|
|
A HOLISTIC, PEER-LED APPROACH
DISCOVER YOUR FULL POTENTIAL
| |
|
RELEASING TRAUMA
IN THE BODY | WEBINAR
| | |
|
|
June 29
10am-2pm
FREE
Virtual Webinar
Join Cate and Michaela for a 4 hour virtual workshop to unpack and release trauma in the body. We will explore effective practices that support wholistic healing. Students will explore theory and skills for practical application.
By the end of the program, students will:
1. Describe the Theory of Wholeness & Embodied Awareness
2. Understand how Trauma Effects the Body
3. Release Tension through Breath & Movement Practices
4. Learn Brief Practices for Daily Maintenance
4 RSS Credits
| |
|
CALL (860) 505-7581
EMAIL INFO@ADVOCACYUNLIMITED.ORG
| |
|
Advocacy Unlimited, Inc.
114 West Main St. Suite 201
New Britain, CT
9am-5pm
(860) 505-7581
advocacyunlimited.org
| |  |
|
Join Rise Be
114 West Main St.
Suite 310
New Britain, CT
HOURS VARY
(855) 646-7366
joinrisebe.org
| | |
|
Toivo Center
1477 Park St.
Suite 102
Hartford, CT
9am-5pm
(860) 296-2338
toivocenter.org
| | |
|
THIS EDITION
Featured Article: Not Always Black or White by Luz Feliz
Free Community Education
AU Spaces to Connect
- Community Meet Up
- Young Adult Warmline - Phone Based Peer Support
Peer Support Groups
- CT Hearing Voices Network - Groups!
- Alternatives to Suicide - Groups!
Connect with a Community Bridger
Join Rise Be
- Statewide Young Adult Advisory Board
Toivo: Holistic Stress Management Initiative
Employment Opportunities
Advocacy Connections
- Individual Advocacy Network
Community Spotlight
Peer Community Resources
CT Community Resources
Contact Us
| | |
|
|
JUNE CREATIVITY PUZZLE
Remote Association 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
Banana, Box, Pudding | ASSOCIATED WORD
FIND ANSWER AT BOTTOM OF NEWSLETTER
| |
SHIFT IN ATTENTION BY Luz Feliz | | |
|
|
“What you focus on grows.” This statement is by far one of the most memorable quotes I’ve ever come across, and its accuracy is just as prominent. I was first introduced to the concept behind this quote while preparing the materials for an emerging adult training, The Lotus Project. Similar to the emphasis this project places on the
impact that shifting our mindset has on our ability to reach our goals, this quote also highlights how our focus can determine our outcomes.
| |
|
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
| |
HYBRID (IN PERSON & VIRTUAL): BREATHWORK | | |
|
|
Breathwork 4 Recovery
DATE: Last Wednesday
TIME: 12pm-1pm
LOCATION: In person @Toivo
1477 Park Street, Suite 102
Hartford, CT
and Virtually via Zoom
DESCRIPTION
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.
| |
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!
| |
|
|
YOUNG ADULT WARMLINE | PHONE-BASED PEER SUPPORT
1-855-646-3669 | 7 Days a week | 12pm-9pm
| |
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. | | |
|
|
IN PERSON
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
Every Wednesday
5PM
@Toivo
Hartford, CT
EVERY Wednesday
5PM
@UU Congregation
Danbury, CT
VIRTUAL
Every Monday
3:30PM
Zoom link available
please email jtirado@toivocenter.org
YOUNG ADULT
Every Thursday
7PM
Zoom link available
please email
vlepoutre@namict.org
| |
CT HEARING VOICES NETWORK | | |
|
The CT Hearing Voices Network provides statewide support for people who hear voices or have other alternative experiences. www.cthvn.org | |
|
VIRTUAL GROUPS
NEW TIME! Mondays from 6-7pm
Contact facilitator Linda (she/her)
seayHVN@gmail.com
NEW TIME! Tuesdays from 2:30-3:45pm
Contact facilitator Claire (she/her)
bienc@aol.com 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)
scollins@advocacyunlimited.org 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)
scollins@advocacyunlimited.org or (860) 952-4050
NEW TIME! Fridays from 8:30-9:30pm
Contact facilitator Denise (she/her)
(959) 333-7017
IN PERSON
New Britain Wednesday HVN Group
Location:
114 West Main St
Suite 201
New Britain, CT
Meets:
Wednesdays, 10:30 am – 11:30 am
Contact:
Tina (She/her) - twilson@joinrisebe.org
New Britain Friday HVN Group
114 West Main St
Suite 201
New Britain, CT
Meets:
Fridays, 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Contact:
Skye Collins (They/them) - scollins@advocacyunlimited.org or 860-952-4050
| |
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 the Bridger Program Manager:
Char'Dornne Bussue (860) 882-9980 | cbussue@advocacyunlimited.org
| |
MAASTRICHT APPROACH PROJECT | | |
|
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
| |
|
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.
