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HOLISTIC, PEER LED RECOVERY RESOURCES
DISCOVER YOUR FULL POTENTIAL
| | | | CALL: (860) 505-7581 | EMAIL: INFO@ADVOCACYUNLIMITED.ORG | | |
Featured Community Submission: Inclusive Conversation by Alan Coker
Fall Fundraiser
Free Community Education
- Breathwork Classes
- Virtual Peer Advocacy Network
- Introduction to DBT & CBT
- Alternatives to Medication: Live, Eat, and Breathe In Recovery
- Problem Gambling
- The Art of Grounding
Paid Community Education
- Full Maastricht Training for Voice Hearing
Recovery Support Specialist Course
Programs of AU
- Bridger Program
- CT Alternatives to Suicide
- CT Hearing Voices Network
- Join Rise Be
- Toivo
Peer Support Groups
- Alternatives to Suicide
- Connecticut Hearing Voices Network
- Late Night Support Meetings from RIPPLE
- Bridger Program Meet-Up
Peer Employment Opportunities
CT Addiction Peer Recovery
Peer Respites
- Gloria House
- Anemoni
- Afiya
Peer Led Resources
Connecticut Resources
Contact Us
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CREATIVITY PUZZLE
Remote Associates Test
The Remote Associates Test normally takes a linguistic form: given three words, the participant is asked to come up with a fourth word associated with all three of them.
Example: Square | Cardboard | Open - BOX
Land, Hand, House| ASSOCIATED WORD
ANSWER AT THE BOTTOM OF NEWSLETTER!
| | Featured Community Submission | | | | |
Inclusive Conversation
Please enjoy an amazing new song, Inclusive Conversation, by Alan Coker. Alan is a member of the AU Board of Directors and serves in the role of Secretary. He is a champion within the Peer Recovery Community of CT. He continues to sit on many committees and coalitions across the state, has actively participated in Keep the Promise, Amplify CT, and the CT Behavioral Health Partnership. Alan's contributions continue to guide statewide planning for inclusive, high quality, person centered and recovery-oriented mental health services. He is also a talented musician.
Inclusive Conversation
Written by Alan Cocker and Steven Ferris
Alan Coker: Flute
Melissa Caqutt: Vocals, Guitar & Keyboard
Michael McMahon: Saxophone
Steven Ferris: Vocals & Bass Guitar
| | Sound Healing with Breathwork | |
September 19, 2025
6 - 8 PM
In Person at Toivo
1477 Park St.
Hartford, CT 06106
All proceeds from this fundraiser will go towards the installation of an elevator at our Peer Recovery Center. We are half way to our goal! General Admission is $50. Purchase tickets or donate below.
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3rd Tuesday of Each Month
12 - 1 PM
Virtual & In Person at Toivo
1477 Park St.
Hartford, CT 06106
Breathwork is an evidence-based practice that supports recovery after trauma. We will practice two basic breathwork techniques, and learn the following:
1) Name at least 1 benefit of breathwork
2) describe how breathwork supports a healthy nervous system
3) Experience 2 breathwork practices
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Peer Advocacy Network
3rd Friday of Each Month
10 AM - 11:30 AM
Zoom (Link Provided After Registration)
The Peer Advocacy Network is space for people working in peer recovery services and allies to meet monthly and discuss topics related to the professional practice of peer support. Together, we work toward improving access to peer delivered recovery resources, unifying the peer recovery workforce of Connecticut, and dismantling psychiatric oppression.
| | | | | Alt. to Medication: Live, Eat & Breathe in Recovery | |
August 13, 2025
1 - 3:00 PM
Recovery 12 Solutions
151 Montauk Ave.
New London, CT 06320
This PEER FORUM is for anyone in the recovery community seeking holistic tools to address addiction, mental health, and trauma. “Alternatives To Medication” offers practical, non-pharmaceutical approaches, such as movement, nutrition, and mindfulness, to support recovery.
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September 17, 2025
10 - 11:30 AM
Advocacy Unlimited
2075 Silas Deane Hwy.
Rocky Hill, CT 06067
This training will address the connections between gaming and gambling. It will discuss the psychological and social impacts of gambling and gaming on youth, signs of problematic behavior, and provide resources for promoting healthier digital habits.
| | | | | PEER FORUM: Working With People Who Hear Voices | |
September 25, 2025
10 AM - 1 PM
Advocacy Unlimited
2075 Silas Deane Hwy.
Rocky Hill, CT 06067
Learn how to support individuals who hear voices and experience altered states. This session will cover compassionate approaches, trauma-informed listening, and methods that prioritize choice and healing.
| | Full Maastricht Training for Voice Hearing | |
September 23, 2025 - In Person
September 24, 2025 - In Person
November 10, 2025 - Virtual
Must Attend all Sessions
9 AM - 5 PM
Advocacy Unlimited
2075 Silas Deane Hwy.
Rocky Hill, CT 06067
This training is for providers and supporters to gain insight into the experience of voice hearing and learn strategies for supporting a person to navigate their personal experience with voice hearing.
