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A HOLISTIC, PEER-LED APPROACH
DISCOVER YOUR FULL POTENTIAL
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CALL (860) 505-7581
EMAIL INFO@ADVOCACYUNLIMITED.ORG
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Advocacy Unlimited, Inc.
114 West Main St. Suite 201
New Britain, CT
9am-5pm
(860) 505-7581
advocacyunlimited.org
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Join Rise Be
114 West Main St.
Suite 310
New Britain, CT
HOURS VARY
(855) 646-7366
joinrisebe.org
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Toivo Center
1477 Park St.
Suite 102
Hartford, CT
9am-5pm
(860) 296-2338
toivocenter.org
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Featured Article: STAYING PRESENT FOR THE HOLIDAYS, ALTERNATIVE TO SUBSTANCE USE - By Barbara McClane
Free Community Education
- Breathwork Classes
- Intro To Motivational Interviewing
- Trauma-Informed Care Webinar
- CTHVN Facilitator Training
AU Spaces to Connect
- Bridger Program Community Meet Up
- Peer Gathering At Toivo
- Young Adult Warmline - Phone Based Peer Support
Peer Support Groups
- Alternatives to Suicide - Group Times
- Connecticut Hearing Voices Network - Group Times
Maastricht Approach Project
- Participate in a MAP Interview
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Potential Benefits
Connect with a Community Bridger
Join Rise Be
- Statewide Young Adult Advisory Board
- Young Adult Warmline - Phone Based Peer Support
- Young Adult Leadership Summit
Toivo: Holistic Stress Management Initiative
- December Offerings
- Calendar
- Connect With Toivo's Instagram
Individual Advocacy Network
Employment Opportunities
Community Spotlight
Peer Community Resources
CT Community 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
Cottage, Swiss, Cake | ASSOCIATED WORD
ANSWER AT THE BOTTOM OF NEWSLETTER!
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STAYING PRESENT FOR THE HOLIDAYS, ALTERNATIVE TO SUBSTANCE USE
By Barbara McClane
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Barbara McClane is a person in recovery, a newly certified Recovery Support Specialist, and author of the Amazon Best Seller, “Blessed Not Bitter: The Barbara McClane Journey”. | |
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The Holidays are here and it's a gift to remain present.
Being present and making the decision not to use any mind altering substance during this time of the year is the best gift for overall health. Handling our decisions matter the most when we believe in our self during times of stress. Let's concentrate on the solutions we can put into place, rather than the substances in our bodies, especially during the holidays. We have an exit ramp if our thinking gets off track, it's called alternative, holistic stress management practices.
There are alternatives that can boost your mood and set off pleasing endorphins. Let's view some alternatives together and see how they can affect your mood for the better.
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Listening to music can instantly elevate your mood and lower your heart rate, decrease stress hormones, and increase serotonin. Now let's add a little two steps with that music. Dancing has a way of calming, relaxing and keeping your body in a rhythmic flow. Ever hear the saying move a muscle, change a thought? Our thoughts can be joyful, creative and tangible. Taking up a Hobby is a good way of finding what moves us in a positive way, reading, and writing lets us explore different cultures and expands our minds in a positive manner. Libraries are a great place to explore freely, it’s relaxing atmosphere allows you to discover the world. Finding your creative side by delving into painting, sketching or drawing. Art is stretching your imagination into greater possibilities.
On a personal note, my art form is photography. I purchased a camera, and found my niche for nature and its beauty. I began exploring outdoors and honed in on my creative skills and eventually built a business. What started as a hobby began helping me to stay present in the moment with wonderment. Photography gave me purpose and passion. Capturing beauty in the world elevated the desires of me not wanting to use any substance. Moreover, you can capture wonderful images by just using your cell phone. Snapshots of the present moment can be festive while spending time with others during the holiday is important for connections, you never have to be alone for the holidays. Always remember your higher power is with you.
Another gift for the holidays is asking for what you need. Letting people know that it may be harder during this time, asking friends whom you have met on your recovery journey to spend time with you helps to create closeness. Connection is what our true self desires, wants and needs.
