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Advocacy Unlimited

A HOLISTIC, PEER-LED APPROACH

DISCOVER YOUR FULL POTENTIAL

OCTOBER NEWSLETTER

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Hello October

CALL (860) 505-7581

EMAIL INFO@ADVOCACYUNLIMITED.ORG

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Advocacy Unlimited, Inc.


114 West Main St. Suite 201

New Britain, CT


9am-5pm

(860) 505-7581


advocacyunlimited.org

Join Rise Be

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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Hearing Voices Network


114 West Main St. Suite 201

New Britain, CT



9am-5pm

scollins@advocacyunlimited.org


cthvn.org



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Bridger Program


114 West Main St. Suite 201

New Britain, CT



9am-5pm

(860) 882-9980


advocacyunlimited.org/program/community-bridger

Alt2Su

Alternatives To Suicide


1477 Park St.

Suite 102

Hartford, CT


9am-5pm

jtirado@toivocenter.org


toivocenter.org/alternatives-to-suicide/


THIS EDITION

Featured Article- A Discussion Of Peer Respite Efforts By Jennifer Tirado

Free Community Education

  • Breathwork Classes
  • Freedom From Psychiatric Drugs Workshop

AU Spaces to Connect

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

Peer Support Groups

  • Alternatives to Suicide - Group Times
  • Connecticut Hearing Voices Network - Group Times

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

Toivo: Holistic Stress Management Initiative

  • October Offerings
  • Calendar
  • Connect With Toivo's Instagram

Individual Advocacy Network

Employment Opportunities

Community Spotlight

Peer Community Resources

CT Community Resources

Contact Us

Watercolor Brain Art

AUGUST 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



Home, Sea, Bed| ASSOCIATED WORD



ANSWER AT THE BOTTOM OF NEWSLETTER!

Featured Article

A Discussion Of Peer Respite Efforts By Jennifer Tirado

"On September 13th, I had the opportunity to represent Advocacy Unlimited in Peer respite efforts in collaboration with Keep the Promise Coalition as well as advocates from NAMI and RIPPLE. We participated in a meeting with CT Public Health Chair, Senator Saud Anwar. A Facebook Live broadcasted our message to educate and bring awareness to peer respites. This includes approaches such as Alternatives to Suicide and how its values overlap with peer respites to a wider community. 


The panel opens with a true story, one which may be all too familiar with many other peers who’ve suffered negative experiences in ER psych departments. Being sequestered in a locked unit and having personal items taken away is not therapeutic for many of us who seek help when we’re at our most vulnerable. Peer respites are an answer to this. 

According to an informational one-pager compiled by Keep the Promise Coalition: 

“A peer-run respite is a voluntary, short-term program that provides 24/7 community-based, non-clinical crisis support. It is operated in a home-like environment by peer support specialists, who have lived expertise with mental health conditions. Peer Support is recognized by the U.S. Center for Medicaid & Medicare Services (CMS) as an evidenced-based model of care.” 


Peers have been attempting to garner state funding for this endeavor for years. It is the hope of many members of the peer community that this FB Live event can help raise more awareness and support as advocates head into a legislative session in 2024. 


Not only is Connecticut behind on this front, approximately fifteen other states have already established their own peer-run respites. 

The hope is that more advocates will stand by a model that’s been needed in this state for many years, a wish of many peers that has not yet to come to fruition. However, with the backing of key legislators, peers, clinicians and the community members who believe in the healing power of lived experience, Connecticut may be able to be pushed in a new direction. This direction will honor the consent and freedom of people labeled with diagnoses. 


For more information concerning peer-run respites in Connecticut and/or how to get involved, please contact Jordan Fairchild, Executive Director of Keep the Promise Coalition. 


A special thank you to Senator Anwar and his office for the opportunity to present at the panel."

WATCH THE PANEL
KEEP THE PROMISE COALITION INFORMATIONAL PAPER

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, DATE: Third Wednesday of July (7/19), August(8/16), September (9/20), October (10/18), November (11/15), and December (12/20)  TIME: 12pm-1pm  LOCATION: In person @Toivo Center 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. Register at https://tinyurl.com/4wz59939 or Email: info@advocacyunlimited.org or Call: (860) 505-7581.

Freedom From Psychiatric Drugs

REGISTER
Advocacy Unlimited is excited to offer a new FREE continuing education workshop facilitated by Chaya Grossberg: “Freedom from Psychiatric Drugs”.    In this interactive workshop, we’ll focus on building peer support networks for people hoping to or already in the process of coming off psychiatric drugs. Refreshments will be provided as we discuss what people go through when coming off psychiatric drugs and what helps them, as detailed in Chaya’s book of the same name.   This event will be hosted on Thursday, October 19th at 2:30-4:00 PM in the Strom Conference Room at Asnuntuck Community College, located at 170 Elm Street, Enfield, CT 06082. It will be worth 1.5 CEUs for certified Peer Recovery Support Specialists. Space is limited to 20 people, so register now!