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UPCOMING RSS
CERTIFICATION & TRAINING
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AU's RSS Training is an 80-hour advanced training course that prepares students with the skills and knowledge required to provide trauma recovery resources as peer support specialists in Connecticut.
Applications for our November 2025 Recovery Support Specialist Course open on July 1st, 2025. The application deadline is August 31st, 2025. This course will be held in Rocky Hill, CT.
| | | | | Reach Out to the Bridger Program | |
Bridgers offer 1:1 peer support to adults living in CT who are 18+ and who find themselves living in difficult circumstances and moving through big transitions.
This program is offered at no cost to participants, and is grant funded.
For more information contact us at:
call: 860-505-7581
email: info@advocacyunlimited.org
| | Bridger Program Participant Meet-up | |
Weekly on Wednesdays
3 PM - 4 PM
Advocacy Unlimited
2075 Silas Deane Hwy.
Rocky Hill, CT 06067
This is a 1 hour group for people seeking community, connection, and hope.
Facilitated by a trained peer support specialist. Enjoy activities, dialogue, and light refreshments.
Registration is not required.
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CT ALTERNATIVES TO SUICIDE SUPPORT GROUP
Alt2Su groups are currently on an intentional, temporary pause for the summer as we move through a key period of transition.
An Alt2Su group is a 1-hour peer-support group for people living with thoughts of suicide. Groups are facilitated by trained people who facilitate a judgement-free space where participants can talk about suicidal thoughts, and develop strategies for learning to live with these experiences.
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CT HEARING VOICES NETWORK
The CT Hearing Voices Network provides statewide support for people who hear voices or have other alternative experiences. CTHVN group times can be subject to change throughout the month. Updated times and dates can be found on the CTHVN website, including:
VIRTUAL GROUPS
IN PERSON GROUPS
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YOUNG ADULT WARMLINE—PHONE-BASED PEER SUPPORT
855-646-7366 | 7 Days a week | 12pm-9pm
Our Warmline offers statewide phone-based peer support for young adults.
Similar to hotlines, staff connect callers to community resources, hold space, and inspire callers to step forward and towards a life of self-defined purpose.
All are welcome to call to connect with a peer today!
| | YOUNG ADULTS | JOIN RISE BE | | | | AN EMERGING ADULT RECOVERY INITIATIVE | We are a grant funded peer-led initiative built by young people for young people. We are based in New Britain, Connecticut and travel statewide to create space through presentations, workshops, and peer-groups. We our shared lived experience so others feel comfortable to do the same. We are here to influence positive change across our current mental health system and within our communities. Through our effort we cultivate the belief that recovery is possible and we all have the capacity to achieve self-defined success. | | |
UPCOMING MEETINGS
June 5
July 3
August 7
September 4
October 2
November 6
December 4
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YOUNG ADULT ADVISORY BOARD
EVERY FIRST THURSDAY | 11AM-1PM
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A space for young adults from across Connecticut to share, connect and use our collective experiences to improve the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services' young adult programming.
During meetings, we connect, share, and plan statewide recovery and leadership events. We are currently planning the 2023 Young Adult Summer Funfest.
TO REGISTER EMAIL CONNECT@JOINRISEBE.ORG
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HOLISTIC MIND BODY WELLNESS IS OUR INTENTION | | | |
Toivo was established by Advocacy Unlimited, Inc. in 2014 to bring holistic mind body wellness to folks living with a psychiatric diagnosis. Operating as a peer-led initiative, Toivo offers statewide classes, workshops and a center for holistic healing and stress management located in Hartford, Connecticut.
To Learn more visit the Toivo website HERE
| | PEER EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES | | |
ARE YOU AN EMPLOYER WITH AN OPEN POSITION?
Know of a job opportunity available? Please let us know, and we'll get the word out to our network of qualified applicants.
EMAIL: info@advocacyunlimited.org
| | | CT ADDICTION PEER RECOVERY | | | | Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery | A community non-profit dedicated to organizing the addiction recovery community (people in recovery, family members, friends and allies) to put a face on recovery and provide recovery support services, we also promote recovery from alcohol and other drug addiction through advocacy, education and services. CCAR meets people where they are. We don’t push any one form of recovery on anyone. | | | | Afiya is the first peer-run respite in Massachusetts and one of only a few dozen in the country. Afiya strives to provide a space in which each person can find the balance and support needed to turn a difficult time into a learning and growth opportunity. We prioritize offering an alternative to/supporting people to avoid psychiatric hospitalization and other more invasive/disruptive interventions. | | Anemoni Peer Respite is Wildflower Alliance’s second peer respite and the first trans and queer peer respite in the world. Located in Holykoe, Massachusetts, Anemoni offers both a place to stay and Mobile Supports in the community | | | | | The Gloria House Peer Respite | The Gloria House is a 4 Bedroom residential peer respite home located in New Britain, CT. The house is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year – by peers who identify as having direct lived experience with mental health, addiction and/ or trauma. The Gloria House offers voluntarily, short-term respite services as an alternative to traditional psychiatric stays. | | | | Late-Night Support Meetings | |
Are you a night owl?