Holiday gatherings with family can bring out fun stuff, while watching a holiday movie marathon, or making your favorite dish together. Playing board games makes for conversation, laughter and bonding time. Be mindful while visiting with family and guard your recovery, it's your responsibility for letting folks know about your new lifestyle change. There is also outdoor fun, weather permitting going for walks in the neighborhood seeing all the decorations with a family member or friend can be helpful to your mind. Walking builds brain power and reacts positively to nature and its beauty. Caroling can foster connections in a social atmosphere with neighbors that brings the spirits together. Therefore, it can be therapeutic.
Holding space for yourself by being present can be achieved in moments by taking a breath and remembering you matter. Take trust in that moment, pause and remember that a higher power is walking with you, and wants the best for you.
All the above alternatives can work, just remind yourself that remaining open minded in your newer way of life, creates room for new ideas and applying positive action in each step is essential.
Stay present in the moment, and remember you are the true gift for the holidays.
How will you take care of yourself this holiday season? Share your ideas at RSSCT@AdvocacyUnlimited.org
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This free community education is hosted by Advocacy Unlimited, Inc. Registration is strongly encouraged.
Virtual trainings are offered via Zoom. No recording will be available. Once you register, you will receive an email about 72 hours before the training begins that includes the link to join the training
Click here to read our community informed consent statement: INFORMED CONSENT
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BREATHWORK CLASSES:
(IN PERSON & VIRTUAL)
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Intro To Motivational Interviewing | | |
Advocacy Unlimited is Excited to offer a new training on Motivational Interviewing taking place on December 12th! Motivational Interviewing is an approach to behavior change through a collaborative, goal-oriented communication style. This training will provide a comprehensive understanding of the principles, techniques, and practical application of Motivational Interviewing. With these tools, you can better engage clients, elicit change talk, and enhance motivation for positive behavior change. View more information below and click the button to register! | |
Trauma-Informed Care Webinar | | |
Sexual violence is a pervasive public health issue. About 1 in 3 women and nearly 1 in 6 men will experience sexual violence at some point in their lifetime. The prevalence of sexual violence is even higher across marginalized groups, such as people of color, LGBTQ+ populations, and persons with disabilities. When a survivor discloses to us, our care must be trauma-informed and survivor-centered. The Connecticut Alliance to End Sexual Violence is providing a webinar on what trauma-informed care is and looks like in action. Click the button above to register. | |
CTHVN Facilitator Training | | |
Meet Up With the Bridger Program | | |
Peer Gathering At Toivo On Thursdays | |
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YOUNG ADULT WARMLINE | PHONE-BASED PEER SUPPORT
855-646-7366 | 7 Days a week | 12pm-9pm
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Thoughts of suicide and attempts are among the most marginalized human experiences. The experience itself is isolating, and many people with suicidal urges carry shame about their feelings. At Alt2Su our aim is not only to provide support, but to take the shame and stigma off of these experiences. Alt2su takes a different perspective than traditional Suicide Prevention. There is no referral or assessment process. There is no formal attendance taken at any group. This is a safe space for people to share their experiences without fear of shame, stigma, or hospitalization. To learn more about our group values click the link above to view our website. | |
IN PERSON GROUPS
New London Group- Temporarily Paused
Meets: Mondays from 2:00-3:30pm
Location:12 Step Recovery Solutions
155 Montauk Ave, New London
Contact: Jennifer- jtirado@toivocenter.org
Middletown Group
Meets: Tuesdays from 6:30-8:00pm
Location: Free Center Middletown
52 North Main Street, Middletown
Contact Claudia- weizbackup@gmail.com
Hartford Group
Meets: Wednesdays from 5:00-6:30pm
Location: Toivo
1477 Park St, Suite 102, Hartford
Contact: Jennifer- jtirado@toivocenter.org
Danbury Group
Meets: Wednesdays from 6:00-7:30pm
Location: UU Congregation of Danbury
24 Clapboard Ridge Road, Danbury
Contact Linda- seayalt2su@gmail.com
VIRTUAL GROUPS
Alternatives to Suicide On Zoom
Meets: Mondays from 3:30-5:00pm
For Zoom link contact Heidi Veiner- hviener@toivocenter.org
Alternatives to Suicide on Zoom
Meets: Thursdays from 6:30-8:00pm
For Zoom link contact Tina- twilson@joinrisebe.org
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CT HEARING VOICES NETWORK | | | |
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The CT Hearing Voices Network provides statewide support for people who hear voices or have other alternative experiences. | |
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IN PERSON GROUPS
East Windsor Groups
Meets: Mondays, 2:00 - 3:00 P.M.
