in the context of this guideline, a support (self-help) programme delivered to groups of patients with depression and a shared chronic physical health problem. The focus is on sharing experiences and feelings associated with having a chronic physical health problem. The programme is supported by practitioners who facilitate attendance at the meetings, have knowledge of the patients' chronic physical health problem and its relationship to depression, and review the outcomes of the intervention with the individual patients. The intervention consists typically of one session per week over a period of 8 to 12 weeks.