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Greenwich Together Newsletter | Happy October! As the fall season settles in, our coalition remains dedicated to promoting mental wellness and preventing substance use in our community. This month brings meaningful awareness campaigns, new opportunities to connect, and ways to make a positive impact together. |
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Yellow Tulip Planting
This October, our community came together for the 4th annual Yellow Tulip Planting a meaningful initiative led by Greenwich Together and it's partners. We had over 70 volunteers gathered outside Greenwich High School, planting yellow tulip bulbs across town as a symbol of resilience and as a lasting reminder that “it’s okay to reach out for help” when it comes to mental health. Bulbs planted now will bloom in the spring, at which time we will host our Hope Day event to celebrate!
| | | World Mental Health Day Proclamation | During our annual Greenwich Together meeting, First Selectman Fred Camillo presented an official World Mental Health Day proclamation on behalf of the Town of Greenwich. The proclamation recognizes the importance of mental health as a key part of overall well-being and celebrates the work of mental health professionals, advocates, and community partners. We are grateful to First Selectman Camillo and the Town of Greenwich for their continued support in promoting mental wellness and reducing stigma across our community. | |  | |
We were proud to have two of our youth coalition members speak at the World Mental Health Day event held at BIC Corporation:
Both speakers highlight the importance of open conversations around mental health and how planting the yellow tulips during the Yellow Tulip Project symbolizes hope and renewal in our community. Their voices remind us that reaching out, sharing stories, and supporting one another are essential steps toward wellness.
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Our Greenwich Together Youth Coalition is still accepting new members for this school year. It is a great opportunity for youth to make a difference in our schools and community.
📆 Next meeting: Tues, Nov. 5 @ 7 PM (in person @ Greenwich Town Hall)
| | | Greenwich Together Annual Meeting | |
We recently hosted our 2nd Annual Greenwich Together Meeting — an opportunity to celebrate our accomplishments from the past year and look ahead to the future of our coalition’s work. During the event, we recognized several outstanding members for their dedication and impact in our community:
- Outstanding Leader Award: Dr. Maggie Young
- Youth Advocate Award: SRO Christopher Wallace
- Community Partner of the Year: Family Centers
We’re grateful to all our members and partners for their continued commitment to substance use prevention and mental health promotion in Greenwich!
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The guide offers practical tools to recognize the warning signs, build healthier habits, and access confidential support. It includes:
- A statewide directory of helplines, treatment programs, and online support groups.
- Strategies for self-assessment, goal setting, and developing a personal recovery toolkit.
- Financial management tips, including self-exclusion options and ways to limit gambling access.
- Resources for family and friends who may also be affected by someone’s gambling behavior.
- Encouraging stories and messages that highlight that recovery is possible with the right support and determination.
This free resource is an excellent tool for anyone looking to promote awareness, prevention, and hope around gambling harm — whether personally or in your community.
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Helping Our Kids Starts With Our Own Phone Habits
From Screenagers: Growing Up in the Digital Age creator Delaney Ruston, MD comes a timely reflection on how our own phone and screen habits shape the behavior of our kids. The article digs into how easy it is to ask teens to reduce screen time while we ourselves are often glued to our devices.
The piece highlights a practical framework — “D.A.R.T.S.” — for making meaningful, sustainable shifts:
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D – Doable: Pick a realistic small goal (e.g., no phone at dinner).
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A – Arrange for Success: Create a setup that makes the change easier (e.g., place your phone out of reach).
- R – Reasons: Remind yourself why you’re doing this, and consider sharing that with your kids.
- T – Treats: Celebrate or reward the positive change (even in small ways).
- S – Support: Involve someone else — maybe your child becomes part of the plan and helps you stay accountable.
Rather than focusing solely on limiting kids’ screen time, this article invites us to mode l healthier device habits ourselves — turning the shift into a family journey. It’s a great read for parents who want to build stronger tech-balance, lead by example, and strengthen relationships along the way.
| | | | NAMI Southwest Support Groups | Looking for mental health support or connection? NAMI Southwest CT offers free, confidential support groups for individuals and families affected by mental health conditions. Both in-person and virtual options are available throughout the month, including specialized groups for adults, caregivers, and those living with suicidal thoughts or past attempts. | | | Kids in Crisis Holiday Central | |
Holiday Central provides gifts, clothing, and essential items to families right here in our community — and your generosity can make a big difference. We’re currently accepting donations of new, unwrapped gifts, gift cards, and other needed items.
This is a wonderful way to come together and share the spirit of the holidays with neighbors who could use a little extra support. Every contribution helps bring joy and hope to a local family this winter.
| | | Wired for Worry: Childhood Anxiety and the Changing Landscape of School, Home and Mental Health | |
Sunday, November 2
2:00-5:00pm ET
Join us for a comprehensive parent conference addressing one of today’s most pressing concerns: childhood anxiety.
As rates of anxiety among children and adolescents continue to rise, parents, educators, and mental health professionals must work together to understand, identify, and effectively support young people navigating these challenges. This conference brings together leading experts to explore cutting-edge research, practical strategies, and collaborative approaches that make a real difference in children’s lives.
| | | Mind Over Media: Supporting Kids' Mental Health & Behavior Online | |
Tuesday November 4
1:00 PM EST
Kids face constant screen time and social media pressures, shaping emotions, behavior, and mental health. Join Dr. Dave Anderson of the Child Mind Institute for a practical talk on guiding kids in the digital world. Learn how screen use affects youth, how to set limits, and strategies to build resilience for healthier, more balanced lives online and off.
| | | | Greenwich Together | One Salem Street | Cos Cob, CT 06807 US | | | | |
