[Self-help groups as a component of ambulatory community-based rehabilitation after acquired brain damage].

Self-help groups are communities of people with chronic illness or disabilities and their families who join in an effort to cope with their condition and/or psychosocial live problems through mutual help. Their areas of work range from therapeutically focussed support to legal and social counselling and support to the personal help an individual member may need. Self-help groups for the various health conditions or disabilities are considered an important component of ambulatory rehabilitation at community level. Along with social, cultural and leisure activities, health education plays an important role in terms of prevention. For survivors of stroke or brain injury, however, the availability of self-help offers continues to be highly inadequate despite a huge need for assistance, counselling and follow-along services after discharge from rehabilitation in this very patient group.