“CAMHPRO’s ABC’s of Advocacy” is a series of three webinars on the basics and details of how you can participate in the California community program planning process in a meaningful and effective manner. These three webinars are interactive through polling, questions and answers, and prompt you to take the next steps. 

Visit Website

The Alameda County Accelerated Peer Specialist Program (ACAPS) is a training and placement program of the California Association of Peer Run Organizations (CAMHPRO.)

Visit Website

The Community Planning Process is to help consumers be stronger advocates and stakeholders in front of lawmakers, local, regional, or state entities, and for personal growth as a consumer. The audience for these community meetings are stakeholders, especially transition aged youth clients, older adult clients and clients of multicultural diversity, but absolutely open to other participants in Community Planning Processes.

Visit Website

The Finding Your Voice workshops are designed for small, informal roundtable discussions for consumers. It’s a place to learn what’s going on in your community as well as sharing your voice.

Visit Website

CAMHPRO has changed the format of this monthly webinar to highlight California and Other Model Peer Specialist Services beginning with one of our favorite counties: Riverside County. They will invite other counties/agencies or states to present on their peer specialist service practices to demonstrate what is working and what is possible for the State of California. We will also provide policy updates, progress and funding as they happen regarding national and state peer specialist standardization or certification.

Visit Website

CAMHPRO and California stakeholders look forward to working with both Senators, co authors Hertzberg and Pan, and the bill’s sponsor, the Steinberg Institute, to bring long awaited peer certification to California.

Visit Website

Peer Specialist Core Competency Training (PSCCT) is a program for eight (8) counties and community based agencies in six (6) superior region counties through an OSHPD Public Mental/Behavioral Health Workforce Retention contract. Stay tuned.

Visit Website

All Recovery meetings provide a place where all pathways to recovery are welcome, including members of twelve-step groups, faith-based groups, and people in medication-assisted recovery, but we only have one purpose, and that is supporting each other on our recovery journeys. Meeting schedule for Y'All Recovery meetings at Georgia's Peer Support, Wellness, and Respite Centers:

• Online Meetings
• Bartow County (Friday Noon-1pm)  
• Colquitt County (Friday 2pm-3pm) 
• Decatur (Friday 2:30pm-3:30pm) 
• Henry County (Tuesday 2pm-3pm) 
• White County (Friday 12:30pm-1:30pm) 

Country
United States of America

Visit Website

Benjamin Druss is Professor and Rosalynn Carter Chair in mental health in the Department of Health Policy and Management at Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University.  As one of only a handful of psychiatrists in the country based in a school of public health, Dr. Druss is working to integrate mental health, physical health, and public health.  His research has focused on understanding and improving access, quality, and outcomes of care for populations with serious mental illnesses and medical comorbidity. This work has included epidemiological studies; intervention trials; and health policy and public health research.  Dr. Druss serves on the Editorial Boards of JAMA Psychiatry and the American Journal of Psychiatry, and was a member of the NIMH National Advisory Mental Health Council from 2014-19. In 2018, he was awarded the American Public Health Association's Carl Taube Award for Lifetime Contribution to the Field of Mental Health. The Statement and Evidence Base below were provided to GMHCN in response to proposed State of Georgia behavioral health budget cuts.

Visit Website

“But for the Grace of God: Milledgeville!” written by Dr. Peter G. Cranford, is a remarkable work of nonfiction, simply by its existence as a work of nonfiction. A chronicle of the history of Central State Hospital in Milledgeville, Georgia, it illustrates one of the darkest chapters in the history of Georgia, and in doing so describes conditions and behaviors that are as shameful as they are seemingly unbelievable. But as anyone who grew up as a child in Georgia for generations can attest, the threat of being sent to Milledgeville sent shivers down the spine of anyone who had ever visited there, and who could attest to the reality of the depravity displayed there.​

Country
United States of America

Visit Website

Double Trouble in Recovery is a 12-step fellowship of people who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other so that they may solve their common problems and help others to recover from their particular substance use and behavioral health challenges. DTR is designed to meet the needs of the dually diagnosed, and is for those who have been diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder. They address the problems and benefits associated with psychiatric medication, and we recognize that for many, having addiction and mental health challenges represents Double Trouble in Recovery.​

In our fellowship, we band together for common good and recovery. With open-minded understanding of each other, and with honesty, we share our problems and our challenges, and celebrate our accomplishments. The humility we show will never mask or cover the courage it takes to admit who and what we are. Together, we find the hope and strength that lead to serenity, and lives of purpose and meaning.​

The DTR meeting format is similar to other 12-step meetings. Meetings typically last an hour or an hour-and-a-half, and participation is entirely voluntary, though visitors and newcomers are given the opportunity to introduce themselves. The facilitators of DTR meetings organized by the Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network are also dually diagnosed, have between 6 and 22 years in recovery, are encouraged to take care of their mental health and work on their own personal recovery.​ There are no dues or fees for DTR membership or participation. Meetings are held across Georgia and in the metropolitan Atlanta area. Please see the schedules below for the time and location nearest you. For additional information, please contact:

• Statewide Gena Garner, CPS, CPS-AD, Statewide Director, DTR Double Trouble in Recovery, email: peermentoring@gmhcn.org
• Atlanta Gail Herrschaft, CPS, CARES, Director, Double Trouble in Recovery, email: dtr@gmhcn.org

​

Country
United States of America

Contact Person / Email
info@gmhcn.org.

Visit Website

Georgia-specific Forensic  Peer Mentoring Training Program allows Georgia to expand the success in reducing recidivism. This three-year project is currently underway. In March 2019, GMHCN concluded a series of six listening sessions across the state, where we heard from Georgia's communities about what they need to improve the lives of our justice-involved citizens, including those who are returning to their communities from correctional facilities. One listening session was held in each of the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities six regions. Based on what was learned on those sessions, a curriculum for a Forensic Peer Mentor Training is now being developed, and will be implemented over the course of 2019-2021.

Country
United States of America

Contact Person / Email
fpmtp@gmhcn.org.

Visit Website

Since the opening of the Georgia Lunatic Asylum in 1842, some 25,000 patients were buried on the grounds of what is now called Central State Hospital. To maintain the patients’ confidentiality, their graves were marked with iron stakes bearing numbers instead of names. Over time, many markers were removed or covered by growth. In 1997, the Georgia Consumer Council adopted the Central State Hospital Cemetery Memorial Project as a tribute to those who faced behavioral health in a less enlightened time; as an effort to reduce stigma and increase community understanding about mental illness; and as a symbol of the progress the peer movement has made. As a result of its restoration efforts, new cemetery gates were installed, and a bronze angel was erected as a memorial. Buried beneath the angel are a time capsule of the hospital’s history, and a digital recording of the names of the dead.

The Council continues to meet twice each year, once in the spring, typically in Atlanta, to plan for the memorial service held when it meets again in the fall at the cemetery in Milledgeville. Peers, advocates, allies, family members, and the general public are invited to the memorial service each fall, and again to the placement of wreaths on the cemetery gates each December. Membership of the Georgia Consumer Council includes behavioral health peers from across the state of Georgia​​​.

