Advocacy Unlimited

A HOLISTIC, PEER-LED APPROACH

DISCOVER YOUR FULL POTENTIAL

DECEMBER NEWSLETTER

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Advocacy Unlimited, Inc.


2075

Silas Deane Hwy.

Rocky Hill, CT 06067


9am-5pm

(860) 505-7581


advocacyunlimited.org

Join Rise Be

Join Rise Be


2075

Silas Deane Hwy.

Rocky Hill, CT 06067


HOURS VARY

(855) 646-7366


joinrisebe.org

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Toivo Center


1477 Park St.

Suite 102

Hartford, CT 06106



9am-5pm

(860) 296-2338


toivocenter.org

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Hearing Voices Network


2075

Silas Deane Hwy

Rocky Hill, CT 06067


9am-5pm

cthvn@advocacyunlimited.org


cthvn.org

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Bridger Program


2075

Silas Deane Hwy

Rocky Hill, CT 06067


9am-5pm

bridger@advocacyunlimited.org


advocacyunlimited.org/program/community-bridger

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Alternatives To Suicide


1477 Park St.

Suite 102

Hartford, CT 06106



9am-5pm

connect@toivocenter.org


toivocenter.org/alternatives-to-suicide/

THIS EDITION

Featured Article: How We Started the Bay Area hearing Voices Network by Ed Herzog

Free Community Education

  • Breathwork Classes
  • Alternatives to Medication: Psilocybin
  • Wellness Recovery Action Planning
  • Discovering the Power of Your Personal Story!
  • We Hear you
  • Intro to Motivational Interviewing
  • Wellness Recovery Action Planning
  • Alternatives to Medication 2nd Edition
  • Self Care Strategies for RSS
  • Problem Gambling

AU Spaces to Connect

  • Bridger Program Community Meet Up
  • Young Adult Warmline - Phone Based Peer Support

Peer Support Groups

  • Alternatives to Suicide
  • Connecticut Hearing Voices Network

Maastricht Approach Project

  • Participate in a MAP Interview
  • Potential Benefits

Connect with a Community Bridger

Join Rise Be

  • Statewide Young Adult Advisory Board
  • Young Adult Warmline - Phone Based Peer Support

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



Cream, Skate, Water |ASSOCIATED WORD



ANSWER AT THE BOTTOM OF NEWSLETTER!

Featured Article

How We Started the Bay Area Hearing Voices Network



By Ed Herzog

round 14 years ago my son told me he was hearing voices. Like many family members I was mystified, startled, and clueless about this experience so I turned to mental health professionals for answers. They offered the prevailing wisdom about voice hearing: that he was basically out of control, his voices were dangerous, and that I had to “babysit him 24/7” to stop him from acting out on what he was hearing.


After one difficult night, we went to a local mental health crisis center. Out of fear more than anything else, he made angry statements to a mental health care worker. Their response: they determined he was a danger to himself and others and called the police. He was escorted him out of the clinic, handcuffed to a gurney in an ambulance, and taken to our county’s mental hospital. Probably the worst day of our lives.


When I was finally permitted to see him three days later, he was lying on the ground in the hospital’s rec room, alone, shaking from the side effects of the Haldol they had given him. I bent down to comfort him and yelled for help. A nurse finally showed up and gave him a shot to soothe him. So began our journey through our county’s public mental health care system.


Three years later, more hospitalizations, and boatloads of drugs, nothing had improved. He was still hearing voices and was miserable. Now living with us, we were miserable with him though he continued to take medications as ordered by his doctor. They did nothing for his voices or his anxieties.


I was still a believer in the medical model. I told him he had an illness like diabetes and that taking medications were how to treat him. I tried to fix him by talking him out of his voice hearing experiences. I tried to convince him the voices were not real. But it didn’t help. Out of desperation we started to look for alternatives. I read Anatomy of an Epidemic by Robert Whitaker and discovered the Hearing Voices (HV) movement. At a workshop led by HV trainer Ron Coleman, I learned an alternative approach to his voices.