Location: Warehouse Point Library
107 Main Street
East Windsor, CT 06088
Contact: Denise - (959) 333-7017
Library- (860) 623-5482
New Britain Groups
Meets: Wednesdays, 12:00 – 1:00 P.M.
Location: TBD
Contact: Tina (They/them) -twilson@joinrisebe.org
Meets: Thursdays, 2:30 – 3:30 P.M.
Location: TBD
Contact: Skye Collins (They/them) -
(860) 952-4050
scollins@advocacyunlimited.org
New Haven Groups
Community Action Agency Group
Meets: Wednesdays, 5:00 - 6:00 P.M.
Location: Whalley Medical & Professional Center
419 Whalley Avenue
New Haven, CT 06511
Contact: Quashea - (475) 209-1091
New Haven Inpatient RESOURCE Group
HVN Affiliate (Not open to the public)
Meets: Tuesdays 2:00 - 3:00 P.M.
Location: Yale-New Haven Psychiatric Hospital
184 Liberty Street
New Haven, CT 06519
Contact: Claire - (203) 804-5507
bienc@aol.com
New Time! Waterbury Group
Meets: Fridays, 2:30 - 3:30 P.M.
Location: CHD Hospitality Center
690 E Main St,
Waterbury, CT 06702
Contact: Randi (She/her)
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VIRTUAL GROUPS
Mondays from 12:00 - 1:30 P.M.
Contact facilitator Claire (she/her)
bienc@aol.com or (203) 804-5507
Mondays from 6:00 - 7:00 P.M.
Contact facilitator Linda (she/her)
seayHVN@gmail.com
Tuesdays from 7:30 - 8:00 P.M.
Contact facilitator Skye (they/them) scollins@advocacyunlimited.org
Or (860) 952-4050
Wednesdays from 11:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.
Contact facilitator Tina (they/them)
(203) 913-4409
Thursdays from 6:30 - 7:30 P.M.
Contact facilitator Skye (they/them)
scollins@advocacyunlimited.org
Or (860) 952-4050
Fridays from 9:30 - 11:00 P.M.
Contact facilitator Denise (she/her)
(959) 333-7017
Saturdays from 8:30 - 10:00 A.M.
Contact facilitator Denise (she/her)
(959) 333-7017
Saturdays from 4:00 - 5:00 P.M.
Contact facilitator Tina (they/them)
(203) 913-4409
FRIENDS AND FAMILY GROUP
Friends and Family Support Group Online Tuesdays from 6:00 - 7:00 P.M.
Click here to learn more.
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MAASTRICHT APPROACH PROJECT | | |
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The Maastricht Approach Project (MAP) is a community of informed supporters working together to normalize and embrace the full spectrum of human experiences | |
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Learn skills to cope and negotiate with voices to build a more positive relationship with the voices.
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Research shows that control over voices is possible and benefits clinical outcomes.[i]
- Voice hearers can learn to have pride in their experience and to give their voices personal and positive meaning.
- Learn to no longer be dominated by ones voices, and make their own choices.
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PARTICIPATE IN A MAP INTERVIEW | |
The Maastricht Interview is a questionnaire that includes questions related to the experience of voice hearing and paranoia.
The interview is a 1:1 approach, and conducted between 6-8 sessions.
The interview encourages the participant to explore the experience of voice hearing, built trust, openness, and understanding in their own experience. This occurs in a structured and supportive environment, led by trained Maastricht’s Guides.
The outcome is a document written fully in the words of the participant, outlines their unique lived experience, as well as identified points of interest to work towards personal recovery.
The act of documenting ones experience can be validating to the Voice Hearer. With continued conversation, ultimately reducing internalized stigma, and promoting social engagement.