Country
United States of America

Visit Website

Georgia's Forensic Peer Mentoring Project provides support, linkage, and care coordination to promote the successful community reintegration of adults with behavioral health diagnoses returning to the community following incarceration. Forensic Peer Mentors have had personal lived experience with the criminal justice system. The Forensic Peer Mentor works with returning citizens/participants who are within 3-18 months of their release date/tentative parole month. They work together onsite within an assigned state correctional facility, or in a Georgia Day Reporting Center, as well as in the community after release. The Forensic Peer Mentor provides support, including linkage and assistance in developing transportation plans to community services to facilitate access to entitlements, community based behavioral health supports and other services. 

​

Country
United States of America

Visit Website

Georgia's Peer Mentoring Project provides mentoring, peer support, and community-resource linkage to promote the successful transition of adults with behavioral health diagnoses returning to communities of their choice following psychiatric in-patient hospitalization. Peer Mentors work in each of the five Georgia Regional Hospital catchment areas

• Central State Hospital in Milledgeville
• East Central Regional Hospital in Augusta
• Georgia Regional Hospital in Atlanta
• Georgia Regional Hospital in Savannah
• West Central Georgia Regional Hospital in Columbus
• In Crisis Centers throughout Georgia,
• Mobile Crisis Teams
• The Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network's Peer Support, Wellness, and Respite Centers. 

Peer Mentors assist identified adults receiving psychiatric inpatient care with their transition back into community living. Initially, Peer Mentors meet their peers in a Georgia Regional Hospital inpatient setting or other venue, and then assist them as they re-enter various community settings. Peer Mentors may assist with resource linkage, discharge planning, and social connections. Peer mentors support the implementation, by the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, of the United States Supreme Court Olmstead decision, mandating transition of consumers from psychiatric institutions into the community. 

​

​

​

Country
United States of America

Visit Website

The Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network is pleased to provide Mental Health First Aid Trainings at no cost to groups across the state. The training teaches risk factors and warning signs of behavioral health problems, information on depression, anxiety, trauma, psychosis, and addiction disorders, a 5-step action plan to help someone developing a behavioral health problem or in crisis and where to turn for help — professional, peer, and self-help resources.

MHFA is an 8-hour training course designed to give members of the public key skills to support someone who is developing a behavioral health problem or experiencing a behavioral health crisis. The MHFA training is designed for participants who work with people who have behavioral health concerns, but who do not have any formal training in behavioral health. The training includes a 5-Step Action Plan that can be applied to all behavioral health challenges.

Country
United States of America

Contact Person / Email
aisha@gmhcn.org

Call 404-687-9487

Visit Website

For National Recovery Month 2020, the Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network will be celebrating the work we have been doing for almost 30 years to support people with mental health and substance use concerns to live lives of recovery and wellness.  â€‹

Country
United States of America

Visit Website

Georgia's Peer Support, Wellness, and Respite Centers have moved our wellness activities online to support Georgians through the Coronavirus public health crisis. 

Country
United States of America

Visit Website

Peer support activities provide activities at the Peer Support, Wellness, and Respite Centers. These activities include:

• Aroma & Relaxation (Bartow) – Let go of your fears, worries, and stresses as we enter a state of complete relaxation. We will use aroma, music, imagery, meditation, and other easy-to do techniques to come to an inner peace.
• Art Explorations – Use a variety of art media for self expression and exploration. 
• Bingo (Decatur) – Join us on Saturdays at 12:00 PM for BINGO with prizes!
• Bowling (Decatur) – Meet at The Comet (formerly Suburban Lanes) every Wednesday at 11:00 to bowl competitively with peers and have loads of fun! (First 10 bowlers are free, additional bowlers $5.00); Address 2679 N. Decatur Rd. 30033; 470-225-1931
• Computer Skills/Financial Planning/Housing Support - Learn basic computer skills to access housing and financial resources online. Create a budget. Learn the ins and outs of SSI/SSDI. During this hour, computers will only be available for those participating in the activity. 
• CPS Study Group – Make arrangements with study partners to meet at the PSWC on Sundays to prepare for the Certified Peer Specialist exam.
• Creative Cafe – Share your original poetry, spoken word, prose, short stories, etc. Get creative and enjoy coffee and hot chocolate!
• Double Trouble in Recovery – A twelve-step program designed to meet the needs of individuals who are dealing with both substance abuse and a mental health diagnosis
• Free Events on the Square (Bartow) – Each spring, summer, and fall, Cartersville presents Events on the Square consisting of concerts, farmers market, festivals, etc. Peers can walk to the downtown square all day on Saturdays.
• Hearing Voices Network – Are you a person who hears voices? Do you want to talk openly about it without labels, judgments, or coercion? This is a safe place to talk freely and openly about your experiences.
• Issues in Mental Health – Let’s talk about the real issues in mental health -- in the news, with drug companies, legislation… Let’s explore what does and does not support us in recovery
• Lyrical Expressions – Exploring the soundtracks of our lives!
• LGBT Support – Free to all who self-identify as having a mental health challenge and identify as LGBT
• Movies and Games – Saturdays are for hanging out with peers and having some good old-fashioned fun with board games, cards, and movies. We provide games to choose from, but feel free to bring your own as well. 
• Peer Community (Decatur) – Join us on Wednesdays at The Comet before bowling for news and announcements. This is also a good time to bring up issues that affect the PSWC community at large. Address 2679 N. Decatur Rd. 30033; 470-225-193126619
• Peer Zone – A set of interactive workshops created by Mary O’Hagan and Sarah McCook. The activities are engaging and relevant to peers on the recovery path.
• Respite Support – An activity every evening at 8:00 pm with respite guests for extra support if you choose
• Resources Support – Resources galore. Find what you need in the community, on the internet, or through networking with other peers who have been where you’re at and know what’s available. Food, clothes, housing, support groups, lots of giveaways in Atlanta!
• Sacred Space – this is a forum to talk about spirituality and what makes you passionate! You can freely share your personal feelings and beliefs about spirituality and what it means to you. No preaching, just sharing. 
• Super Sports Sundays – Come cheer your team on in front of the TV and have a blast!
• Trauma-Informed Peer Support – Have you experienced a life-altering event in your life? This is the place where these issues can be explored with your peers while developing skills to begin to move forward.
• Voices and Visions – A time to share and explore the place and possible meanings that hearing voices and seeing visions play in our lives. Various tips and tools for working with them will be discussed as well.
• Whole Health – Exploring the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspect of our lives and how they intertwine.  
• WRAP Planning – WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan) assists with developing a wellness plan that keeps you in control when you experience a crisis.
• YMCA – The PSWC has free passes! Meet us at the PSWC at 11:00 am on Mondays (1st & 5th Monday) and Fridays for some fun and exercise at the Y. Meet us at the Decatur YMCA located at 1100 Clairemont Ave., Decatur, GA   Phone: (404) 377-96.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Country
United States of America

Visit Website

The Georgia-specific Forensic Peer Mentoring Training Program allows Georgia to expand the success in reducing recidivism. This three-year project is currently underway. In March 2019, GMHCN concluded a series of six listening sessions across the state, where we heard from Georgia's communities about what they need to improve the lives of our justice-involved citizens, including those who are returning to their communities from correctional facilities. One listening session was held in each of the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities six regions. Based on what was learned on those sessions, a curriculum for a Forensic Peer Mentor Training has been developed, and applications for the first Ready4Reentry cohort are now being accepted.

