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A HOLISTIC, PEER-LED APPROACH
DISCOVER YOUR FULL POTENTIAL
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September 2022 NEWSLETTER | |
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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
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Join Rise Be
114 West Main St.
Suite 310
New Britain, CT
HOURS VARY
(855) 646-7366
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Toivo Center
1477 Park St.
Suite 102
Hartford, CT
9am-5pm
(860) 296-2338
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THIS EDITION
Featured Article: Instinct by Luz Feliz
CT Hearing Voices Network - Facilitator Training Registration
Community Training - Supportive Approaches for Voice Hearing
Free Peer Community Education
NARPA Conference Scholarships
Alternatives to Suicide News
Connect with a Community Bridger
Maastricht Approach Project - Voices and Paranoia
Join Rise Be: Emerging Adult Recovery Initiative
Toivo: Holistic Stress Management Initiative
CT Hearing Voices Network - Groups!
Employment Opportunities
Advocacy Connections
Community Spotlight
Peer Community Resources
CT Community Resources
Contact Us
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At some point in our lives, we’ve all heard the phrase that has been equal or similar to “go with your gut”. It may have been while taking an exam for school that you’ve changed your response to but then ultimately got it wrong despite your original answer having been correct. It could have been in the form of someone you were once close to who ended up being a bad influence just like your parents warned you about, but you refused to see.
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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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September 26th-28th
9am-5pm
AU New Britain Office
We're holding our first in-state CTHVN Facilitator Training.
The training will be in person in New Britain from 9am-5pm (See attached flyer).
We have 25 slots available, and there are still spaces open which we are looking to fill as soon as possible.
We are looking to train people who are willing to run one weekly hour-long group in Connecticut, preferably in person.
Earn up to $40 per week for each Connecticut HVN group that you run, all while providing a place for people to be themselves without fear of judgement.
Space is limited, with priority given to those committing to run weekly CTHVN groups.
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The training is $200 for 24 hours of training. At this time we no longer have financial aid available. cpacity for financial aid.not have any financial aid available.
People can apply here: https://form.jotform.com/222214621083040
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VOICE HEARING & SUPPORTIVE PEER-DELIVERED APPROACHES
FREE, IN PERSON
2 RSS Credit
9/20/22
10-12PM
New Britain, CT
Peter Bullimore, & Co. from the National Paranoia Network are joining us in CT for a 2 hour community training on the experience of voice hearing and supportive peer-delivered approaches.
RSVP required.
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COMPASSIONATE ACTIVISM
Beginning October 6th
FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
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PEER FORUM
by Advocacy unlimited
with Jennifer Tirado
Alternatives to Suicide Network Coordinator
Friday Nov. 4, 2022
10-12pm
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Problem Gambling Webinar
with Mercedz
Thursday September 29, 2022
2:30PM-3:30PM
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Scholarships for Persons with Lived Experience for the 2022 NARPA Rights Conference | |
NARPA has funding this year for a limited number of scholarships for advocates/persons with lived experience to attend the NARPA Annual Rights Conference to be held in Newark, NJ, October 26-29, 2022.
Some scholarships include three nights lodging at the conference hotel, the registration fee, and $100 toward travel. For local attendees the funding would include the registration fee and parking. The registration fee includes all conference activities and most meals: an opening reception, three breakfasts, two lunches, and all breaks. Scholarship recipients will be responsible for travel costs. For those traveling by air, there is a free shuttle to the hotel from the airport. These scholarships are open to applicants from any state.
For Connecticut advocates only: A scholarship fund, facilitated by NARPA, was created by a state donor to assist Connecticut advocates to attend the conference who might otherwise not be able to attend. These scholarships include three nights lodging at the conference hotel, the registration fee, and $100 toward travel. Please note in your request if you are a Connecticut resident.
To apply for these scholarships, please answer the following questions about your advocacy background and your plans to educate and assist others in their advocacy efforts. Send this information along with your contact details to [email protected]. Again, please note the scholarship application deadline is September 20.
- What activities have you undertaken that are in line with the NARPA mission?
- How would you utilize the information and strategies that you receive at the annual conference?
- Is there any information about yourself that you would like to share?
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Alternatives to Suicide is a peer-run support group for people suffering with suicidal thoughts or actions, as well as for those who are affected by the suicidal thoughts or actions of others. This group is an open forum to talk about topics directly related to suicide or whatever else needs to be expressed. People are encouraged to come during times of crisis, as well as during times of strength. | |
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Online & In Person Groups
In Person
Every Wednesday
5-6PM
114 W. Main Street, Suite 201
New Britain, Connecticut
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Your copy should address 3 key questions: Who am I writing for? (Audience) Why should they care? (Benefit) What do I want them to do here? (Call-to-Action)
Create a great offer by adding words like "free" "personalized" "complimentary" or "customized." A sense of urgency often helps readers take an action, so think about inserting phrases like "for a limited time only" or "only 7 remaining"!
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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
October 6th
November 3rd
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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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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Breath Body Mind Description:
Join the Breath-Body-Mind™️(BBM)
September 27-28
9-4PM
at Toivo
In this two-day fundamental course taught by Linda Lentini and Dr. Tracey Meyers you will learn gentle movement and breathing practices to improve stress resilience, energy levels, sleep, and restore a sense of calmness. Breath-Body-Mind techniques are easy to learn and allow any individual the ability to heal from within. This training is for anyone who wishes to improve their stress resilience, physical health, and general well-being.
To register contact Linda Lentini at [email protected]
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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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August Paranoia Network Newsletter | |
The Paranoia Network was originally launched in 2004. Run by Peter Bullimore, Kate Crawford and Shaun Hunt, the organization aims to raise awareness of how disabling paranoia can be, and to breakdown social taboos.
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! | | | | | |
