VOCAL'S MENTAL HEALTH RECOVERY NEWS FOR 11.6.14

In Today's Digest....

New in the Digest This Week

VOCAL News

Conferences, Workshops and Webinars

News Around the Commonwealth

Veteran's Corner

Links to Peer-Run Programs

Other News

Look What Our Members Are Doing!

A twice-weekly electronic news-digest delivered to your inbox dedicated to keeping you informed of mental health recovery news and opportunities across the Commonwealth and the nation.

New in the Digest This Week

"Remembering Veterans in Our Lives" at 84 Main in Warsaw - Posted 11.6

Tuesday, November 11th from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
For more information: 804-333-3581

"Bridges Out of Poverty " in Lynchburg - Posted 11.6

If you did not grow up in poverty, you may be unaware of the "hidden rules" that govern many aspects of life for the poor. People in poverty are often in survival mode, driven by the tyranny of the moment, where the future holds no promise, and support systems taken for granted in middle class and wealth are non-existent. If your organization works with people from poverty, only a deeper understanding of their challenges - and strengths - will help you partner with them to create opportunities for success.

Participants will understand poverty as it applies to language, story, family structure, and cognition. Participants will be given an overview of research and key concepts, and learn about the hidden rules of poverty, middle class, and wealth.

December 2nd from 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Registration deadline November 15th.

$15, includes boxed lunch

For further information, email: virginia.huntington@lynchburgva.gov

NAMI Virginia to Host Advocacy Training - Posted 11.6

Get ready for the 2015 legislative session, meet advocates from around Virginia, and sharpen your skills with the 2014 Advocacy Training!

Saturday, December 6th from 9:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. in Richmond

VOCAL Whole Health Network (VWHN) Topic #10 - Posted 11.6

"Can you define 'social wellness/social health'?"

SAMHSA, lists social wellness in their Eight Dimensions of Wellness, as "developing a sense of connection, belonging, and a well-developed support system".

And from wiseGEEK (www.wisegeek.org):

"Social health often deals with how people relate to each other, and how an individual is able to socialize with other people and form relationships. This can deal with friendships, in terms of how well the person can form and keep friendships, and other types of relationships as well. There are a number of ways in which the different aspects of health are interrelated and have an impact on each other. For example, the study of human sexuality often deals with physical, mental, and social health in understanding how people relate to each other and how sexuality manifests for an individual and affects the relationships that individual has with others.

There is also evidence to indicate that isolation is not only a potential result of mental or physical illness, but may also cause or aggravate such an illness. This is why social health has become of increasing importance within the greater overall concept of human health and well-being. Many mental and physical health professionals have begun to recognize the importance of social interaction in a person's ability to overcome illness.

The term can also refer to the health of a society, and is often used to indicate how the people within a given society or culture interact and behave toward each other. In this sense, a country that is rife with conflict and violence may be considered to be suffering from social health issues. Just as a person whose body is suffering from cancerous cells destroying healthy cells has a physical health issue, and the jargon of physical or mental health care may be used in reference to society as well".

"Promoting Family Wellness Using W.R.A.P."with Matthew Federici - Posted 11.6

Tuesday, November 18th from 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.

Through this webinar, Matthew will discuss his recovery experience personally, professionally and as a family member despite challenges in the mental health system care. He will be supported by speakers in his own family from the experiential perspectives of the wellness journey in the family during difficult times and beyond. A key resource in his presentation is how the evidenced based Wellness Recovery Action Plan applies in the context of the individual's and the family's journey of recovery. Through this webinar participants will be able to:

1. Understand the key concepts and action plans of WRAP
2. Describe how WRAP may benefit a families wellness
3. Identify next steps to learning and sharing WRAP with other families

https://www307.livemeeting.com/lrs/8001651028/Registration.aspx?pageName=08hbwfc2vnk85w9m

VOCAL News

Check Out VOCAL Workshop Offerings: Twenty-Five Topics on Recovery, Peer Support, Advocacy and Peer Run Programs - Posted 10.20

VOCAL has been a leader in Virginia's mental health recovery movement since 2002. Our workshops and professional trainings uniquely blend the experience of individuals who live with conditions commonly referred to as mental health disorders with an up-to-the-minute understanding of state and national mental health systems, and evidence-based recovery tools.