​

​

Country
United States of America

Contact Person / Email
fpmtp@gmhcn.org

Visit Website

The Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network supports the Georgia Council on Substance Abuse in an ongoing, statewide effort to support communities in Georgia as they build collaborative relationships to support recovery from substance use. The Recovery Community Organization Development Project, funded by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, has been instrumental in providing skills, tools, and information to grassroots community leaders in Georgia who want to increase the impact of substance use recovery. 

While providing technical assistance to communities interested in developing Recovery Community Organizations, we work to make certain that the voice of behavioral health recovery is heard, and that people and organizations recognize the deep ties between substance use recovery and mental health recovery. We know how important a holistic approach to wellness is for people to achieve and maintain long-term substance use recovery, and a Recovery Oriented System of Care that nurtures both substance use recovery and mental health recovery is also integral to the success of community recovery initiatives.

As part of this project, we help organize focused conversations about recovery, plan for and host local recovery symposiums and foster local collaborative relationships for continued development of communities that are recovery-focused. Key themes that are addressed through symposium activities include building peer leadership and peer culture, person-centered assessments & supports, continued supports based on treatment for chronic conditions and community engagement & inclusion of recovery partners who support people with staying well. The goals of the Recovery Symposiums are threefold to develop local resources and leadership in recovery oriented initiatives, to develop local “learning communities” as allies and partners in a continuing effort to create a system of care that is community based and to develop local awareness of the recovery movement and local behavioral health services​​.​

Country
United States of America

Contact Person / Email
pam@gmhcn.org

Visit Website

ReVerb: The Voice of Recovery and Wellness is a podcast in which people  stories of recovery and hope that reverberate with others. The objective of ReVerb is to allow individuals in recovery from behavioral health concerns to use their voices to share their lived experience. The goal of ReVerb is the reduction of stigma and the expansion of recovery. The purpose of ReVerb is to provide hope to individuals, families, and communities.

Country
United States of America

Visit Website

The Georgia Behavioral Health Planning and Advisory Council is the federally mandated committee charged to review and comment on the State plan of allocation of federal block grant money. The GBHPAC is also authorized to review and comment on mental health services within the state; serve as advocate for chronically mentally ill individuals; seriously emotionally disturbed children and youth; and other individuals with mental illness or emotional problems.

The scope of this Council shall encompass, not less than once a year, the monitor, review, and evaluation of the State plan for mental health services; examination of the providers of state services toward provision of the best treatment available for most-in-need chronically mentally ill adults, seriously emotionally disturbed children and youth, and other individuals in Georgia with mental illness or emotional problems; and advocacy for adults with serious mental illness and children with serious emotional disturbances. The Council may utilize whatever information and assistance are available within the DBHDD to effect positive change following such examination and advocacy. We invite those interested in becoming a member of the Council and participating in its important work use the application form found as a link to this web page. The Council reviews the application and recommendations are made to the Commissioner of the DBHDD, who appoints Council members. The Georgia Mental Health Planning and Advisory Council meets six times a year.

Country
United States of America

Contact Person / Email
bhpac@gmhcn.org

Visit Website

The Georgia Certified Peer Specialist Project aims to identify, train, certify and provide ongoing support and education to consumers of mental health services, to provide peer support as part of the Georgia mental health service system and to promote self-determination, personal responsibility and empowerment inherent in self-directed recovery.

A CPS is a Certified Peer Specialist. A CPS is a person who has received special training to be able to use their lived experience of recovery from a mental health concern to support and assist others. ​In Georgia there are multiple CPS credentials. The CPS credential offered by the Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network is the CPS-Mental Health credential. If you are in recovery from substance use and do not identify as living with a mental health concern, please visit the website of the Georgia Council on Substance Abuse, who provide training for the CPS-Addictive Disease credential through their Certified Addiction Recovery Empowerment Specialist training program.

The CPS project offers 5 trainings each year. The training locations are throughout Georgia. Trainings have been offered in Atlanta, Augusta, Duluth, Macon, Savannah, and Warner Robins.The training is a 2 week training. Generally it is a total of 9 days (Monday through Friday of week one and Monday through Thursday of week two). Most days a series of classes meets from 8:30am to 4:30pm, with slight variations depending on the schedule. The training classes do not meet on the weekend. There are also optional evening activities during the training period. A detailed schedule is provided to those who are accepted into the program.

​

Country
United States of America

Visit Website

The Georgia Peer Support Institute (GPSI) is a three-day immersion in peer support designed to teach the principles of recovery from behavioral health challenges, teach characteristics of peer-directed, peer-run, and recovery-oriented behavioral health services; and teach skills to take an active role in one’s own recovery, and the creation of a meaningful life. Throughout the Institute, participants share knowledge and experiences, while developing new relationships with peers and themselves. Each spring and fall, 30 behavioral health peers are selected to participate in GPSI. Peers are selected based primarily on their responses to a series of brief questions on the application, such as Why are you interested in attending the Institute? and What do you hope to gain from attending? Those selected are expected to plan and implement a project on some aspect of the training when they return to their community. All expenses for training materials, lodging, and meals will be covered, and travel expenses reimbursed (everyone is responsible for their own transportation to the Institute).​​

Country
United States of America

Contact Person / Email
gpsi@gmhcn.org

Visit Website

The Peer Support, Wellness, and Respite Centers are peer-run alternatives to traditional mental health day programs and psychiatric hospitalization. Each of the four Peer Support, Wellness, and Respite Centers has respite rooms available to citizens of Georgia, available 24 hours a day, year-round. The three respite rooms at each center are free of charge and can be occupied by an individual overwhelmed by life challenges who feels they would benefit from 24/7 peer support, for up to seven nights, every 30 days. The Centres include:

• Bartow County Peer Support, Wellness and Respite Center - 201 North Erwin Street Cartersville, GA 30120 - 770 276 2019 - jennifer@gmhcn.org

• Colquitt County Peer Support, Wellness and Respite Center - 417 2nd Street SE Moultrie, GA 31768 - 229 873 9737 - kelly.gmhcn.org 

• Decatur Peer Support and Wellness Center - 444 Sycamore Drive Decatur, GA 30030 - 404 371 1414 - melissa@gmhcn.org

• White County Peer Support, Wellness and Respite Center - 46 Knaus Drive Cleveland, GA 30528 - 706 865 3601 - mitch@gmhcn.org

Peers often use Respite to avoid psychiatric hospitalization. An individual must have a Proactive Interview on file before being eligible for Respite. They must also be at least 18 years of age, self-identify as a person who is a consumer of mental health services, have a house tour, and sign Participation Guidelines. Peers are welcome to participate in all activities, regardless of whether that are staying overnight. Activities vary by location--please call ahead to verify the schedule. All overnight participants are responsible for taking their own prescribed medications and keeping them in a locked box. The box and key are provided by the Respite Centers. The kitchen will be stocked for participants who are using the respite beds and they are free to prepare food for themselves at their convenience. Participants are also free to bring in their own food. There are no doctors, nurses, case-managers, or clinical staff associated with the Respite Centers, although each participant is free to utilize his or her established medical and community resources. Participants have a file consisting of their Proactive Interview, Contact information, and Participation Guidelines. Guests have access to their file upon request. â€‹â€‹

The Peer Support, Wellness, and Respite Centers welcome self-referrals. No independent confirmation of mental health challenges or diagnosis is required. All peer staff are Certified Peer Specialists. In addition, all peer staff have completed Intentional Peer Support Training with Shery Mead and Chris Hansen, Warmline Training with Sheila Silverman, CPR/First Aid Certification Training and general orientation with the Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network.  Probably the best training, however, is the lived experience we all share as mental health peers!