PLEASE SHARE WITH OTHERS YOU MAY KNOW WHO IDENTIFY AS MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION SERVICE PROVIDERS.
| |
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.
For More Information:
Email info@advocacyunlimited.org
| |
|
-
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.
| |
|
[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
| |
JOIN RISE BE | YOUNG ADULTS | | |
|
AN EMERGING ADULT RECOVERY INITIATIVE | We are a grant funded peer-led initiative built by young people for young people. We are based in New Britain, Connecticut and travel statewide to create space through presentations, workshops, and peer-groups. We our shared lived experience so others feel comfortable to do the same. We are here to influence positive change across our current mental health system and within our communities. Through our effort we cultivate the belief that recovery is possible and we all have the capacity to achieve self-defined success. |
|
|
UPCOMING MEETINGS
July 6
August 3
September 7
| |
YOUNG ADULT ADVISORY BOARD 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
| |
CT YOUNG ADULT LEADERSHIP SUMMIT | | |
| |
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.
| |
Yoga, Qigong, Meditation, and more, all from home! Join the Toivo team in a variety of exercises for the mind, body and spirit. | | | |
|
Job openings at The Village |
The Village has a wide variety of job opportunities available in a database which is regularly updated.
| |
Multiple Opportunities: CMHA |
Multiple positions for per diem Residential Monitors at CMHA in locations across the state! Check out their list.
| |
| |
|
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.
| |
| |
|
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.
| |
|
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
| | |
AU Individual Advocacy Network | |
Virtual Meetings
Twice a Month
1st and 3rd Fridays
10-11:30AM
| |
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.
| |
SING Music Study at Yale seeks participants. Up to $700 stipend for participants who complete study | |
¿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.
| |
|
Feb 8, 2023: With Will Hall and Jacks McNamara.
Should we reform – or abolish – psychiatry? Can capitalism provide mental health, or do we need some kind of socialism or anti-capitalism? Vesper Moore is a leader in the youngest wave of the psychiatric survivor movement; he was radicalized against psychiatry as a teen when his mother sought help and met medical violence instead. Vesper joins co-hosts Jacks McNamara and Will Hall, two veterans of 15 years of movement organizing, to envision ending psychiatric harm and achieving real care for people in emotional distress.
LISTEN HERE: https://bit.ly/3mjfG5e
| |
| |
|
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.
A tribute to Peter Bullimore READ IT HERE
| |
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. | |
| |
|
|
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
| |
|
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.
| |
| |
|
September 6 - 9, 2023 | New Orleans
Call For Presentations
Deadline: April 12, 2023
| |
|
NARPA’S mission is to support people with psychiatric diagnoses to exercise their legal and human rights, with the goals of abolishing forced treatment and ensuring autonomy, dignity and choice.
NARPA exists to promote social justice for people who experience the world in ways society often calls “mental illness.”
We do this through:
◊ Education
◊ Advocacy
◊ Rights advancement
◊ Promoting alternatives to coercive and harmful practices
So the right to choice can be meaningful.
| | |
|
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. | | |
|
Rocking Recovery Resources |
Rocking recovery has a comprehensive list of resources in Connecticut, organized by need and county.
| |
|
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
| |
| |
|
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.
| |
| |
|
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.
www.PrisonFamiliesAlliance.org
| |
|
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. LEARN MORE
| |
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.
| |
|
Amplify has compiled a list of resources available for support in Connecticut, by region.
| |
| |
|
THRIVE Support Online Family Recovery Meetings |
Support for families in an online setting. THRIVE uses CRAFT principles along with a faith component.
| |
Need support? Call to talk to a peer who understands.
CHR Warmline:
1-866-927-6225
(6pm-10pm, 7 days a week)
| |
| |
|
Eating Disorder Support Lines | |
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.
| |
| |
|
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
| |
Advocacy Unlimited, 114 W. Main Street, Suite 201, New Britain, CT 06051
Office Hours: 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday
T: (860) 505-7581
E: info@AdvocacyUnlimited.org
| |
Thanks for reading, and see you next month! | |
|
JCREATIVITY PUZZLE Remote Association Test
ANSWER: Banana, Box, Pudding | BREAD
| | | | |
