Power of Peer Support

Alison Brady “Ali” CPRS No more living in the dark I am NOT my diagnosis Recovery is my game You may know my name, but not my story…

Recovery is the process of change which an individual improves health and wellness, lives a self-directed life and strives to reach their full potential. Certified Peer Recovery Specialists are trained individuals with lived experience from mental illness and/or substance use disorder that are in Recovery, who provide one-on-one strengths-based support to other peers.

How do Peer Recovery Specialists compliment a treatment team? We share our personal experience – We are not counselors. We share our experience, hope and strength and offer them the following: Choices Hope Empowerment Spirituality Environment

Types of Support Empathy Hope Who better at understanding than a person who has been through a similar experience The ability to understand and share feelings of another Instill hope by showing that recovery is possible One day at a time Promote positive self image Decrease isolation

Peer Recovery Strategies Home Stable place to live (Oxford House, Sober Living Homes, Recovery House, etc.) Promote purposeful quality of life and recovery Respect Strengths/Responsibility Focus on wellness/health, abilities and choices Holistic approach Many pathways (NA, AA, Faith-based, etc.) Client advocacy – all parties have access to the same information Person driven Nothing for the client without having their voice heard Healthy relationships & social networks

Find us in the community at your local CSB, Emergency Department and Crisis Stabilization Unit Making Connections Disclose personal story Non judgmental Establish Mutuality Build rapport Believe in the person’s ability to recover Show genuine interest for building on the person’s strengths Focus on the relationship rather than either individual

Peer Support Goals Break Stigmas Support / Encouragement Bad choices Not bad person All lives matter / Worthy of saving Living proof that recovery is possible Educating the public that the disease process issues are both common and treatable Replace stigma with understanding, acceptance and hope Support / Encouragement Meet them where they are at in their chosen pathway Be genuine Validate thoughts and feelings Show interest for building on client strengths Explore all options and possibilities What has worked / What has not

Mental Health First Aid Linkage to Resources Revive Training Family Support Groups Relapse Prevention MAT Education Class Community Programs Mental Health First Aid

Warmline Navigating to Recovery Just need to talk about Mental Health or Substance Use Disorder concerns? Call (757) 381-5263 or (757) 381-5289 This is not a Hotline. It’s a Peer-run, non-judgmental support and resource information line

Making our presence known with… Continued Education Trainings Government Officials Community Engagements Stay up to date on the latest happenings for recovery at the government level Showing up for the people in our community Sharing knowledge about new and continuous linkage to resources