19 January 2009

We know that organisations dealing with traumatic areas such as rape and sexual abuse generally offer a helpline, information, and counselling services. Unfortunately, in many cases there are long waiting lists for people who wish to access counselling. Given the issues surrounding PTSD are particularly sensitive, potential service-users may feel more comfortable accessing internet-based services as an initial contact. Evidence suggests an intervention called Interapy may be of significant benefit to those users suffering from PTSD. A controlled trial of ... Continue reading

by mark12 January 2009

Online support groups are a popular form of support service delivery now common on the Internet. Surveys conducted both in the US and Ireland show that a substantial proportion of Internet users access the Internet for health reasons. In 2002, 80% of American Internet users (55% of all adults) accessed the web for health information. And in 2000, 4.9 million American Internet users participated in emotional support settings on line (Fox, 2000). In Ireland, a survey conducted in 1999 reported ... Continue reading

by mark5 January 2009

Should you consider an online support service? Many charities provide support and information to a specific target audience, which could include both their service users and also their service user’s wider community of family and friends.When considering how having an online support service might benefit your organisation consider the following questions:Does your organisation offer information or support?Does your organisation offer face-to-face support services?Is your target audience widely dispersed?Do you have difficulties in making your services available on a national level?Do ... Continue reading