Developed by people who have personally experienced mental health crisis, VOCAL programs value the worth and dignity of each individual, the right to self-determination, and the important contributions of peer support and self-help.

These workshops are designed for peers, peer support specialists, providers, family and supporters of those in recovery.

We can deliver a one-day conference, half-day workshop, or one presentation, all especially designed for the interests of your group.

Workshops are free to peer-run organizations.

For complete workshop descriptions go to:

http://www.vocalvirginia.org/#/vocal-events/4533123864

Link to VOCAL Board Calendar - Posted 10. 13

https://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=8n1cslha5ohv0sp6ghf2n25mbc%40group.calendar.google.com&ctz=America/New_York

How Can the VOCAL Web Site Serve You Best? - Posted 10.6

Please spend a few minutes taking our survey.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/vocalweb

VOCAL Whole Health Network (VWHN) Topic #9 - Posted 10.2

What is emotional wellness?

SAMHSA defines emotional wellness as coping effectively with life and creating satisfying relationships.

For more information about this topic, visit:

http://www.unh.edu/health-services/ohep/emotional-wellness

Join VOCAL's State-Wide W.R.A.P. Facilitator Network - Posted 9.22

If you've trained in facilitating Mental Health Recovery including Wellness Recovery Action Planning (WRAP) workshops, the program developed by Dr. Mary Ellen Copeland, Join VOCAL's network today!

Email Ann Benner, R.E.A.C.H. Program Director: ann@vocalvirginia.org

VOCAL's Whole Health Network (VWHN) Topic #9 - Posted 9.4

What is 'intellectual wellness'?

SAMHSA defines it as "recognizing creative abilities and finding ways to expand knowledge and skills".

Howard Community College (MD) makes the following suggestions:

Read for fun: Pick up a newspaper or educational pamphlet. By choosing to read, you not only increase your intellect, you remain knowledgeable about current issues and past events.
Try to learn something new everyday: Keep your eyes and mind open to new ideas and focus on learning something new each day.
Challenge yourself to see more than one side of an issue.
Watch educational television and enlighten your mind.
Learn to appreciate art: Attend exhibits, plays, musicals, and poetry readings.
Attend an educational workshop or seminar, not because you are earning credit, but because you want to increase your knowledge.

http://www.howardcc.edu/students/wellness_center/intellectual.html

Conferences, Trainings, Workshops, and Webinars

January Certified Peer Support Training in Fairfax - Posted 11.3

http://www.fairfaxfallschurchwrap.org/certified-peer-specialist-trai/

National Networking Teleconference Set for November 17 - Posted 11.3

The next monthly national networking teleconference of the National Mental Health Consumers' Self-Help

Clearinghouse will be on Monday, November 17, at 1 p.m.

The call-in number is 866-906-0123; the pass code is 5037195#. The purpose of the calls is for peer movement activists from around the U.S. to get together, share information, and "network." Join us! If you have a topic or topics you would like to see discussed on this call, please write to Susan Rogers: srogers@mhasp.org with the word "Agenda" in the subject line. In addition, if you plan to participate, even if you don't want to suggest an agenda item it would be helpful if you would email Susan Rogers at

srogers@mhasp.org; this will make it easier to provide the participants with teleconference minutes.

Free Third Thursdays Workshop, "The Way Out is the Way In: Practicing Mindfulness in the Midst of Stress" - Posted 11.3

Thursday, November 20th, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Orange Hill Wellness Center, 401 Orange Street, Charlottesville

www.jamesyatesphd.com

CELT Training in December: Apply by November 24th - Posted 11.3

http://mhav.org/conferences/apply-now/

Listening Session: Improving Community Mental Health - Posted 10.30

Wednesday, November 12th 9:00 am. - 5:00 p.m.

Register to attend an upcoming listening session about criteria development for the Demonstration Program to Improve Community Mental Health Services (Section 223 of the Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014). Participants can attend in person or via webcast.

Section 223 seeks to create certified community behavioral health clinics. The clinics will focus on improving outcomes by increasing access to community-based behavioral health care, expanding the availability and array of services, and improving the quality of care delivered to people with mental and/or substance use disorders.

