10.2190/Y0R5-977Y-KD02-LP1B Y0R5977YKD02LP1B 369 AN ASSOCIATION FOR PEOPLE CONCERNED WITH LYMPHOEDEMA: THE BENEFITS OF BELONGING 369 377 20021002 20021002 20021002 20021002 Y0R5977YKD02LP1B.pdf http://baywood.metapress.com/link.asp?target=contribution&id=Y0R5977YKD02LP1B 4 T. NATASHA POSNER SIROUS MOMENZADEH University of New South Wales, Sydney Queensland Centre for Schizophrenia Research, Wolston Park Hospital, Brisbane Lymphoedema is a relatively neglected chronic condition with inadequate treatment provision and significant psychosocial consequences. A membership survey of a self-help organization in Queensland providing information and support and organizing meetings for people concerned with lymphoedema produced evaluative feedback. Comprehensive evidence of the benefits of belonging to the organization was gathered from the responses to a set of open-ended and closed questions. The contribution of this non-government organization to the health and welfare of people with lymphoedema by providing services and representation and facilitating association, is illuminated and affirmed by this evidence. Green, G. (1993). Editorial review: Social support and HIV. AIDS Care, 5(1), 87-100. Gillham, L. (1994). Lymphoedema and physiotherapists: Control not cure. Physiotherapy, 80(12), 835-843. Killilea, M. (1976). Mutual help organizations: Interpretations in the literature. In G. Caplan & M. Killilea (Eds.), Support systems and mutual help: Multidisciplinary explorations (Chapter 2). New York: Grune & Stratton. Posner, T. (1988). Sailing single-handed: Autonomy in the control of diabetes. International Disability Studies, 10(3), 123-128. Katz, A. (1970). Self-help organizations and volunteer participation in social welfare. Social Work, 15(1), 51-60.