The Family Support Network (FSN) launched its long-awaited good practice guidelines for peer-led family support groups1 in Dublin Castle on 7 April 2010. The audience was welcomed by FSN chairman Mr Tony Hickey, and the guidelines were formally launched by Mr Eamonn Quinn of the Quinn Family Trust, who part-funded the project. Ms Sadie Grace, co-ordinator of FSN, gave a brief overview of the guidelines.  

• To assist family support groups to develop good practice in all areas of the work of the group.
• To identify training and other resources required to support good practice.
• To ensure consistency in the practice of family support groups throughout the country.
• To provide a basis for affiliation to the FSN. 

1. Introduction includes items on who the guidelines are for and how best to use them;
2. Starting a peer-led family support group includes items on the composition of groups, code of ethics and practice advice for convening meetings;
3. Providing support in a group examines aspects of confidentiality, identifying the needs of members, and group development;
4. Facilitation outlines the role and attributes of a good facilitator;
5. Seeking external support deals with identifying information, self-development and training needs of a group;
6. Setting up a family support network outlines the benefits and issues involved in setting up a network of support groups. 

 1. Family Support Network (2010) Good practice guidelines for peer-led family support groups. Dublin: Family Support Network.