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A HOLISTIC, PEER-LED APPROACH
DISCOVER YOUR FULL POTENTIAL
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Our spaces in
New Britain, and
Wellness Center in Hartford, are open
for in-person connection and gathering.
WE'D LOVE TO SEE YOU!
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Advocacy Unlimited, Inc.
114 West Main St. Suite 201
New Britain, CT
9am-5pm
(860) 505-7581
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Join Rise Be
114 West Main St.
Suite 310
New Britain, CT
HOURS VARY
(855) 646-7366
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Toivo Center
1477 Park St.
Suite 102
Hartford, CT
9am-5pm
(860) 296-2338
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THIS EDITION
Featured Article: Success & Perspective in Recovery by Luz Feliz
CT Hearing Voices Network - Facilitator Training Registration
Alternatives to Suicide News
Connect with a Community Bridger
Maastricht Approach Project - Voices and Paranoia
Join Rise Be: Emerging Adult Recovery initiative
Toivo: Holistic Stress Management Initiative
AU Peer Education
CT Hearing Voices Network - Groups!
Employment Opportunities
Advocacy Connections
Community Spotlight
Peer Community Resources
CT Community Resources
Contact Us
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SUCCESS & PERSPECTIVE IN RECOVERY
BY LNF
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Throughout my recovery journey, I have gained many skills and perspectives on different aspects of life. Of these, I can honestly say that the most important thing I’ve learned has been being able to adapt my lens and see things from the worldview of someone else. Prior to adapting this way of thinking, I would find it difficult to understand the actions of others in correlation with certain things, especially when I thought responses could only be black or white. On the contrary, by being open minded, I've been able to acknowledge the existence of gray areas, which allows for something to have various points of view depending on how our experiences have shaped our lives. |
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CT HEARING VOICES NETWORK |
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September 26th-28th
9am-5pm
Connecticut Training Location Pending
The CT Hearing Voices Network provides statewide support for people who hear voices or have other alternative experiences.
Anyone can be an HVN facilitator, whether you have personal experiences or not.
Earn up to $40 per week for each Connecticut HVN group that you run, all while providing a place for people to be themselves without fear of judgement.
Space is limited, with priority given to those committing to run weekly CTHVN groups.
Reserve your spot now, and we'll contact you as soon as registration opens!
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Alternatives to Suicide is a peer-run support group for people suffering with suicidal thoughts or actions, as well as for those who are affected by the suicidal thoughts or actions of others. This group is an open forum to talk about topics directly related to suicide or whatever else needs to be expressed. People are encouraged to come during times of crisis, as well as during times of strength. |
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In July, Toivo by Advocacy Unlimited, Inc. hosted an Alternatives to Suicide (Alt2Su) Group Facilitator training, taught by Caroline Mazel-Carlton and Chris Carlton of the Wildflower Alliance. Jennifer Tirado, Alternatives to Suicide Network Coordinator used her own training experience to assist them throughout the process.
Here are some quotes from the training that we hope will inspire you in your work and everyday lives:
“This training really made such an impact on my life. The way I work and even in my everyday life I plan on using. I really didn't know what to expect going into this training but what I got out of it really impacted my life and hopefully others that I can talk to about it!” – Whitney S., Recovery Support Specialist
“The best thing about the training was...meeting others and learning from their stories.” Long-time Peer Facilitator
“I was accepted for all of my faults. I now feel better equipped to offer the same to those I serve…I’m very excited about Alt2su and using the tools it has given me to help reach others”. Eric B., Peer Supporter
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Online & In Person Groups
In Person
Every Wednesday
5-6PM
114 W. Main Street, Suite 201
New Britain, Connecticut
Online
Every Monday
3:30-4:30PM
or call (860) 549-2058
for Zoom information
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Are you looking to connect with your community?
Every Wednesday
3-4PM
All are welcomed.
Meet-up is an opportunity to come together with Bridgers and peers in a safe space for conversation and creative exploration.
Refreshments, crafts, music, and more!
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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:
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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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CT PROVIDER NEEDS ASSESSMENT
VOICE HEARING & PARANOIA
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This assessment is for Connecticut-based providers of mental health and addiction services. "Providers" is a broad term, and if you believe and feel you are a provider, please complete this survey.
If you have questions, please email Maggie Taylor at
PLEASE SHARE WITH OTHERS YOU MAY KNOW WHO IDENTIFY AS MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION SERVICE PROVIDERS.
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ATTEND A PROVIDER TRAINING IN DECEMBER
The Maastricht Approach Project includes a network of providers or “Maastricht Guides” who are trained to offer the Maastricht Interview.
The Interview is a tool for working with people who hear voices and experience paranoia, and can be offered as part of the therapeutic intervention.
