Email | Print

In my current position, I supervise the Manhattan West Self-Help Program, whose program is in place and whose groups are forming. Our vision is to create support groups up and down the west side of Manhattan (community districts 1, 2, 4, & 7 at the moment). Our groups will be open to adults (18 and over) who suffer with severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI). The underlying theme of all of our groups will be stress management with topics such as money management, job readiness skills, Double Trouble in Recovery, Mary Ellen Copeland's WRAP -- Wellness Recovery Action Plan, the National Self Help Clearinghouse's Freedom Self Advocacy Training, as well as socialization groups.

The main difference between our groups and most of those currently running is that each of our groups will be peer-run. We will have rules and procedures and professionals to contact in case of an emergency.

An added benefit of our bringing our knowledge and expertise to Manhattan is that members from within each group will be afforded an opportunity to train as group facilitators. These persons will be trained by staff members Barry Minin, Howard Sessoms and Robin Simon, who between them have a total of more than 15 years of group experience. The facilitators' recruits will have a support group of their own as well.

Groups will be set up to accommodate the schedules of working people as well as students. Since we are supported by State dollars, there will be no fee for our services. Come and make new friends, learn valuable skills and share the ones you have. What we will offer has been proven to be a valuable tool for recovery. We are planning to offer a vast array of activities and we look forward to seeing you there.

I would like to take this opportunity to offer our services to all mental health facilities in community districts 1, 2, 4 & 7. You provide the space and the members, we will provide the advertising and facilitation.