Event Location:
SAMHSA
Sugarloaf/Seneca Conference Room
1 Choke Cherry Road
Rockville, MD 20857

Questions or Comments?
Please email section223feedback@samhsa.hhs.gov.

BRSS TACS Webinar: "Supervision Strategies for Peer Recovery Support Providers" - Posted 10.27

Friday, November 7th from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

First Fridays with BRSS TACS is a free monthly opportunity to meet with nationally recognized leaders to discuss recovery related topics in an open and informal setting. You are invited to join BRSS TACS on November 7th in a virtual meeting room to hear about "Supervision Strategies for Peer Recovery Support Providers" and to submit your questions for Beverly Haberle and Tanya Stevens live.

http://www.eventbrite.com/e/november-first-fridays-with-brss-tacs-registration-13558366439?aff=erelexporg

New W.R.A.P. Group in Richmond - Posted 10.23

November 13-January 15

8 two-hour sessions, time to be determined

VOCAL Office (near Willow Lawn Shopping Center, on bus route)

1904 Byrd Avenue, Suite 217 (23230)

For further information contact Ann Benner at 804.343.1777 or Lois Withers at 804.382.5042

A $10 donation to VOCAL is requested.

New W.R.A.P. Group in Chesterfield - Posted 10.23

Friends 4 Recovery Whole Health Center will begin a WRAP series on November 10th which willl continue every Monday through January 26th, This is a 12 week course, from 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.

Friends 4 Recovery is a peer-run center at 7420 Whitepine Road in North Chesterfield.

For inquiries about our WRAP series or anything else about the Center, can call 804. 308.1366 or email Rye Curtis: rye@friends4recovery.org.

National Conference Focused on Fighting Stigma Scheduled for February 18-20, 2015 - Posted 10.6

The 7th International "Together Against Stigma" conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco February 18-20; there will be a pre-conference institute on February 17. The theme of the conference is "Together Against Stigma: Each Mind Matters." The conference is organized in partnership with the California Institute for Behavioral Health Solutions,

the California Mental Health Services Authority, the World Psychiatric Association Scientific Section on Stigma and Mental Health, and the County Behavioral Health Directors Association of California. For more information, click here.

kelle.masten@nasmhpd.org or at 703.682.5187.

News Around the Commonwealth

21st Anniversary Celebration! at On Our Own of Roanoke Valley - Posted 11.3

November 14th - for more information, call 540-362-0061

Opportunity to Offer Support to the Virginia Family Network - Posted 10.30

While VOCAL's mission supports adult peers in their mental health recovery, we realize that many of our peers have children that are also on their own mental health recovery journey.

We would like to help support one of our partner organizations by introducing you to a parent survey for the Virginia Family Network, which is a program of NAMI Virginia. If you are a parent of a child diagnosed with mental health needs before the age of 18, please visit www.surveymonkey.com/r/NAMIVAPAS to complete the survey.

Coffee House and Open Mic Every Saturday at On Our Own of Roanoke Valley - Posted 10.2

3 p.m.

429 Elm Avenue, SW, Roanoke (24016)

540-362-0061

Pathways to Recovery Class at 84 Main in Warsaw - Posted 10.2

Every Tuesday from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

For further information, call 804-333-3581

Discover What's Happening at Trillium Drop-In Center! - Posted 9.29

Go to: http://pwdropincenter.org/calendar.php

for information about support groups, upcoming recovery conference and other events.

Veteran's Corner

Virginia Wounded Warrior Program Link - Posted 7.24

http://www.wearevirginiaveterans.org/

Veterans Peer Support Group at On Our Own of Roanoke - Posted 6.2

Every Monday at 1 p.m.

540-362-0061

New Tool Connects Vets and Employers - Posted 5.5

The Veterans Employment Center, an inter-agency collaboration from the White House's Joining Forces initiative, has announced a new online tool to provide veterans with employment resources. ebenefits.va.govwill connect veterans and service members with public and private sector employers who are looking to hire people with military experience, including individuals with disabilities.

For more information and employer resources, visit www.AskEARN.org.