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JOIN THE PROVIDER NETWORK |
The Maastricht Approach Project is building a community network of providers, called "Maastricht Guides,” who are trained in both offering the Maastricht Interview, as well as the skills and philosophies of providing an integrative approach to therapy. MAP will connect participant/client with providers. |
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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.
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DETERMINING IF YOU ARE READY TO COMPLETE AN INTERVIEW AND HOW TO CONNECT TO A PROVIDER |
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Potential Benefits
· 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.
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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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JOIN RISE BE | YOUNG ADULTS |
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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 our shared lived experience so others feel comfortable to do the same. We hope 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. (Image for reference, Fresh Check Day at UCONN in Waterbury) |
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UPCOMING MEETINGS
August 4th
September 1st
October 6th
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YOUNG ADULT ADVISORY BOARD FIRST THURSDAY | 11AM-1PM
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A space for young adults from across Connecticut to share, connect, use our collective experiences to improve the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services' young adult programming.
Choosing a theme for the 2023 YA Leadership Summit is the topic often discussed over the next couple of months.
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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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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. |
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Donation-based offerings include yoga, meditation, qigong, sound healing, laughter yoga, drumming, creative expression, healing arts, support groups and more.
Toivo activities are offered regularly at the center in Hartford as well as in psychiatric hospitals, addiction rehab facilities, club houses, shelters, prisons, schools, senior centers, corporations, community events and conferences. Most importantly, Toivo is a community, a safe space to find support and understanding. We believe that human connection is essential to healing. It is at the heart of everything we do.
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Bilingual Yoga
with Tere Altamrano
August 29th
12PM-1PM
RSVP by email or text
(860) 995-9488
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Yoga, Qigong, Meditation, and more, all from home! Join the Toivo team in a variety of exercises for the mind, body and spirit. |
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UPCOMING PEER EDUCATION OFFERINGS |
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PEER FORUM with
HIlary Rudenauer
Supporting Parental Mental Health
Friday, August 19, 2022
10AM-12PM
Virtual on Zoom and Facebook Live
FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
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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.
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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..
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Got an Opening?
Know of a job opportunity available? Please let us know, and we'll get the word out.
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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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Understanding how people have struggled with mental health throughout history helps us support ourselves and each other today. Advocacy Unlimited is proud to be a partner with the Connecticut Historical Society’s newest exhibition “Common Struggle, Individual Experience: An Exhibition About Mental Health” presented by Hartford Healthcare, which explores how these experiences have changed over time.
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¿Sabes cómo obtener servicios de apoyo en estos momentos tan difíciles?
Hay programas de ayuda para las necesidades básicas, salud mental y adicción, incluso apoyos a bajo costo y para indocumentados. Si tú o un ser querido necesita ayuda, no tardes en contactarte con una de las opciones a continuación.
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Paranoia Network Newsletter |
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.
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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. |
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Seaside, OR
May 8th-11th, 2023!
Earlybird rate: $300 ends Dec. 31st, 2023.
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Rocking Recovery Resources |
Rocking recovery has a comprehensive list of resources in Connecticut, organized by need and county.
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Every Wednesday from 3-4pm
These FREE trainings will cover:
-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.
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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 |
The guide provides listings for statewide resources as well as six cities beginning with Hartford and followed by Bridgeport, New Haven, New London, Waterbury, and Willimantic.
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Visit the van for on-the-street services to help with recovery from your opiate addiction. No insurance or appointment is needed. Doctors and recovery coaches are on the van. Referrals for treatment and prescriptions for Suboxone and Narcan are available.
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HUSKY Medicaid Program Updates |
The HUSKY Medicaid Program has made several changes to their programs to ensure better access to services and to best ensure the safety of patients and healthcare providers.
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Amplify has compiled a list of resources available for support in Connecticut, by region.
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Online/Digital Recovery Support Resources |
Find online meetings for Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, SMART Recovery, and more.
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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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THRIVE Support Online Family Recovery Meetings |
Support for families in an online setting. THRIVE uses CRAFT principles along with a faith component.
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Connecticut Zoom Meetings |
A list of some of the support meetings occurring on Zoom in the state of Connecticut.
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Eating Disorder Support Lines |
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Connecticut has recommended the following information to help protect yourself and others during the closure.
Click “Protect yourself financially from the coronavirus”
Get legal information about court access, school, work, benefits, housing, and more during the COVID-19 crisis.
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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
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Late-Night Support Meetings |
Are you a night owl?
Join Rocking Recovery for their late-night support groups on zoom, from 10pm-12am on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
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Help Is Here Webinar Recordings |
The Help is Here webinars cover a broad variety of topics, touching on support for adults and young people, system navigation, and self-care, among other things. The recordings are available for viewing any time.
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Advocacy Unlimited, 114 W. Main Street, Suite 201, New Britain, CT 06051
Office Hours: 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday
T: (860) 505-7581
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Thanks for reading, and see you next month! |
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