A Proactive Interview is an interactive dialogue between a Respite Center peer staff and a peer participant. It is used to determine the type of respite supports preferred by the  participant.  It is completed while a participant is feeling well. A participant can come to a Respite Center while they are feeling well and have a pro-active Interview with a peer staff.  Once the interview is completed, they qualify for a respite bed if and when the need arises and a bed is available. Proactive Interviews are offered weekdays in White County by appointment only; in Bartow County between 9:00-11:00 am, and in Decatur, between 3:00-5:00 pm. All Respite Centers offer Proactive Interviews any time on the weekends during opening hours.​

​

​

​

Country
United States of America

Contact Person / Email
wellnesscenter@gmhcn.org

Visit Website

The Peer2Peer Warm Line provides Georgians the opportunity to receive peer support over the phone 24 hours a day. People who call the Peer2Peer Warm Line include people who live with chronic behavioral health conditions like depression or anxiety, who are experiencing life’s challenges (such as grief or unemployment), have limited mobility, but want to remain connected to others or who are recovering from trauma, and need support. To contact the Peer2Peer Warm Line call  

• (Toll-free) statewide @ 888-945-1414
• Decatur @ 404-371-1414
• Bartow County @ 770-276-2019
• Colquitt County @ 229-873-9737
• Henry County @ 678-782-7666
• White County @ 706-865-3601
• Georgia’s Crisis and Access Line @ 800-715-4225
• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline @ 800-273-8255​​

The Peer2Peer Warm Line is a free service provided by the Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network and is funded through a contract with Georgia’s Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities. Calls to the Peer2Peer Warm Line confidential in which Certified Peer Specialists listen, respond, and provide peer support. They will support you in moving towards the life you want, and help you identify resources to support you on your path. The Peer2Peer Warm Line helps with providing hope and encouragement, sharing their lived experience, understanding what it is like to experience mental health challenges and linkage to support for legal issues, social support services, housing assistance, and other barriers to wellness.

Country
United States of America

Call 888-945-1414

Visit Website

The Pipeline newsletter is published four times annually. The voice of behavioral health recovery in Georgia since 2004, The Pipeline provides information for and about the recovery community in Georgia, as well as artwork, poetry and prose by peers in recovery. Published and edited by the Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network, and funded by the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, The Pipeline is a vital source of information and connectivity for members of the behavioral health community with limited or no access to the internet. Over 4,700 copies of The Pipeline are mailed to subscribers each quarter. To be added to The Pipeline mailing list, just email us your mailing address.

Country
United States of America

Visit Website

The RESPECT Institute of Georgia is a program that is designed to facilitate the sharing of our unique stories of behavioral health recovery to a broad range of audiences throughout Georgia’s communities.  Georgia's Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities funds the RESPECT Institute, and has contracted with the Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network, Mental Health America of Georgia, and Slack Consulting to implement the program. There are 24 RESPECT Institute trainings and 420 speaking engagements provided at no cost to communities throughout the state each year.

A RESPECT Institute is a 3 1/2 day program designed to provide 10 Individuals the skills and coaching necessary to transform their behavioral health challenges, treatment, and recovery experiences into educational and inspirational presentations.  The RESPECT Institute helps participants organize, construct, and customize their personal stories so they can be delivered in diverse venues, like legislative meetings, employee orientations, university classrooms, civic meetings, and continuing education programs. Following graduation, the Respect Institute of Georgia Outreach Team facilitates speaking engagements for the graduates to tell their stories.

The RESPECT Institute empowers consumers by acknowledging, honoring, and valuing their personal experiences and insights. Through this recognition and acceptance, Individuals reclaim their sense of self and join a community of Individuals educating their community and eliminating stigma. By learning to share their stories, RESPECT Institute of Georgia graduates are empowered. They give back to their communities by sharing hope with fellow citizens and families who face similar challenges. To date, the RESPECT Institute of Georgia team conducted over 125 RESPECT Institute of Georgia trainings statewide and graduated over 1,000 individuals who shared their stories to over 100,000 Georgians.

​

Country
Uruguay

Visit Website

The Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network sees a critical need for Trauma-Informed Care. We see a great number of individuals who have experienced trauma in their lives, and the devastating long-term consequences of that lived experience. Providing Trauma-Informed Care Training, focused on systems change for Georgia’s Peer Workforce enhances the important work done by Certified Peer Specialists (CPS), Certified Addiction Recovery Empowerment Specialists (CPS-AD), Certified Peer Specialists-Parent (CPS-P), and Certified Peer Specialists-Youth (CPS-Y). We believe Trauma Informed Care training positively and significantly impacts the lives of many people within our state, and has a direct impact on the utilization of a wide array of behavioral health services. Through CPS Trauma-Informed Care basic training sessions, informational presentations to community groups and interested organizations, at conferences, and through continuing education opportunities, this project is positively impacting Georgia’s Recovery Oriented System of Care.

​

​

​

​

​

Country
United States of America

Contact Person / Email
pam@gmhcn.org

Call 404-687-9487

Visit Website

The Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network is pleased to provide basic Wellness Recovery Action Plan® workshops to groups across the state. These workshops are provided at no cost to participants or hosting facilities. The workshop is an introduction to a personalized wellness and recovery plan which helps people to decrease and prevent intrusive or troubling feelings and behaviors, increase personal empowerment, improve quality of life, address the need for support during crisis and achieve life goals and personal ambitions.

WRAP® was developed over 20 years ago by Mary Ellen Copeland, and in 2010 was listed in the United States Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration’s National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices. This workshop happens in two 3-to-4 hour sessions over two days. It includes a variety of experiential learning exercises that provide participants who are on a recovery journey the opportunity to develop a self-directed recovery plan. The workshop is appropriate for:

• Georgia’s Peers—people who self-identify as being in recovery from behavioral health concerns
• Certified Peer Specialists seeking to learn basic WRAP® skills and receive CPS Continuing Education Units
• Any organization who wants to support the empowerment of people in recovery from behavioral health concerns.

Country
United States of America

Contact Person / Email
denise@gmhcn.org

Call 404-687-9487

Visit Website

The primary goal of Whole Health Action Management (WHAM) training is to teach skills to support peers to better self-manage chronic physical health conditions and behavioral health challenges to achieve whole health. There are two major components to the WHAM training.

1. The first component uses a person-centered planning process with 10 health and resiliency factors to assist a person with creating a concise whole health goal to begin the self-management process.
2. The second component of the training focuses on developing mind-body resiliency to promote self-management skills.​

Participation in the training means participants agree to work on a whole health goal, engage in peer support to reach the whole health goal, pass a certification test, which will be administered at the end of the two-day training, and engage peers in setting whole health goals and supporting them in achieving their goals.