Links to MH Peer-Run Programs in Virginia

Arlington Peers Helping Peers in Recovery
www.aphpr-rpsva.org

Reston Drop-In Center

restondropincenter.org

Consumer Wellness Center (Annandale)

http://consumerwellnesscenter.org/services.html

Recovery In Motion ( Fredericksburg)
www.recovery-in-motion.org

Blacksburg Computer Empowerment Services

http://computerempowerment.net/about.htm

Friends4Recovery Whole Health Center (Richmond)

http://www.friends4recovery.org

Center for Recovery and Wellness (Lynchburg)

http://centerforrecoveryandwellness.org/calendar/

Trillium Drop-In Center (Woodbridge)

http://pwdropincenter.org/calendar.php

On Our Own of Roanoke Valley

http://rvonourown.com/Events.aspx

WeCare, Inc (Martinsville)

http://wecaremhc.org/?page_id=42

On Our Own of Charlottesville

http://wwhttp://www.saara.org/events-calendar.phpw.onourowncville.org/structure.html

84 Main (Warsaw)
804.333.3581

Recovery Resources and Support
http://www.rrs4hope.com/

The Laurie Mitchell Empowerment and Career Center (Alexandria)

www.lmec.org

Other Program Information:

Virginia Peer Support Coalition (Virginia)

http://vpsc.groupsite.com/main/summary

Mental Health America of Virginia (MHAV)

http://mhav.org

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance of Falls Church
ANC436@aol.com

NAMI Virginia (National Alliance on Mental Illness)

http://namivirginia.org/

NAMI Central Virginia (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
http://www.namicentralvirginia.org

SAARA of Virginia (Richmond)
http://www.saara.org/events-calendar.php

Spiritworks Foundation Center for Recovery of the Soul (Williamsburg)
http://www.spiritworksfoundation.org/events-calendar/

Roads to Recovery (Lynchburg)
http://roads2recovery.org/

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
http://www.afsp.org/

Other News

National Overview of Peer Specialist Training and Certification Programs Is Available - Posted 11.3

The Texas Institute for Excellence in Mental Health has compiled a 2014 update of the "Peer Specialist Training and Certification Programs" around the U.S. The 109-page report is available for free download by

clicking here.

New Mobile App Helps People Understand Their Own and Others' Moods - Posted 11.3

A new mobile app called "Moodies" helps users understand their own emotions and the emotions of those around them, according to

Beyond Verbal, the app developer. According to a press release, the app extracts, decodes, and measures a full spectrum of human emotions from someone's raw voice in real time as they speak, with the click of a button and about 20 seconds of speech. The app provides a running screen of results and allows users to share the resulting mood analysis through email or via social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. "Moodies offers everyone a chance to analyze their own emotions by simply clicking a button on their smart phone device," said the company CEO. For more information, click here.

New York Restricts Gun Access for 34,500 Due to Mental Health Diagnosis - Posted 10.27

New York State has created a database of individuals "deemed too mentally unstable to carry firearms." Read this New York Times article to learn more about the complicated intersection of gun violence, mental health and public policy.

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/19/nyregion/mental-reports-put-34500-on-new-yorks-no-guns-list.html?_r=1

Response to Dr. E. Fuller Torrey Regarding Progress in Recovery - Posted 10.27

In this piece from CMHN's "Morning Zen," Ron Manderscheid looks at progress made in the use of recovery-based approaches to behavioral health, and defends the value of promoting hope as an effective treatment strategy.

http://www.cmhnetwork.org/media-center/morning-zen/manderscheid-response-torrey

Look What Our Members Are Doing!

"Walking in Hope, Living in Grace: The Tapestry" - Posted 9.25

Book written by Maryalyce Poole, available at Amazon

"A Rooted Mind: Saying Yes to Beauty, Wellness and Deeply-Rooted Mental Health" - Posted 9.25

Book written by Beth Gager, available at Balboa Press

Dear Reader,

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DISCLAIMER:

This page is offered strictly for informational and support purposes. We assume no liability whatsoever for any consequences arising out your use of information or connections provided through any of the above organizations. VOCAL does not necessarily agree with information provided by these organizations, their websites, members or other affiliations.