One of ConnectGroups’ most important roles is to provide hands-on assistance to new and existing support and self-help groups. Services include one-on-one mentoring, training and the provision of resources. ConnectGroups also runs forums and workshops for support groups and related organisations. All services are free of charge or offered at a low cost to our members. In 2010 a set of workshops entitled “Leaders Series”, was piloted to skill ConnectGroups clients in managing support and self-help groups and thereby assist them in providing a better service to their members.
The 2011 the Leaderships Series Workshops were again run and have provided great benefits to our members; demonstrated by the consistent number of attendees and the positive feedback received. The Series involved a combination of up to date, well researched information and practical, experiential exercises. Attendees were given the chance to put knowledge to the test and practise new tools with one another to maximise the uptake of the tools and knowledge delivered.
The workshops emphasised the building of connections between group participants and the dissolution of unhelpful barriers between participants. As such, there was a focus on sharing, opening up and group discussion.
We are looking forward to continuing to offer The Leadership Series Workshops in 2012.
In 2010 we were also contracted by the Epilepsy Association of WA Inc. to run a series of workshops on Group Facilitation for their support group facilitators. This service delivery included producing a Group Facilitator’s Manual.
In 2011, in partnership with the Pilbara Association of Non-Government Orgnaisations (PANGO) we have been delivering a “Train the Trainer” workshop on “How to Implement Effective Governance: A training resource for NGO, Self-help and support groups.” Developed over the last 18 months, the Governance Training also came with a free Manual and DVD for participants to use within their self help and support groups.
ConnectGroups also values the work carried out by volunteers and specifically those that facilitate groups on a voluntary basis. It is for this reason that ConnectGroups, in partnership with the Central Institute of Technology, is developing a Certificate IV: Self Help and Support Group Facilitation qualification. The pilot program “Cert IV Self Help and Support Group Facilitation” will be rolled out as soon as funding becomes available.