This is a two-day, 10-session training, and is presented by experienced facilitators from the National Council for Behavioral Health. Participants are required to attend both days and complete the certification test in order to be certified as a Whole Health Action Management facilitator by the National Council for Behavioral Health, which enables graduates to utilize the CPS-WH credential for Peer Support Whole Health and Wellness Services provided by Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities service providers. This training is intended only for Georgia Certified Peer Specialists-Mental Health and Certified Peer Specialists-Addictive Disease. Preference will be given to CPSs currently working directly with peers in Peer Support and other community-based services.

This training was developed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the Health Resources and Services Administration Center for Integrated Health Solutions, and is provided by the Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network with funding through a contract with the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities service providers.

Country
United States of America

Contact Person / Email
denise@gmhcn.org

Visit Website

HOPE works in collaboration with law enforcement, managed care providers, community organizations, and family members to support individuals as they transition from the criminal justice system into the community.  The goal of peer support services is to help overcome reentry barriers that may result in parole or probation violations, relapse, homelessness, loss of employment, and healthcare.

Country
United States of America

Visit Website

HOPE is a proud recipient of the Arizona State Opioid Response (SOR) Grant. Designed to reduce opioid-related deaths, and opioid and stimulant use, this grant affords HOPE the opportunity to conduct outreach to populations in need.  In keeping with HOPE’s mission to deliver recovery-based community services, the Outreach Team will support the goals of the SOR Grant through collaboration with community stakeholders to provide Peer Support Services that will enhance Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) Services Navigation, MAT Services Retention, and overall Recovery Support.

Country
United States of America

Visit Website

HOPE’s Therapy Services are designed to meet the needs of each Member and are offered in a peer-driven, recovery-centered, holistic environment. Individual therapy is provided by licensed therapists, with sessions that focus on a variety of strategies. As an important part of treatment for trauma, mental health concerns, and substance use disorders, therapy can help to identify unhealthy thought patterns and how they contribute to self-destructive behaviors and beliefs. Therapy services are intended to improve functioning, alleviate behavioral health symptoms, reduce or eliminate crisis situations and may include treatment options for concerns such as:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Trauma
• Substance Use

Country
United States of America

Visit Website

As a second-responder peer support team, HOPE’s Peer After-Care Team (PACT) engages with individuals within 24 hours of a crisis event.  The team provides peer support to facilitate effective transitions from inpatient hospitals and works with all involved community agencies on the Member’s behalf.  PACT’s goal is to successfully link the Member to natural and community supports and ensure that the Member has acquired fundamental coping skills to support their recovery.

Country
United States of America

Visit Website

HOPE serves communities throughout Arizona via our licensed outpatient centers. We offer peer-driven center-based services to those who are living with mental illness and/or a substance use disorder, providing recovery support options for individuals needing more structure and a safe place to work on treatment goals. Our centers provide help with creating natural support systems alongside the following member-driven services:

• Case Management
• Coordination of Care
• Independent Living Skills Training
• Information and Referral Services
• Transportation
• Health & Wellness
• Pre-Employment Support
• Substance Use Education

Country
United States of America

Visit Website

The Warm Line is a confidential, non-emergency phone line for any resident of Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, La Paz, Pima, Pinal, Santa Cruz, and Yuma Counties who needs to talk. This free service offers access to Peer Support operators with first-hand experience living with mental illness and/or substance use–either through their own experience or through a close family member. Callers can talk about life challenges, find out about local community resources and support, and discuss their own mental health concerns (or loved ones) with operators who have experienced similar concerns. 

The HOPE Warm Line began in 1998, and currently receives over 2,500 calls a month. Accessible to residents of Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, La Paz, Pima, Pinal, Santa Cruz, and Yuma Counties, the Warm Line will connect you with a trained peer advocate who will listen if you need to talk and/or assist you with finding community support services. 

Warm Line Hours:

8 AM-10 PM, 7 DAYS a WEEK, 365 DAYS a YEAR.

HOLIDAYS open 8 AM-6 PM (ENG)

HOLIDAYS open 8 AM-1 PM (SP)

Call the Warm Line at 520.770.9909 (Pima County), 844.733.9912 (all other Southern Arizona Counties) 

Country
United States of America

Visit Website

Five full days of PRSS Training and four days of Peer Tools and workshop information, networking and enjoyment. Keynote speaker Sharon Wise. There will be plenty of vendors and presentations that support PERC's mission of advocating for persons with lived experience.  We plan for this institute to be one that promotes and educates the public that recovery is possible through a compassionate, person-centered, peer supportive environment! 

Country
United States of America

Visit Website

Poetry for Personal Power has a powerful cadre of artists and advocates who deliver resilience messaging at any place imaginable! Our Sponsored Artists/Advocates range in talents and demographics but all have one thing in common - they believe in helping the community (Yes, they actually DO the work they speak about!).  They have presented our special message of recovery in prisons, schools, parks, bars, churches, mental health facilities, etc.  They deliver these messages with their own stories, art, and life experiences in conjunction with the evidence-based advocate training received from P3.  Resilience messaging events are related to substance use treatment, mental health recovery, advocacy, community engagement, research, and social determinants building and can be presented in many different forms (workshops, open mics, poetry slams, shows, interactive arts, lecture, etc.).  To view our Spotlight Artist/Advocates or the entire roster, click the buttons below or scroll down.

Country
United States of America

Visit Website

A national certification that focuses on preparing peer recovery coaches to provide peer support with an addiction recovery focus. This training is a benefit to anyone actively working in the recovery field. The CCAR Recovery Coach Academy© is a 5-day intensive training academy focusing on providing individuals with the skills need to guide, mentor and support anyone who would like to enter into or sustain long-term recovery from an addiction to alcohol or other drugs. Provided in a retreat like environment, the CCAR Recovery Coach Academy© prepares participants by helping them to actively listen, ask really good questions, and discover and manage their own stuff.

?

Country
United States of America

Visit Website

Peer Support Specialists are non-clinical behavioral health practitioners who see opportunity in every challenge. We promote and deliver education about resilience, health, wellness tools, and resources that aid in trauma reduction and recovery support resources. We are invested in an innovative approach that empowers our community and delivers the support they need.

Country
United States of America

Visit Website

Poetry for Personal Power has released its first LP on all streaming platforms, "Poetry for Personal Power Collective," a compilation of spoken word and instrumentals from nationally recognized artists. Every purchase goes towards helping the mission of Poetry for Personal Power!

Country
United States of America

Visit Website

This is a 16-hour training. These sessions equip the trainee to create a Wellness Recovery Action Plan for themself or one other person. The goal is to be able to create a plan of what must be done to keep someone well; staying on track mentally and physically. This is a widely used therapeutic technique with an array of applications. This training is for anyone who works with those in crisis, has family members with mental health struggles, or is otherwise an ally to those surviving through adversity. Participants receive certification upon completion

Country
United States of America

Visit Website

The California Association of Peer Supporters Academy (CAPS.academy) is built on the foundation of one of the oldest and best Peer Trainings in California. Their training prepares those who identify as peers for roles in the public mental health system as employees or volunteers able to support individuals on their road to recovery through intentional and skillful use of lived experience. The CAPS Academy is a statewide joint venture between two peer run agencies in California: Project Return Peer Support Network (PRPSN) and Mental Health America of California (MHAC) and is uniquely poised to be the vendor of choice.

