Self Help Recovery Groups

Across seven countries – Botswana, Burkina Faso, Uganda, Nigeria, Ghana, Madagascar, and Congo Brazzaville – self-help and mutual support groups are making meaningful progress. In areas where recovery resources are scare, these groups serve as a lifeline for individuals seeking help. 

With 16 active groups meeting regularly and a network of 30 trained facilitators, the model is steadily growing. Slight but steady growth in group and participants numbers show that self-help is becoming an integral part of the national Blue Cross work. These grassroots recovery communities are not only providing critical psychosocial support, but also fostering hope, resilience, and social reintegration.

To strengthen the skills of our facilitators, we regularly offer online trainings led by IBC. These trainings create a shared understanding across countries while allowing local teams to adapt practices to their specific cultural contexts. Topics include: 

• The 12 Steps approach to recovery
• Supporting behavior change
• Addressing emotions and trauma in the recovery process
• Skills for effective self-help group facilitation

The power of these groups lies in peer support. Individuals on similar journeys come together to share experiences and face challenges collectively. For many participants, this is the first time they feel seen, heard, and supported in their struggle with addiction.

Our self-help group model has proven not only effective, but also sustainable. As the groups continue to grow and deepen their impact, they demonstrate how community-based recovery can change lives. 

Thank you so much for supporting this indispensible recovery networks across Africa! Your donation counts and changes lives, every single day.