Mutual aid tips for clinicians

CrossCurrents

Educate yourself so you can educate clients.
- Attend open meetings, read the literature provided and talk to members.
- Provide clients with introductory pamphlets from groups.
Find a good fit.
- Groups vary and are geared towards different populations. A woman may be uncomfortable in a male-dominated group and a blue-collar worker may not be able to relate to a group that’s predominantly lawyers. You need to know what options are available so you can present clients with different choices.
Break the ice.
- If a client agrees, invite a mutual aid representative into your treatment centre to chat informally and answer questions about the group.
- Find appropriate mentors from groups that would be willing to create an informal sponsorship-type relationship with clients.
Help with logistics.
- Support client in getting to and from meetings. Provide bus routes or find out if the group can supply transportation.
Provide space.
- Give free space at your workplace for open meetings.
Keep a list.
- Have an up-to-date list of meetings and schedules at your fingertips so you can make a quick reference to clients.
Follow up.
- Once your client is attending meetings ask how they are doing and if they have any questions or concerns.
Stay open.
- Challenge preconceived ideas and prejudices about mutual aid groups and remain open-minded.