This collaboration for the Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Training is an approved vendor with CALMHSA under the umbrella of Project Return Peer Support Network (PRPSN). Our combined experience, history, expertise and capacity meet the Peer Specialist training needs of CalMHSA throughout California. This training includes 80 hours of classroom instruction in-person and via Zoom.

Country
United States of America

Contact Person / Email
gsullivan@prpsn.org

Call (323) 772-9732

Visit Website

The Community Integration Project was created 15 years ago with the goal of expanding peer support and support groups for individuals in more restrictive living environments?. CIP engages with clients in IMDs, board and cares, hospitals, and jails. Through CIP, we can implement peer support clubs inside a wide variety of restrictive living environments. Additionally, our peer mentors:

• encourage individuals to identify community based housing options that might serve them when they leave institutions;  
• help prepare individuals to move into their housing choices;
• connect individuals to existing local self-help and other recreational/social activities; and,
• provide support and training in important life skills such as active listening, interpersonal communication, self-advocacy, crisis intervention, and stress reduction.

Country
United States of America

Contact Person / Email
ngallardo@prpsn.org

Call (323) 346-0960

Visit Website

Hacienda of Hope is a peer-run respite house located in Long Beach, California. It has a wing of four men’s rooms and a wing of four women’s rooms and two ADA compliant genderless rooms downstairs. Every guest has their own bedroom and shares a bathroom and can receive peer support 24 hours a day. Stays are free for individuals and typically last 3-7 days. Each guest develops an individualized recovery plan with the help of one-on-one peer support. Guests may also attend 15 different support groups, get assistance accessing additional resources, participate in a variety of recreational activities and receive 3 meals a day. Laundry and computer facilities are on site.

Hacienda of Hope is a safe alternative to emergency hospitalization for individuals living with mental health challenges who are experiencing a stressful life event or crisis. This short-term peer respite home offers the space where peer-guests are able to stay short periods of time (usually a few days) to work on their personal growth and wellness in a safe space free of charge.

Hacienda of Hope is a harm reduction based, welcoming, non-clinical environment, staffed by others who are able to relate, empathize and offer hope and support through crisis. The two-story home can accommodate up to ten guests at a time. Guests can participate in cooking and household activities of on site peer support groups, self-help and wellness activities.

The orientation process is simple and each guest works with a peer supporter who helps them set goals for their stay. Guests have the opportunity to create individualized wellness and recovery plans and connect with local resources for employment, housing, financial assistance, and mental/physical health care.

Address
2241 W Williams St. Long Beach, CA 90810

Country
United States of America

Contact Person / Email
Info@prpsn.org

Call 562-388-8183

Visit Website

The Peer Education Empowerment and Re-Entry Services (PEERS) program addresses the gap in mental health services by providing individualized peer support and system navigation services to individuals who are also justice involved. Our mental health services help members meet the conditions of their parole/probation while also gaining important insights and tools for managing their mental health and/or substance use challenges. The system navigation services provide individualized support to members who need identification documentation, benefit enrollment, referrals to transitional housing, and employment preparation.

Country
United States of America

Visit Website

Project Return manages a network of more than 125 peer led support groups throughout Los Angeles County and online. Groups meet weekly in a variety of locations including inpatient settings, board and care homes, shelters, motels, outpatient clinics and community spaces putting peer support within easy reach of interested individuals.

Groups are 1-2 hours and are led by credible messengers—people with lived experience. Each group is individualized and is self-directed. Focuses range from discussion/processing groups to activity-based groups like art and yoga to socialization groups in the community. Activities and curriculum are created by the group facilitators, participants and supported by our team of Regional Coordinators. For many, these peer support groups are the first steps towards recovery, self-help and wellness.

Individuals interested in attending a Project Return peer support group can find one near them by checking our service area calendars below or by contacting our Program Director or Manager below: 

Country
United States of America

Contact Person / Email
Ctopalian@prpsn.org

Visit Website

PRPSN offers peer-to-peer support to help individuals reach their personal goals, such as living independently, going to school, getting a job, having friends and enjoying life in the community, and advancing in their recovery. Each group is individualized and self-directed. Activities and curricula are created by the facilitators and group participants. While some groups direct conversations on specific recovery-based discussions, others focus on physical wellness and its connection to mental wellness, building socialization skills, and the exploration of varying coping methods ranging from arts and music to writing and much, much more!

Country
United States of America

Contact Person / Email
info@prpsn.org

Call (323) 346-0960

Visit Website

PRPSN's Spanish language programs, Un Paso Más and El Centrito de Apoyo, provide culturally and linguistically tailored mental health services to underserved Latine communities in Huntington Park and surrounding areas.

Address
2677 1/2 Zoe Avenue Huntington Park, CA 90255

Country
United States of America

Call (323) 312-0640

Visit Website

Ever wish you had someone to talk to? Someone who is supportive, caring and non-judgmental? Someone who is understanding and empathetic to your feelings? The Warm Line is a non-crisis toll free line and is specifically, but not limited to, people who are coping with a mental health concern.

Country
United States of America

Call (888) 448-9777

Visit Website

The Art Expression Group provides a weekly art workshop on Fridays @ 10:30 AM. Weekly a Peer mentor leads the workshop to help enrich the lives of those who have an artistic gift. Share, learn or practice a variety of art forms including: 

• Traditional carving
• Painting
• Sketching
• Beading
• Crochet and more.

Country
United States of America

Visit Website

A JPeer Employment Mentor is available at The Web 5 days a week to assist you reach your employment goal. Jeri assist with writing or updating your Resume, identifying employers who are hiring, help in finding clothing for your interview. Jeri has experience in how to effectively answer the interview questions, explain gaps in your employment history, which assist you reaching your goal.

Country
United States of America

Visit Website

The Web’s Peer Housing Mentor is available 5 days a week to assist you making that new apartment a reality. Becky has been with the Web over six years and has developed a strong network of property owners, managers and housing providers to assist you.

Country
United States of America

Visit Website

Peer Mentor is a valuable tool for recovery from mental health issues and substance abuse. A Peer Mentor engages participants in regaining control over their lives, over their recovery process and empowers them to live life to their fullest vision. Participants may choose to work one-on-one with a Peer Mentor on staff at the Web, but also will find many opportunities to form mentorships with other participants in the program.

Country
United States Minor Outlying Islands

Visit Website

The Mind, Body & Spirit Group meets every Wednesday at 1:30pm to come together learn and practice care and wellness for the whole body. This group meets weekly to support participants in their life journey. Participants engage in self-discovery and discover that “Understanding comes a little at a time over a lifetime.” Stress management, nutrition, meditation, exercise, and rest are key elements.

Country
United States of America

Visit Website

The Women’s Group meets on Monday @ 11am to learn & share with other Women focused on Wellness and Recovery. Weekly, a Peer Mentor facilitates a weekly group focused on women and their specific needs and support to promote personal growth and recovery in a safe and supportive environment. This group has been assisting women of the Web for the past 6 years.

Country
United States of America

Visit Website

The WRAP Group meets every Tuesday @ 2pm to learn new skills and refine your current skills. Peer Mentors facilitate weekly WRAP groups for participants to learn and hone skills for recovery and illness self-management.

