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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.
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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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THIS EDITION
Featured Article: The Thankful-Nots by Luz Feliz
Free Community Training
JRB Young Adult Leadership Summit
Conscious Studies
CT HVN - Groups!
Alternatives to Suicide- Groups!
Connect with a Community Bridger
Maastricht Approach Project - Voices and Paranoia
Join Rise Be Young Adult Warmline
Toivo: Holistic Stress Management Initiative
CT Hearing Voices Network - Groups!
Employment Opportunities
Advocacy Connections
Community Spotlight
Peer Community Resources
CT Community Resources
Contact Us
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As we wrap up November and our Thanksgiving celebrations, we begin to close out the year 2022. In the process, I’d like to take the time to reflect on some things that I’m grateful are no longer a part of my life.
I’m grateful that I no longer feel the need to make myself invisible. I feel comfortable enough to express my thoughts, feelings and beliefs, understanding that my truth is just as valid as everyone else's.
I'm grateful that I’m no longer reliant on psychiatric medications after being on them for 14 years. I do not condone medications, but this was a personal goal that I wanted to achieve and recently celebrated my 2-year anniversary of being without them.
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This is free, virtual community education hosted by Advocacy Unlimited, Inc. Registration is required. You can attend virtually, via Zoom. No recording will be available.
Zoom. 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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DATE: December 14, 2022
TIME: 10am-4pm
DESCRIPTION
Join advocacy unlimited for another Survivors Series. As we have an in depth conversation with Laresse "Buttons" Harvey, on her journey through the streets, prison to finally meeting the woman who gave her the strength to survive it all. The one and only, Maya Angelou.
CREDIT
RSS 1.5 CECs
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WEBINAR: PROBLEM GAMBLING | |
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DATE: December 12, 2022
TIME: 12pm-1:30pm
DESCRIPTION
In the Problem Gambling Training presenters Kaitlin Brown from CT Council on Problem Gambling and Steve Matos will discuss the importance of being educated about the rising addiction. We will talk about the current factors and ways Problem Gambling affects us today. Resources for Problem Gambling will be discussed in the training.
CREDITS
RSS 1.5 CECs
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SAVE THE DATE
JRB 2023 YOUNG ADULT LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
Creative Pathways to Recovery
January 27, 2023
10AM-3PM
The Chrysalis Center
Hartford, CT
Connect with peers through workshops related to creativity and uncommon pathways to recovery.
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BREATH-BODY-MIND
A workshop offered by Toivo
DATE: January 13-14, 2023
TIME: 9am-4pm
DESCRIPTION
A free two-day workshop introducing gentle movement and breathing practices to improve stress, resilience, and energy.
LOCATION
1477 Park Street, Toivo
Hartford, CT
RSVP REQUIRED
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CREATIVE BRAINSTORMING
Think Tank
CONSCIOUS STUDIES
Friday, January 6, 2023
12-1:30PM
Advocacy Unlimited
114 W. Main Street
New Britain, CT 06051
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Alternatives to Suicide (or Alt2Su) is a network of support groups where people can talk openly about suicidal thoughts, experiences and attempts without fear of being judged or hospitalized. Facilitators of these groups know what it's like and promote a culture of mutual support. | | |
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In Person Groups
Every Wednesday
5-6PM
@ Toivo, 1477 Park Str
Hartford, CT
Every Tuesday
6:30PM
@Free Center, 52 N. Main St
Middletown, CT
Every Tuesday
7PM
@ Positive Directions
Westport, CT
Online Groups
Every Monday
3:30PM
Zoom link available
please email [email protected]
Young Adult Group
Every Thursday
7PM
Zoom link available
please email
[email protected]
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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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VIRTUAL GROUPS
NEW TIME! Mondays from 6-7pm
Contact facilitator Linda (she/her)
[email protected]
NEW TIME! Tuesdays from 2:30-3:45pm
Contact facilitator Claire (she/her)
[email protected] or (203) 804-5507
NEW Friends and Family Support Group! Tuesdays from 6-7pm
Click here to learn more.
Tuesdays from 7:30-8:30pm
Contact facilitator Skye (they/them)
[email protected] or (860) 952-4050
Thursdays from 3:30-4:30pm
Contact facilitator Denise (she/her)
(959) 333-7017
NEW LINK! (Contact facilitator for details) Thursdays from 6:30-7:30p
Contact facilitator Skye (they/them)
[email protected] or (860) 952-4050
NEW TIME! Fridays from 8:30-9:30pm
Contact facilitator Denise (she/her)
(959) 333-7017
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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 | [email protected]
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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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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 | |
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.
| 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. | |
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
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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
December 5th
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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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CT 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. | | |
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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Circle of Remembrance
with Jennifer Griffin or Blackbird Wellness
The holiday season is tough when someone dear is missing. Join in circle to remember loved ones who are still with us, but only in spirit.
Meditation, journaling, and ritual will highlight this afternoon of connection with others who understand.
Bring pictures and keepsakes of your loved ones.
DATE: December 10, 2023
TIME: 2-4PM
LOCATION: Toivo @ 1477 Park Street
Hartford, CT
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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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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 | |
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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November
Paranoia Network Newsletter
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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 IT HERE
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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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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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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 | |
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! | | | | | |
