Supporting people who are not ready to join a self-help group requires understanding the reasons behind their decision and respecting their choice. On 23 September, GURT Resource Centre will hold a webinar titled “How to Help Those Who Are Not Ready for a Self-Help Group”. The event will be useful for facilitators and anyone working with self-help groups who wants to support people who are not currently ready to join a group setting.
How to Support Without Trying to Convince?
Refusing to join a group does not necessarily mean refusing support. A person may simply not be ready for a group format, need more time to make a decision, or be looking for a different form of support.
During the webinar, participants will discuss how to remain supportive in such situations while respecting a person’s personal boundaries. Particular attention will be paid to how to talk about the possibility of joining a group without pressure, persuasion, or attempts to “sell” its benefits.
The webinar will also explore how to distinguish between situations where a person simply does not want to join a group, is not ready to do so at the moment, or needs a different form of support.
What Will Be Discussed During the Webinar?
Participants will learn:
- what reasons may underlie a person’s reluctance to join a self-help group;
- how to talk about a group without putting pressure on a person or trying to convince them at all costs;
- how to distinguish between “I don’t want to”, “I’m not ready right now”, and “I need a different form of support”;
- how facilitators can keep the door open for future contact, even if a person declines to participate in the group;
- when a self-help group may not be sufficient and when it may be appropriate to suggest seeking specialised professional support;
- how to talk about seeking help from a psychologist, psychotherapist, psychiatrist, or other specialists without stigmatising or pressuring the person;
- where the boundaries of a facilitator’s responsibility lie and why not every situation should be addressed through a self-help group.
How to Join?
Date: 23 September 2026
Time: 16:00–17:00
Facilitator: Olena Khomych, GURT Programme Manager.
Participation is available only to registered participants. After registration, each participant will receive a link to the online event.
This publication was made with the support of UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency in Ukraine. The content of the publication is the sole responsibility of the Charitable Organization “Charity Foundation “Stabilization Support Services” and does not reflect the views of UNHCR.