The first thing I learned was to respect my son’s experiences, that the voices were real. This was huge for me. Instead of seeing his voices as a symptom of an illness, or a threat to my son’s sanity, or a figment of his imagination that I needed to talk him out of, I adopted the idea that they were real. I started listening to him and the content of his voices. That led me to looking at my own responses to them. I discovered I was nearly paralyzed with fear and anxiety about them. Out of desperation I searched for a support community of others who were also dissatisfied with our current mental health care system. On a leaflet at a coffee shop, I discovered a group who were looking for the same thing...


Read More

FREE COMMUNITY EDUCATION

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

BREATHWORK CLASSES:

(IN PERSON & VIRTUAL)

REGISTER
BREATHWORK 4 RECOVERY 3rd TUESDAY| 12PM-1PM July 16, NO AUG, Sept 17, Oct 15, Nov 19, Dec 17 IN PERSON & ONLINE | 1 RSS Credit @Toivo | 1477 Park Street | Hartford REGISTER: EMAIL: info@advocacyunlimited.org CALL: (860) 505-7581 Breathwork is an evidence based practice that supports recovery after trauma. We will practice two basic breathwork techniques, and learn how breathwork supports a healthy nervous system. This program is facilitated by Michaela I. Fissel, M.A., Executive Director of Advocacy Unlimited, Inc., person in long-term recovery, and breathwork practitioner. JULY - DECEMBER 2024 tinyurl.com/5n6skeds

Alternatives to Medication: Psilocybin

REGISTER
This forum will discuss the emerging role of Psilocybin as an alternative to  traditional medication. 1PM-4PM | AU Training Center | 3 CEU | Free | Register At: bit.ly/3Teg16U

Wellness Recovery Action Planning

REGISTER
Create a wellness recovery action plan to empower yourself, reduce stress, and boost self-esteem. 9AM-5PM | AU Training Center | 8 CEUs | Free | Register At: bit.ly/3X4flDj

Discovering the Power of Your Personal Story!

REGISTER
Learn how to use your personal story to connect with system partner, provider agencies, media, families, and youth. 1PM-2PM | AU Training Center | 2 CEU | Free | Register At: bit.ly/476Jkhq

We Hear You

REGISTER
Voice-hearing is incredibly common, but conversation about it can be difficult. We  will discuss the best way to connect about alternate experiences, what to say and  how, and go over scenarios to practice effective support.

Intro to Motivational interviewing

REGISTER
This training aims to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of  Motivational Interviewing, its principles, techniques, and practical application to  better engage participants, elicit change talk, and enhance motivation for positive  behavior change

Wellness Recovery Action Planning

REGISTER
Create a wellness recovery action plan to empower yourself, reduce stress, and boost self-esteem.

Alternatives to Medication- 2nd Edition

REGISTER
Join us for an empowering forum exploring holistic approaches to mental health and  wellness! Dive into discussions on the healing benefits of Reiki, Eye Movement  Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and plant-based medicine as powerful  alternatives to traditional medication. Discover how these therapies can support  emotional well-being, trauma recovery, and overall mental health. This forum is open to all  mental health professionals, recovery support specialists, and anyone interested in  holistic healing practices. Come with an open mind and leave with new tools for wellness

Self Care Strategies for RSS

REGISTER
The practice of mindfulness can help ground and balance us, which may prevent  “burnout” and help us deal with the challenging events we may face. With you as an active  participant, we will explore some of the many tools and techniques that can help us cope with the demands we face in both our professional and personal lives.

Problem Gambling

REGISTER

AU SPACES TO CONNECT

Meet Up With the Bridger Program

LEARN MORE
Advocacy Unlimited Presents the Bridger Program. Join Us For MEET-UP Held At Advocacy unlimited Connect with your Bridger community and peer supporters over refreshments, music, arts &crafts, and more! Every Wednesday 3-4 P.M. 2075 Silas Deane Hwy, Rocky Hill, CT 06067

YOUNG ADULT WARMLINE | PHONE-BASED PEER SUPPORT

855-646-7366 | 7 Days a week | 12pm-9pm

When things feel overwhelming give us a call! Young Adult Peer Support Warmline: 1-855-646-7366 Staff use their lived experience to hold space, offer hope, connect callers to resources, and support their peers in living a life of self-defined purpose. Operators are available everyday from 12pm to 9pm

PEER SUPPORT GROUPS

ALTERNATIVES TO SUICIDE

LEARN MORE

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.

