Program’ 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