Peer Support demonstrates the reality that someone who has experienced and survived many of life’s challenges, including mental illness, can provide support by relating to what someone else is going through with an open mind and an open heart. Our certified Peer Specialists are trained individuals who partner with clients to succeed in their own personal recovery. They’ve been there, and they know what you are going through and can relate to the bumps you might encounter on your journey to recovery.
Peer Support provides a role model for consumers to gain strength, support, and hope on their road to recovery. They have done what you are hoping to do.
Program Description
Our peer specialists are able to partner with you in a wide variety of ways.
- Help you create a Wellness Recovery Action Plan. A WRAP helps you define your plan to keep you in Recovery.
- Help you create a Psychiatric Advance Directives: YOU decide what happens when you get ill.
- Listen/Relate/Provide Hope: Regarding Mental Health recovery and goals.
- Help you complete important paperwork: Benefit forms, Financial Aid Paperwork, Employment
- Applications, etc.
- Attend appointments with you: Provide support and act as an advocate.
- Attend team meetings with you: Be there as a support and advocate on decisions made as a team.
- Temporarily help you obtain transportation to Mental Health appointments until community supports can be found.
- Help you to learn how to use public transportation.
- Assist you with visiting schools/colleges.
- Assist you in finding housing (usually with the help from a case manager).
- Help you find employment (i.e. creating a resume, filling out applications).
- Help with budgeting skills.
- Help finding desired community supports: i.e. gym, support groups, hobby classes, social events.
Program Goals
- To strengthen Independent living and provide hope about recovery
- To increase awareness about mental health, substance abuse, and community services
- To connect people with community support services
- To improve self-advocacy skills
- To reduce frequency and duration of hospitalization
- To improve the quality of life for consumers of mental health services on their road to recovery