Join RIPPLE for their late-night support groups on zoom, from 10pm-12am on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
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January 21, 2025: Sex, Drugs, Harm Reduction | Caty Simon
How do decriminalizing drug use and sex work advance mad liberation? What lessons can psychiatric survivors learn from the harm reduction movement? Caty talks about her 20 years experience in the harm reduction movement.
LISTEN HERE
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National Paranoia Network | |
The Paranoia Network was originally launched in 2004. Run by Peter Bullimore, Kate Crawford and Shaun Hunt, the organization aims to raise awareness of how disabling paranoia can be, and to breakdown social taboos.
Read A tribute to Peter Bullimore
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The Wildflower Alliance supports healing and empowerment for our broader communities and people who have been impacted by psychiatric diagnosis, trauma, extreme states, homelessness, problems with substances and other life-interrupting challenges.
Wildflower Alliance Website: wildfloweralliance.org
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MADNESS NETWORK NEWS
Madness Network News is dedicated to the interchange of energy and support of mad people and psychiatric survivors. Our work is rooted in psychiatric abolition and mad liberation movements, and we are committed to fighting against psychiatric oppression and violence everywhere.
BLOG: Anti-psychiatry vs. Psychiatric Abolition
BY: Róisín
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Open everyday 11:00 am - 11:00 pm PT.
The Psychedelic Peer Support Line is staffed by rigorously trained, compassionate, supportive volunteers from diverse backgrounds who listen deeply and from a place of non-judgment.
| | Alcoholics Anonymous is a worldwide fellowship of people who help each other to stay sober. They offer the same help to anyone who has a drinking problem and wants to do something about it. Since they are all alcoholics themselves, they have a special understanding of each other. They know what the illness feels like – and they have learned how to recover from it in AA. | | The CT Cross Disability Lifespan Alliance is a statewide coalition of individuals and organizations that advocate for the full inclusion and participation of all people with disabilities in their communities. The CCDLA meets every other month to share resources, promote issues of importance and to advocate for solutions that improve the quality of lives for people with disabilities. In addition, the Alliance hosts Policy calls every other week to address policy issues at the local, state, and national levels. | |
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RIPPLE is a small collective of people who have lived experience with mental health and/or addiction challenges. Their mission is to empower their peers and use their voices to educate, inform, and inspire new leaders in the community. They aim to bring new and innovative ideas to the recovery process for the benefit of all.
RIPPLE has a comprehensive list of resources in Connecticut, organized by need and county.
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Learn About:
-The opioid epidemic
-How to prevent an overdose
-How to recognize warning signs & symptoms
-How to administer Narcan (Naloxone)
-Current protective legislation in CT
-Local resources & services
| | Inner Compass Initiative helps people make more informed choices about psychiatric diagnoses and drugs and build community with like-minded others thinking critically about today's mental health industry. We work to support individuals to engage in curious, critical, independent self-education and inner exploration, and collectively, to help develop more interconnected, empowered and resilient grassroots communities. | | Helping Hands: A Resource Guide for Families With Loved Ones In Prison | Prison Families Alliance (PFA) is committed to improving the lives of families and children who have loved ones in the criminal justice system. | | DMHAS Mental Health Bed Website | A new project listing open beds, including 45 state-operated and private non-profit agencies, covering six types of programs and more than 1700 beds. Programs will be updating this site when there is a change in availability and at least weekly. | | |
VETERAN PEER SUPPORT SERVICES
Peer support services help Veterans who are using mental health treatment services in VHA. Any Veteran can have mental health problems, trouble with addictions, or other related problems. These can all negatively affect their daily living and personal wellness. Peer Specialists are employees who are Veterans. They have personally experienced similar life challenges to the Veterans who are using mental health services in VHA.
| | Eating Disorder Support Lines | | | | |
Looking for Shelter? Call 2-1-1 Press 3, then 1 to speak with a housing specialist.
As of 11/17/2014 all requests for shelter beds must be made through 2-1-1
Safelink users call 1-800-203-1234
| | Thanks for reading, and see you next month! | | |
2075 Silas Deane Highway
Rocky Hill, CT 06067
Office Hours: 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday
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CREATIVITY PUZZLE Remote Association Test
ANSWER: Land, Hand, House | Farm
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