For More Information:
Email info@advocacyunlimited.org
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[i] Mourgues, et. al. (2022). Measuring Voluntary Control Over Hallucinations: The Yale Control Over Perceptual Experiences (COPE) Scales. Schizophrenia bulletin, 48(3), 673–683. https://doi.org/10.1093/schbul/sbab144
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CONNECT WITH A COMMUNITY BRIDGER | | |
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The Bridger Program at Advocacy Unlimited Inc. provides non-clinical, person-centered support to adults statewide whose lives have been affected by psychiatry, trauma and/or addiction.
The Bridger Team is made up of individuals who draw from their own diverse lived experiences, coupled with the principles of Intentional Peer Support and their training as Recovery Support Specialist to build authentic, safe relationships defined by mutual trust, respect and personal agency. Engagement in the Bridger Program is 100% voluntary.
For more information contact the Bridger Program Manager:
Char'Dornne Bussue (860) 882-9980 | cbussue@advocacyunlimited.org
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YOUNG ADULTS | JOIN RISE BE | | |
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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. |
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UPCOMING MEETINGS
December 7
January 4
February 1
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YOUNG ADULT ADVISORY BOARD EVERY FIRST THURSDAY | 11AM-1PM | |
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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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.
Callers may be feeling burnout or overwhelmed, recovering from trauma, or seeking a friend - all are welcome to call to connect with a peer today!
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OPERATORS
ARE AVAILABLE
EVERYDAY
12PM-9PM
1-855-6-467-3669
or 1-855-6-HOPENOW
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Young Adult Leadership Summit | | | |
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HOLISTIC STRESS MANAGEMENT | Toivo is a peer-led initiative that includes statewide classes, workshops and a center for holistic healing and stress management located in Hartford, Connecticut. To Learn more visit the Toivo website HERE | | |
Check out a few of the things coming up at the Toivo center in December. View the full calendar by clicking the link below to see all of Toivo's offerings! | |
Keep up to date with the latest offerings from Toivo, and get a peak into the center itself by following the Toivo Instagram page @toivo_center or click the icon above. |
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AU Individual Advocacy Network | |
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Virtual Meetings
Twice a Month
1st and 3rd Fridays
10-11:30AM
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The shared purpose of IAN
We are a group of people whose lives have been devastated by the mental health and addiction service system of Connecticut. People are suffering. People are seeking help from an expensive, broken system that is not meeting their needs. We must do better. Our intention is to promote approaches that support people to move through emotional distress. Our hope is that you will join us and take action.
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Look Through A Few Relevant Listings! | | |
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Advocacy Unlimited Seeking a RSS Course Administrator | |
The RSS Course Administrator publicizes, organizes, and co-facilitates five 10-session RSS trainings, across the state of Connecticut, and serves as a community resource, point of contact and advocate for our growing number of graduates and alumni. This position requires a passion for the peer movement, strong communication skills, and the willingness to network with community partners to carry the message of Advocacy Unlimited. If you are interested in this position please view the full job description below.
To apply please email a resume and cover letter to: HR@AdvocacyUnlimited.org.
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Join Rise Be Is Looking For A Young Adult Peer Leadership Specialist | |
The YA Peer Leadership Specialist will lead young adult statewide advisory board meetings, organize and conduct leadership trainings, assist with the facilitation of young adult RSS training, and complete other duties as assigned. The full job description is available below.
To apply please email a resume and cover letter to HR@AdvocacyUnlimited.org.
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Toivo Is Seeking A Community Coordinator | |
The role of The Toivo Community Coordinator is to organize, schedule, and oversee statewide community classes at DMHAS sites, according to our contractual deliverables. The Community Coordinator ensures and maintains communication with contractors and sites and will contribute to 5 community classes per month. View the full job description below for more information.
To apply, please email a resume and cover letter to HR@AdvocacyUnlimited.org.
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AU Is Hiring For The Role Of Toivo Director | |
Toivo is a peer-run center for holistic healing, and is a program of AU. Toivo offers on-site and community based classes and workshops that cultivate the innate capacity to heal, grow, and recover through mental health challenges, addiction, and trauma.
