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A HOLISTIC, PEER-LED APPROACH
DISCOVER YOUR FULL POTENTIAL
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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: Reality According to Whom? Listening to My Wife— and The Problems with ‘Psychosis’ -By Sam Ruck From Mad In America
Free Community Education
- Breathwork Classes
- Negotiating Identities- Recovering the Self
- Persuasive Storytelling
- Legislative Advocacy Webinar Presented By NAMI
AU Spaces to Connect
- Bridger Program Community Meet Up
- Young Adult Warmline - Phone Based Peer Support
Peer Support Groups
- Alternatives to Suicide - Group Times
- Alternatives to Suicide - Training
- 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
Toivo: Holistic Stress Management Initiative
- November 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 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
Sense, Courtesy, Place | ASSOCIATED WORD
ANSWER AT THE BOTTOM OF NEWSLETTER!
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Reality According to Whom? Listening to My Wife— and The Problems with ‘Psychosis’ -By Sam Ruck From Mad In America
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This article is an adapted excerpt from Healing Companions, a book by the MIA author Sam Ruck (his pen name) that describes his life with, and love for, his wife and her “alters.” | |
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My wife and I had been married for 20 years when she started to experience some extreme stuff, to put it mildly: panic attacks, flashbacks, comatose episodes, extreme dissociation, hearing voices, mini-seizures, and more. And beyond that, seven dissociated parts of my wife, often called ‘alters,’ slowly began to join our relationship and family over the next six years.
At first, each one was completely separated from the others, and this exponentially complicated the healing journey for us—because I initially had to help them feel safe, and then I had to help them reconnect to the others so they could begin to work toward a healthy life of wholeness.
But those things didn’t change my opinion of my wife: she wasn’t “crazy” or “mad” as those terms are used in reference to this subject. And, so, what about “psychosis?” I hear that word thrown all around. It was ignorantly thrown at my wife by a pastor with whom I shared just a little of our situation at the beginning of our journey. But until I began to frequent the Mad in America website, I didn’t realize just how big of a concern psychosis is to most people.
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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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Legislative Advocacy Webinar Presented By NAMI | | |
Meet Up With the Bridger Program | | |
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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
Meets: Mondays from 2:00-3:30pm
Location:12 Step Recovery Solutions
155 Montauk Ave, New London
Contact: Claudia- [email protected]
Middletown Group
Meets: Tuesdays from 6:30-8:00pm
Location: Free Center Middletown
52 North Main Street, Middletown
Contact Claudia- [email protected]
Westport Group
Meets: Tuesdays from 7:00-8:30pm
Location: Positive Directions
90 Post Road West, Westport
Contact: Positive Directions- [email protected]
Hartford Group
Meets: Wednesdays from 5:00-6:30pm
Location: Toivo
1477 Park St, Suite 102, Hartford
Contact: Jennifer- [email protected]
Danbury Group
Meets: Wednesdays from 6:00-7:30pm
Location: UU Congregation of Danbury
24 Clapboard Ridge Road, Danbury
Contact Linda- [email protected]
Waterbury Group
Meets: Thursdays from 1:45-3:15pm
Location: The Center for Human Development Hospitality Center
690 East Main St, Waterbury
Contact Jennifer- [email protected]
VIRTUAL GROUPS
Alternatives to Suicide On Zoom
Meets: Mondays from 3:30-5:00pm
For Zoom link contact Heidi Veiner- [email protected]
Alternatives to Suicide on Zoom
Meets: Thursdays from 6:30-8:00pm
For Zoom link contact Jennifer- [email protected]
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Alt2Su FACILITATOR TRAINING | |
Advocacy Unlimited is excited to announce a new training opportunity taking place this November. Facilitators of Alternatives to Suicide are crucial to its success. This three-day training will provide the tools you need to run an Alt2Su group in Connecticut. Please read more about the training below. To apply email Jennifer Tirado at [email protected]. | |
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
Farmington Group
Meets: Tuesdays, 6:00 - 7:00 P.M.
Location: UCONN Health
10 Talcott Notch, 3rd Floor
Farmington, CT 06032
Contact: Jenn- [email protected]
East Windsor Groups
Meets: Mondays, 9:30 - 10:30 A.M.
Location: Volunteer Park in East Windsor
171 South Water Street
East Windsor, CT 06088
Contact: Denise - (959) 333-7017
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
Meets: Fridays, 9:30 - 10:30 A.M.
Location: Volunteer Park in East Windsor
171 South Water Street
East Windsor, CT 06088
Contact: Denise - (959) 333-7017
Hartford Group
Meets: Wednesdays, 3:00 - 4:00 P.M.
Location: Toivo Center
1477 Park St, Suite 102
Hartford, CT 06106
Contact: Ryan - (203) 707-1001 [email protected]
New Britain Groups
Meets: Wednesdays, 12:00 – 1:00 P.M.
Location: Advocacy Unlimited
114 West Main St
Suite 201
New Britain, CT 06051
Contact: Tina (They/them) -[email protected]
Meets: Thursdays, 2:30 – 3:30 P.M.
Location: Advocacy Unlimited
114 West Main S, Suite 201
New Britain, CT 06051
Contact: Skye Collins (They/them) -
(860) 952-4050
[email protected]
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
[email protected]
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Waterbury Group
Meets: Tuesdays, 10:00 - 11:00 A.M.
Location: CHD Hospitality Center
690 E Main St,
Waterbury, CT 06702
Contact: Ryan (He/him) - (203) 707-1001 [email protected]
VIRTUAL GROUPS
NEW TIME! Mondays from 12:00 - 1:30 P.M.
Contact facilitator Claire (she/her)
[email protected] or (203) 804-5507
Mondays from 6:00 - 7:00 P.M.
Contact facilitator Linda (she/her)
[email protected]
Tuesdays from 7:30 - 8:00 P.M.
Contact facilitator Skye (they/them) [email protected]
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)
[email protected]
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 [email protected]
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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 | [email protected]
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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
November 2
December 7
January 4
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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 [email protected]
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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. To Learn more visit the Toivo website HERE | | |
Toivo's November Snapshot | |
Check out a few of the things coming up at the Toivo center in September. 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: [email protected].
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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 [email protected].
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Toivo Is Seeking A Comunity 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 [email protected].
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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: [email protected]
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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 [email protected]. 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
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CREATIVITY PUZZLE Remote Association Test
ANSWER: Sense, Courtesy, Place | COMMON
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Thanks for reading, and see you next month! | | | | |