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. 114 West Main Street New Brittan, CT 06051

YOUNG ADULT WARMLINE | PHONE-BASED PEER SUPPORT

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

You are not alone. Whether you’re feeling upset, stressed out, or just want to talk, our Warmline is here for you! 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. Young Adult Peer Support Warmline: 855-646-7336 Our 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.

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- weizbackup@gmail.com


Middletown Group

Meets: Tuesdays from 6:30-8:00pm

Location: Free Center Middletown

52 North Main Street, Middletown

Contact Claudia- weizbackup@gmail.com


Westport Group

Meets: Tuesdays from 7:00-8:30pm

Location: Positive Directions

90 Post Road West, Westport

Contact: Positive Directions- Alt2Su@positivedirections.org


Hartford Group

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

Location: Toivo

1477 Park St, Suite 102, Hartford

Contact: Jennifer- jtirado@toivocenter.org


Danbury Group

Meets: Wednesdays from 6:00-7:30pm

Location: UU Congregation of Danbury

24 Clapboard Ridge Road, Danbury

Contact Linda- seayalt2su@gmail.com


Waterbury Group

Meets: Thursdays from 1:45-3:15pm

Location: The Center for Human Development Hospitality Center

690 East Main St, Waterbury

Contact Jennifer- jtirado@toivocenter.org


VIRTUAL GROUPS

Alternatives to Suicide On Zoom

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

For Zoom link contact Heidi Veiner- hviener@toivocenter.org



Alternatives to Suicide on Zoom

Meets: Thursdays from 6:30-8:00pm

For Zoom link contact Jennifer- jtirado@toivocenter.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.

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- zot588462@gmail.com


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 ryan.thomas@fandm.edu

 

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) -twilson@joinrisebe.org 

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

scollins@advocacyunlimited.org


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

bienc@aol.com

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 ryan.thomas@fandm.edu


VIRTUAL GROUPS


NEW TIME! Mondays from 12:00 - 1:30 P.M.

Contact facilitator Claire (she/her)

bienc@aol.com or (203) 804-5507


Mondays from 6:00 - 7:00 P.M.

Contact facilitator Linda (she/her)

seayHVN@gmail.com


Tuesdays from 7:30 - 8:00 P.M.

Contact facilitator Skye (they/them) scollins@advocacyunlimited.org 

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)

scollins@advocacyunlimited.org 

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.

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

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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 | cbussue@advocacyunlimited.org

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: Char Busse 860-882-9980 | CBussue@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.

Young Adult Photo Collage Banner

UPCOMING MEETINGS


October 5

November 2

December 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

Toivo Center Logo- Lotus Heart Flower

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 October 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!

Toivo October Snapshot
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE FULL CALENDAR

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 Instagram Capture

AU Individual Advocacy Network

People High Fiving in the Woods

Virtual Meetings

Twice a Month

1st and 3rd Fridays

10-11:30AM

EMAIL TO RSVP
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.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

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: HR@AdvocacyUnlimited.org.

Job Description

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 HR@AdvocacyUnlimited.org.

Job Description
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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 HR@AdvocacyUnlimited.org by October 27, 2023.

Job Description
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

SING Music Study at Yale seeks participants. Up to $700 stipend for participants who complete study

Help us study how music influences hearing voices! Do you enjoy music? Do you hear voices other people don’t? Are you interested in sharing musical experiences with a small group of people? Study Visits Include: 4 weekly group music sessions; Random assignment to ONE (1) of the following group types: Songmaking in a group, Karaoke, Listening to your own playlist, Listening to someone else’s playlist, Computer games, Interviews, Questionnaires- participants will be asked to talk about their music and voice-hearing experiences. Up to $700 in Compensation. Travel reimbursement up to $75 per session. Yale HIC #2000026376

INTERESTED?



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


NIH ‘Sound Health’ Grants Raise the Volume on Music, Singing Research | Dana Foundation



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 (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 powers.lab@yale.edu. 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."

Pre- Screening Form
What To Expect 

PEER COMMUNITY RESOURCES

September 09, 2023: Abolition Is Disability Justice | Tina Minkowitz


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

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

View NPN's Latest Newsletter

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.
OCTOBER 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

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
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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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Husky Health Connecticut

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.

Visit our Website

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
Owl On a Branch At Night
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, 114 W. Main Street, Suite 201, New Britain, CT 06051

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


(860) 505-7581

Info@AdvocacyUnlimited.org

advocacyunlimited.org

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