The Wellness Recovery Action Plan® or WRAP®, is a self-designed prevention and wellness process that anyone can use to get well, stay well and make their life the way they want it to be. It was developed in 1997 by a group of people who were searching for ways to overcome their own mental health issues and move on to fulfilling their life dreams and goals. It is now used extensively by people in all kinds of circumstances, and by health care and mental health systems all over the world to address all kinds of physical, mental health and life issues.

Country
United States of America

Visit Website

Action Planning for Prevention and Recovery (APPR) is a self-directed recovery and wellness program designed to promote personal awareness, health, and life transformation. In APPR groups, individuals learn more about APPR and how to complete their own plan from trained APPR facilitators, who share self-help concepts, skills, and strategies.

Country
United States of America

Visit Website

WV Recovers affiliates with a network of peer-run Wellness and Recovery Resource Centers & Recovery Community Organizations providing peer support and recovery-oriented services within their communities.

Recovery Community Organizations:?

• Hampshire County Pathways dba WVCORR.ORG- Estella Garber, director@wvcorr.org?
• Milan Puskar Health Right- Laura Jones, ljones@mphealthright.org
• Aspire Services Center-Brian Crist briancrist15@gmail.com
• Ohio Valley Recovery (Unity Center)-MaryHess, theunitycenter4all@gmail.co
• Seed Sower-Jay Philips- jay@seedsowerinc.or
• Calhoun County- calhounfrn@gmail.com -  dickwittberg@hotmail.com?????

Wellness & Recovery Centers:

• ???BoMar Club--Donna Coleman, bomarclub@yahoo.com
• First Steps--Terry Collinson, terry.collison@harmonyhousewv.com
• Hampshire County Pathways--Estella Garber,  director@wvcorr.org
• Milan Puskar Health Right (Fairmont Friendship Room) - Laura Jones, ljones@mphealthright.org
• NAMI of Greater Wheeling --Julia Gomez, namigraterwheeling@gmail.com
• PAAC Peer Center--James Patterson, patterson@paac2.org
• Berkeley County Council--Tracey Guilliams, tguilliams@berkeleywv.org?????

Country
United States of America

Visit Website

Afiya is the first peer-run respite in Massachusetts and one of only a few dozen in the country. Afiya (A-FEE-yah) is a Swahili word that means “physical, emotional and spiritual health and wholeness.”

Country
United States of America

Call 413-570-2990

Visit Website

Alternatives to Suicide (Alt2Su) was first developed in Western Massachusetts by members of the Wildflower Alliance. The approach began with Support Groups and has grown to include a model for conversations about suicide that anyone can use. In the Alternatives to Suicide approach, people are welcome to talk about anything, including wanting to die. No one will call the police, crisis, or other involuntary interventions. Nor do we offer any advice or assessment of experiences unless a person specifically asks for that. Participants are encouraged to use “I”-statements and make meaning of their own experience. Using this approach, people can explore the context of their experiences around suicide, their reasons for wanting to die, and work to change their relationship to their thoughts, feelings, and circumstances.

• Alternative to Suicide Group Charter
• Information
• Upcoming Trainings
• Survey
• Experience Survey
• Calendar Change Requests
• Australian Groups

Country
United States of America

Visit Website

Country
United States of America

Visit Website

Every year the Wildflower Alliance offers people in our communities the chance to apply for money to support a small business dream, creative endeavor or educational opportunity.  We’ve offered up to $2,000 for each person awarded a grant.  The project takes place over the course of 9 months and, though set up to be very independent, grantees work with our grant Coordinator or other Project Consultant.  In past years, these funds have been used for a range of projects including:

• Setting up a small business offering technology assistance to elder folks individually and in groups.
• Expanding the creation and sales of artwork to be featured online.
• Establishing a car detailing business with more equipment, supplies and advertising.
• Completing an intensive yoga teacher training to become a certified yoga instructor for folks who live with trauma.
• Getting talk-to-type technology to help write and publish stories.

What’s unique about our Career Initiatives Grant Project is that each grantee has access to big dreams but little access to conventional financing or funds to make these dreams reality.  One grantee shared that with a fixed income barely providing for enough food each day this grant–which helped them start a small business they’d dreamed of for years–meant they had a future to look towards with excitement rather than dread.

Country
United States of America

Visit Website

The Wildflower Alliance has Community Bridgers. People who can ease the transition from hospital back to community for those who would like additional support. This support can look different ways. Some examples are:

• Information about your rights while still in the hospital or after you’ve left
• Advocacy and support getting your voice heard
• Going out for a cup of coffee together
• Support at a meeting or appointment
• Brainstorming and thinking through next steps
• Support with paperwork and steps necessary for food stamps, social security, paying bills and more
• Explore community resources together—such as support groups, cultural spaces or other places to find community.

Country
United States of America

Contact Person / Email
AmherstBridgers@wildfloweralliance.org

Call 413.539.5941 x 301

Visit Website

Discord is a social platform that the Wildflower Alliance use to host an online peer support & community space.

Country
United States of America

Visit Website

One of the most challenging aspects of implementing peer-to-peer approaches is making sure that what gets implemented has integrity to what peer roles are intended to be (and stays that way).  Although imperfect, there are a few 'fidelity measures' out there that can provide some guidelines.  

Country
United States of America

Visit Website

The Guiding Council (GCOW) serves as the advisory board for the Wildflower Alliance. The council is made up primarily of individuals who have lived experience with mental health diagnoses, extreme states and/or trauma who live and/or work in our home region. GCOW members gather every month to represent each county of Western Mass and hold the ‘big picture’ of the Wildflower Alliance’s development, helping to shape its direction and growth. All GCOW meetings are open to anyone from the community who themselves has personally experienced those sorts of life-interrupting challenges described in our mission statement, or who is a friend, family member or ally to the Wildflower Alliance and our work, although only Council Delegates are able to participate in any formal votes.

Address
187 High St in Holyoke, Suite 304

Country
United States of America

Contact Person / Email
info@wildfloweralliance.org

Visit Website

Part of what makes implementing 'peer' roles so very challenging is that they aren't very well understood by the providers who are trying to implement them, or even by the people who are applying to work in those newly created roles.  All too often, positions that are getting called 'peer' end up being the same old positions with a new title, or marginalized in some way. 

We are pleased to announce that through a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration's (SAMHSA) Bringing Recovery Supports to Scale Technical Assistance Center Strategy (BRSS TACS) project, the Western Massachusetts Recovery Learning Community in partnership with Legere Consulting and the Western Massachusetts Peer Network, has created a handbook to support address this issue. 

The handbook has two different sections.  One section is written particularly for providers who have or are in the process of implementing peer roles ("The Provider's Handbook on Developing & Implementing Peer Roles), while the other is intended for individuals working in those roles ("A Handbook for Individuals Working in Peer Roles.").  In print form, the handbook is set up so that if you start from one side, you are reading the provider version, but if you flip the book over and read from the other side, you are reading the version intended for those working in peer roles.  Although the book is likely to continue to develop and see updated editions in the future, the current edition is available below:

Country
United States of America

Visit Website

In addition to our many free peer-to-peer supports, the Wildflower Alliance offers paid one-on-one peer support and consultations to individuals, family members, service providers, and organizations. These sessions generally take place on Zoom or Google Meet. We have limited capacity to support people on-on-one in-person. Individuals who live in Western Mass get one session free*! Please use the request form to let us know what you are looking for, and we will get back to you as soon as we are able.