GROUP TIMES


Hartford In-Person Group

Meets: Wednesdays from 5:00-6:30pm

Location: Toivo

1477 Park St, Suite 102, Hartford

Contact: Toivo- connect@toivocenter.org


Zoom Monday Group

Meets: Mondays from 3:30-5:00pm

For Zoom link contact us at- info@advocacyunlimited.org

CT HEARING VOICES NETWORK

LEARN MORE
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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 webpages linked below.

VIRTUAL GROUPS

To find the virtual group that will work best for you and your schedule please visit cthvn.org/virtual.


FRIENDS AND FAMILY GROUP

This group's purpose is to support friends and family of voice-hearers. To learn more please visit cthvn.org/friends-and-family.


IN PERSON GROUPS

CTHVN is excited to announce several new in person groups beginning soon! View more information below or visit cthvn.org/find-a-group to find the nearest in person group to you.

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

Visit Our Website
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POTENTIAL BENIFITS

  • Learn skills to cope and negotiate with voices to build a more positive relationship with the voices.
  • 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.


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

[i] Mourgues, et. al. (2022). Measuring Voluntary Control Over Hallucinations: The Yale Control Over Perceptual Experiences (COPE) Scales. Schizophrenia bulletin48(3), 673–683. https://doi.org/10.1093/schbul/sbab144

CONNECT WITH A COMMUNITY BRIDGER

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 us at:

860-505-7581 | info@advocacyunlimited.org

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LEARN MORE
Bridger Program: We're Here To Support You! Are you experiencing a major life change, transition or significant hardship? Looking for opportunities to connect with your community? Consider the Bridger Program. We provide flexible, non-clinical, informed support to adults who have been affected by psychiatry, trauma, or addiction. If you want to make a change in your life, regardless of personal circumstance, reach out to us. Contact Us: 860-505-7581 | info@AdvocacyUnlimited.org  www.Advocacyunlimited.org

YOUNG ADULTS | JOIN RISE BE

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.

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UPCOMING MEETINGS

December 5

January 2

February 7

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

JRB Young Adult Warmline 18856HOPENOW

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!

OPERATORS

ARE AVAILABLE


EVERYDAY

12PM-9PM


1-855-6-467-3669

or 1-855-6-HOPENOW

TOIVO Center in Hartford

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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

Toivo's December Snapshot

Check out a few of the things coming up at the Toivo center. View the full calendar by clicking the link below to see all of Toivo's offerings!

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE FULL CALENDAR
Toivo Center Upcoming Offerings

Toivo's Instagram!

Instagram

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.

Toivo Center Instagram Snapshot

AU Peer Advocacy Network

The shared purpose of PAN



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.

Learn More Here
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Look Through A Few Relevant Listings!

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Job And Volunteer Openings at Fireside Project

Fireside Project provides free, confidential peer-to-peer support by phone and SMS to people during and after their psychedelic experiences.

Volunteer With Fireside
Job openings at The Village

The Village has a wide variety of job opportunities available in a database which is regularly updated.

Learn More and Apply
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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.

CMHA: Community Mental Health Affiliates. Employment Applications.
Visit Their Applications Page
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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.

Visit our Website

Multiple Opportunities: CommuniCare CT

CommuniCare CT has multiple job opportunities open! Click the link below to see their current listings.


Visit our Website
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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.

Learn More And Apply

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! 

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

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Gathering Drum Donation at The Toivo Center!

Advocacy Unlimited is thrilled to announce that Craig Norton, a Connecticut-based drum facilitator, has generously donated a Gathering Drum to the Toivo Center. This powerful instrument has a rich cultural legacy and we are honored to carry forward its spirit and history as its new stewards.


A Gathering Drum is a large, floor-standing percussion instrument designed to be played by multiple people, fostering connection and unity.


To celebrate and share the spirit of the Gathering Drum, we are planning a special inauguration event in 2025 at the Toivo Center, where you’ll have the opportunity to meet Craig, learn about the drum’s significance, watch Craig’s film, Rhythms of Life”, and join in a community drum circle. Stay tuned for the date and details.

