Free Peer-to-Peer Education Program Starts Aug. 23 in Richmond

The National Alliance on Mental Illness, Central Virginia Chapter, will offer its  “Peer-to-Peer” program on Thursdays, Aug. 23–Nov. 1. Classes will meet from 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. at the Faithlife Learning Center (420 Oronoco Ave., Richmond).

There is no fee for the course but class size is limited and pre-registration is required. For more information or to register, call Kathy Harkey at (804) 285-1749 or send email to kathynamicva@aol.com

Participants come away from the course with tangible resources, survival skills for working with providers and the general public, mindfulness exercises to help focus and calm thinking, and a “relapse prevention plan” to help identify tell-tale feelings, thoughts, behavior, or events that may warn of impending relapse and to organize for intervention.

Some questions answered in the Peer-to-Peer education program include:

  • What do I do in a crisis?
  • How can I help prevent or prepare for a relapse?
  • What are all these medications for?
  • What local services am I missing out on?
  • How do I take care of myself in all of this?
  • What is an Advanced Medical Directive and how do I get one?