I have found at least eleven self help groups in Croydon and I am sure there are more that I do not know about. These groups are usually, but not always, run by people with a certain condition/illness who offer each other mutual support helping thus them manage their condition. I have been in contact with most of these groups recently and one thing that most of the members have commented on is how important the group is to them in terms of managing their condition. The support and understanding that they get from fellow members seems to be a big factor in helping them manage.