ABSTRACTTelelink is a special telephone group support program designed to bring small groups of elderly people with visual impairment together each week for stimulation, social interaction or therapy. This study aims to investigate factors which contribute to the effectiveness of Telelink. Group dynamic analyses were obtained by direct ‘observation’ (listening in) of the group meetings. The analyses revealed extensive use of humour and exchange of coping strategies, with little evidence of conflict or domination among group members. The paper concludes with a discussion of the value of group telephone support programs for the elderly, the limitations of their use, and the possible application of Yalom's Group Model for future resea