Group interaction adds an essential mutual support dimension to SHOP. There is relief in realizing one is not alone with a problem. As one woman said, "when I came to SHOP I was desperately anxious to see someone ... I thought I would learn something helpful and that just coming to the group would be helpful... others would have somewhat the same experience." Participation in group discussions enabled women to, literally, strengthen their voices. Three of the women had difficulty expressing themselves verbally when they started SHOP. All of them improved their voice fluency and power as the program progressed. The group discussions and coffee breaks enabled the women to get to know each other and exchange support. Four of the women took noticeably better care of their appearance as the program progressed. Some of the women from both groups are still keeping in contact with each other.

Setting up SHOP programs at two different seniors' centres enabled the women to forge some links with the community. A representative from both centres met with the women, both in class and informally, to discuss opportunities for involvement in educational or recreational programs and volunteering. The women responded positively to this. In the second group, three women - previously uninvolved at the centre - had already started a new educational program before the SHOP sessions ended.

To conclude, SHOP has much to contribute as a model for educational programming with older women. This article suggests that the aspects of SHOP which contribute most to its effectiveness with older women are: the knowledge component which provides a framework for women to gain some new insights about their experience; the learning of skills which enable women to take greater control of their lives; the reflection on and learning from their own experiences which help women reframe their view of themselves; the group interaction which provides encouragement, friendship and support; and finally, the non-formal community setting which promotes links to the wider community.

Grace Hodgins is a graduate student in the department of Adult Education and Counselling Psychology at the University of British Columbia.

REFERENCES

Burnside, B. (1990). Depression is a feminist issue: A Resource Manual for the Social Health Outreach Program (SHOP). Seniors Independence Programme, Social Service Programme Branch, Health and Welfare, Canada.

Burnside, B. (1990). Leader's manual for the Social Health Outreach Programme (SHOP): A social treatment for depression. Seniors Independence Program, Social Service Program Branch, Health and Welfare, Canada.

Sarbin, T. (1970). A Role Theory Perspective for Community Psychology: the Structure of Social Identity. In D.. Adelson & B. Kalis (eds). Community Psychology and Mental Health. Scranton: Chandler.