Sing Study By Yale

Sing Study By Yale Flyer

The Sing Study aims to research the effect of music on voice hearing. If you enjoy music and are a voice-hearer email belieflab@yale.edu or call (475) 241-5414 for more information. Follow the links below to view the recruitment guidelines or a PDF of the flyer. You can learn more about the goals for the study in the following articles:


Yale Researchers to Study How Music Affects People With Psychosis | Yale School of Medicine



Yale study researches music’s effect on voices in the head | Republican American Archives (rep-am.com)

RECRUITMENT GUIDELINES
PDF OF FLYER

The Understanding Control Over Voice-Hearing Experiences Project By The Yale COPE Project

The COPE II Project at Yale Home | Yale COPE Project


The COPE II Project seeks to understand the methods some voice hearers 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, follow the link below to fill out the pre-screening form. For more information on what participating in the study requires read the full explanation below under "what to expect."

Pre- Screening Form
What To Expect 

CONVOKE Study

The CONVOKE Study is a clinical research study, actively recruiting participants. The study will look at 2 mobile applications (apps) to see if they can treat people with negative schizophrenia symptoms. Negative symptoms may include feeling no motivation, desire to socialize, or interest in the things that you used to enjoy.

 

The study will last for about 22 weeks, and will include 4 study center visits for assessments and 3 telephone calls. There is a study center located in Hartford and in Cromwell. After the main study, you may be offered an option to take part in a 20-week extension study.

 

Some basic requirements to join the study:

     Are located in the U.S. only

     Are 18 years or older

     Are the sole user of a smartphone

     Have a primary diagnosis of schizophrenia

     Have been taking antipsychotic medication for at least 12 weeks

     Are fluent in written and spoken English

 

 

To read more information and see if you are eligible, please click HERE. Click the link below to view the full informational brochure for this study.

View Brochure

PEER COMMUNITY RESOURCES

November 7, 2024: Escaped Lunatic | Irit Shimrat | Madness Radio


Legendary psychiatric survivor activist Irit Shimrat escaped psychiatric incarceration to become a leading anti-psychiatry organizer. Co-founder of the Ontario Psychiatric Survivors’ Alliance, Irit edited the Canadian magazine Phoenix Rising: The Voice of the Psychiatrized and wrote Call Me Crazy: Stories from the Mad Movement, bringing together the stories of many leading activists. Irit shares her experiences from the inside of locked wards, and from the outside – organizing to abolish them. 


LISTEN HERE

Madness Radio: Voices & Visions from outside mental health. www.madnessradio.net
MADNESS RADIO
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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

Wildflower Alliance

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.
DECEMBER NEWSLETTER

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

READ HERE

Call or text 62-FIRESIDE

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.

LEARN MORE
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Alcoholics Anonymous Logo


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.

FIND A MEETING

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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FIND A MEETING

CT COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Recovery Innovations for Pursuing Peer Leadership and Empowerment at RockingRecovery.org

Resources From RIPPLE

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.

Check It Out Here

Virtual Narcan Trainings

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

Read More
Save A Life Use Narcan
The Gloria House Peer Respite

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.

Learn More

Inner Compass Initiative

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.

Learn More
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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.

View Website
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.

List of Anti-Racism Resources
Blac Leaders: Anti-Racism Resources Cover Photo
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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.

Check Out Their Website
Amplify Resource Page

Amplify has compiled a list of resources available for support in Connecticut, by region.


Check Out The Lists Here
Amplify A Regional Behavioral Action Organization
U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs
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Learn More

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.

CHR Warmline

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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Gizmo 4 Mental Health

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!

Check It Out Here
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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.

Check It Out Here
Eating Disorder Support Lines


National Eating Disorders Support Line



Eating Disorder and Bulimia Hotline

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Housing Support

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

CONTACT US


Advocacy Unlimited, 2075 Silas Deane Highway, Rocky Hill, CT 06067

Office Hours: 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday


(860) 505-7581

Info@AdvocacyUnlimited.org

advocacyunlimited.org

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CREATIVITY PUZZLE Remote Association Test


ANSWER: Cream, Skate, Water | Ice

Thanks for reading, and see you next month!

Advocacy And Education

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Bridgers

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