The Toivo Director must have a passion for holistic, trauma responsive, recovery oriented, and person first approaches to supporting whole person wellness. This position requires managerial experience, including, operational, personnel, and fiscal oversight.
To apply, please email a resume and cover letter to HR@AdvocacyUnlimited.org.
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Job openings at The Village | The Village has a wide variety of job opportunities available in a database which is regularly updated. | |
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Multiple Opportunities: CMHA | Multiple positions for per diem Residential Monitors at CMHA in locations across the state! Check out their list. | |
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Multiple Opportunities: Mental Health Connecticut, Inc | Multiple opportunities with Mental Health Connecticut, Inc in locations across the state! Check out their list. | |
Multiple Opportunities: CommuniCare CT | |
CommuniCare CT has multiple job opportunities open! Click the link below to see their current listings.
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CCAR Hiring Multiple Positions | |
CCAR Is currently hiring for multiple positions. The ideal applicants will be enthusiastic, extremely well-organized, and passionate about supporting people in recovery.
A cover letter is required. Resumes without cover letter will not be considered.
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Looking for a job where you can support others through your own lived experiences?
We regularly update the Job Opportunities page on our website.
Check it out here!
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Got an Peer Opening?
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
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SING Music Study at Yale seeks participants. Up to $700 stipend for participants who complete study | |
The Understanding Control Over Voice-Hearing Experiences Project By The Yale COPE Project | | |
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The COPE II Project at Yale Home | Yale COPE Project
The COPE II Project seeks to understand the methods some voice hearers (including psychic mediums, clairaudients, and shamans) use to control onset and offset of their voices. Information gathered will be used to develop holistic treatments for voice hearers who currently do not have this control. Stipend of up to $830 for people who complete the subject, with the possibility of travel reimbursement. COPE II is looking for the following people:
- Voice hearer with a psychosis spectrum diagnosis
- Voice hearer without a psychosis spectrum diagnosis
- Person with psychosis spectrum diagnosis who does not hear voices
- Person without a psychosis spectrum diagnosis who does not hear voices
If you are interested in participating, fill out the pre-screening form below and email it to powers.lab@yale.edu. Please include “control study” in the subject line. For more information on what participating in the study requires read the full explanation below under "what to expect."
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Why are assault, kidnapping, and torture illegal – unless you have a psychiatric diagnosis? Is psychiatry’s legal double standard as unjust as a double standard for being female or Black? Do equal rights for the disabled mean equal rights for mad people – because society treats us as disabled? Does disability justice mean psychiatric abolition – and reparations? Tina Minkowitz, survivor of psychiatric institutionalization and a human rights lawyer, helped draft and negotiate the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Tina joins Will Hall to discuss why abolition of forced psychiatric treatment means the non-negotiable right to be an equal human being. Tina is founder and president of the Center for the Human Rights of Users and Survivors of Psychiatry, and author of Reimagining Crisis Support: Matrix, Roadmap and Policy.
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.
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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.
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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
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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. | |
Blac Leaders: Anti-Racism Resources | Blac Leaders and Administrators Consortium has compiled a list of anti-racism resources, including children's books, social media accounts, and videos and other media. | |
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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. | |
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Amplify has compiled a list of resources available for support in Connecticut, by region.
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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.
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Need support? Call to talk to a peer who understands.
CHR Warmline:
1-866-927-6225
(6pm-10pm, 7 days a week)
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HUSKY Medicaid Program Updates
The HUSKY Medicaid Program made several changes to their programs in 2020 to ensure better access to services and to best ensure the safety of patients and healthcare providers.
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This is Gizmo, a little dog with a big message. Gizmo is a therapy dog teaching kids in schools across America about mental health with an all-new curriculum called "Gizmo's Pawsome Guide to Mental Health." Gizmo doesn't just have resources for children, however. On his website, you can find materials on making a personalized mental health plan, practicing self-care, and supporting children and adults struggling with mental health. Check out this fantastic puppy's pawesome site today! | |
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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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Eating Disorder Support Lines | |
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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
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CREATIVITY PUZZLE Remote Association Test
ANSWER: Cottage, Swiss, Cake | Cheese
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Thanks for reading, and see you next month! | | | | |