Country
United States of America

Visit Website

Country
United States of America

Visit Website

A peer support line (sometimes referred to as a ‘warmline’) is a private phone line that you can call to:

• Get support
• Ask about resources
• Connect with another person who can relate or has ‘been there’
• Just talk

Our peer support line is answered by a trained peer supporter who has their own first-hand experience with psychiatric diagnosis, trauma, addiction, and/or other interrupting challenges. This line does not collect personal information, perform assessment, or call crisis or the police.

Country
United States of America

Call 888.407.4515

Visit Website

This website was created as a way to share resources with those interested in understanding, implementing or working in peer-to-peer support roles (particularly those that exist within mental health services and/or that are intended for individuals who are or have experienced trauma, emotional distress, psychiatric diagnosis and other significant life challenges).  We hope that this site will keep growing over time and we look to YOU to help us do that with your questions, suggestions and any tools and resources you may want to offer.

Country
United States of America

Visit Website

The Wildflower Alliance training team is available to share wisdom from our decades of experience in peer support, advocacy, and education.

Country
United States of America

Visit Website

Wild Ivy seeks to increase voice, choice, access, and personal and collective power for those who experience life-interrupting emotional distress and other challenges, and who’ve faced additional barriers due to marginalization.

Country
United States of America

Visit Website

Wildflower Alliance centers are spaces where people gather to: Hang out; build community; attend support groups; use computers; explore art, meditation, and other healing modalities; organize and advocate for one another. They have shifted to voluntary masking most of the time in our spaces. Requesting that everyone be masked will be considered an accommodation request that we will honor once the request has been made.

• Greenfield
• Pittsfield
• Holyoke
• Springfield
• Afiya Peer Run Respite

Country
United States of America

Visit Website

Country
United States of America

Visit Website

Country
United States of America

Visit Website

The Alabama Institute for Recovery (A.I.R.) holds an annual conference around Alabama that has become one of the year's highlights for many consumers in Alabama. Over 800 attendees from around the state gather for three days of education and fellowship. The conference features nationally known speakers and several workshops on consumer issues and interests. Social activities include a talent show and dance. Most attendees are consumers, and the conference often includes consumers from other states and international attendees. The Alabama Institute for Recovery is planned and coordinated by individuals in recovery from mental illness. The Office of Peer Programs of the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Division of the Alabama Department of Mental Health and Wings Across Alabama presents it.

Country
United States of America

Visit Website

Here we showcase artist, musicians, writers and artistic expression of various media. Peers have shared their creative works with us for the pleasure of your viewing. Share this page and email us your comments on the art you see here. Processing the feelings we have during this trying time can sometimes be difficult to express in words. Here you will see work from those who are managing the stress of isolation and anxiety through creative expression.

Country
United States of America

Contact Person / Email
grantassistant@wingsacrossal.org 

Visit Website

Wings hosts monthly online networking events for Certified Peer Specialists to connect and share resources. All Alabama Certified Peer Specialists are welcome to join our monthly event. The monthly networking events are held on the third Monday of each month at 6 p.m.

Country
United States of America

Contact Person / Email
peers@wingsacrossal.org

Visit Website

Wings Across Alabama offers free support groups, both online and in-person.  All of Wings support groups are peer-led and open to anyone who has lived and/or living experience with mental illness.  Witnessing others as they move through life’s challenges and successes, as well as having your own experiences witnessed by others, can be supportive and offer the inspiration needed to continue through your recovery journey.  All of our groups are led by peers who have lived experience with mental illness.

Country
United States of America

Visit Website

Mental Health 101 is a collection of “how-to” videos containing practical information about how to navigate public benefits and resources.  Mental Health 101 is designed to support peers in pursuit of agency and independence. 

Country
United States of America

Visit Website

MINDFULNESS 101 introduces the concept of mindfulness, explaining what it is, why it matters, and how beginners can cultivate a practice. Through a blend of theoretical understanding and practical exercises, participants will explore techniques to enhance their focus, reduce stress, and increase self-awareness. The course is designed for anyone new to mindfulness, providing tools that can be integrated into daily life to promote emotional balance and mental clarity.

Country
United States of America

Visit Website

Wings Across Alabama offers free support groups, both online and in-person.  All of Wings support groups are peer-led and open to anyone who has lived and/or living experience with mental illness.  Witnessing others as they move through life’s challenges and successes, as well as having your own experiences witnessed by others, can be supportive and offer the inspiration needed to continue through your recovery journey.  All of our groups are led by peers who have lived experience with mental illness.

Country
United States of America

Visit Website

The creation of the Peer Empowerment Video Library was funded by a federal grant received from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration in 2021 and has been an ongoing project by Wings Across Alabama to meet peers where they are, particularly in rural areas.

Peer Empowerment Videos aim to elevate the stories and lived experiences of peers. The positive impact of sharing one’s story extends beyond the storyteller and benefits others who have the opportunity to review and resonate with the experiences of others with similar lived experiences, as well as providing testimonies of consumers of mental health services to law and policy-makers in the State of Alabama. This model of “for us, by us” lifts up the voices and perspectives of peers  and effectively articulates the services and policy needs of people living with mental health conditions.

Country
United States of America

Visit Website

Peers Across Alabama is a virtual resource hub for Certified Peer Specialists across the State of Alabama. This project was funded by a federal grant received from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration in 2021 and has been an ongoing project by Wings Across Alabama to meet consumers where they are, particularly in rural areas. Peers Across Alabama Virtual Resource Hub for Certified Peer Specialists is designed to support Certified Peer Specialists with guiding group sessions, particularly in rural areas that lack access to mental health services, empower consumers by telling their stories, create community and networking among Certified Peer Specialists, and serve as a wellness tool to support recovery and prevent relapse.

Country
United States of America

Visit Website

Resources Across Alabama aims to provide both non-crisis and crisis mental health resources to Alabama Residents. 

Country
United States of America

Visit Website

Action Planning for Prevention and Recovery (APPR) is a comprehensive planning process for monitoring and managing one’s wellness. This free course will help you realize your full potential and help you plan to maintain recovery on your personal wellness journey.  APPR is designed to help individuals maintain their potential in their personal wellness journey. It is an action-planning process to develop detailed ways to overcome troubling aspects of chronic illnesses. People who have taken this course report an increased ability to see a relapse coming and effectively prevent a crisis. APPR training:

• Four 2-hour sessions.
• Sessions are held on a weekly basis.
• Training is available online or through the Zoom app on your smartphone.

There is no cost for the training. However, Registration is required, and space is limited. All training will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. Training will be held several times a year. To register yourself or inquire about group training, please contact:

Country
United States of America

Contact Person / Email
wellness@wingsacrossal.org

Visit Website

Connect, share, and thrive with fellow peers at our vibrant drop-in center!

Country
United States of America

Visit Website

Bringing Peer Support Services Directly to Your Community!

Country
United States of America

Visit Website

A short-term, voluntary program that offers 24/7 peer support in a home-like setting to people experiencing mental health, substance use, or other difficult life challenges for up to 7 overnights.

Country
United States of America

Visit Website

A 24/7 non-emergency phone line operated by peers that is completely confidential, offering connection and nonjudgmental support.

Country
United States of America

Visit Website

Country
United States of America

Visit Website