Hi Anne,

We haven't worked with natural helpers in this exact context - but we do
work with them in other situations (especially multicultural issues).

We've found that natural helpers helping each other is effective - so things
that try to bring them together to exchange whatever information they do
have might be something to try.

We've also found that, if there is a staff person that the natural helpers
come to and trust, then its really important to keep that same staff person
in that particular role.  (We made some mistakes re: staff re-assignments,
and ended up loosing some contacts because of it.)

We've also found through trial and error, that its a mistake to make the
agency's "support" for the natural helpers too formal.  It seems important
to keep this support very informal.

As a personal aide, I've found that the international literature around
community workers etc.  is more helpful here than the "western" models - but
I'm not familiar with anything directly relevant to needle exchange.

 At 11:03 PM 7/10/97 -0600, you wrote:
>Does anyone have access to ideas/models for supporting "natural helpers" who
>access needle exchange sites or similar programs?  The context: many of the
>individuals coming to needle exchange sites in this city are, in turn,
>providing support to people who will always remain underground but rely on
>the skills and knowledge of people they trust, eg. in relation to safe
>injecting, remedies for serious cuts, bruises, burns and the like.
>
>eg. A woman who is an injection drug user suffered a serious burn to her
>face but would not go for medical treatment.  Several people tried remedies
>to help her, but she ended up with a serious infection.  Those offering help
>needed some simple know-how about treating a third degree burn.
>
>Staff recognize key role the "natural helpers" play and are seeking ways to
>offer relevant support. When staff asked some people what kind of support
>they would want, the question was not easy to answer.
>
>Support to the "natural helpers" has to fit with the context and could span
>knowledge, skills and/or resources.
>
>I would appreciate your thoughts!
>
>Ann Goldblatt
>
>