NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER

Events at Connections Magic Show with Eddini Wednesday November 6 at 1:15 CPSC member Ed will entertain us with his magic tricks.

Tai Chi Friday Nov 15 at 2:00 CPSC member Patti will be introducing members to Beginner Tai Chi. Suitable for all abilities.

Acrylic Pour Painting Workshop with Margaret Friday November 8 at 10:00 Learn a new painting technique with local Artist Margaret. Signup required as space is limited.

Thanksgiving Dinner Thursday Nov. 14 at 11:00AM Sponsored by SMHC at the Masonic Temple. Join us for

this annual tradition! Transportation provided.

Pet Therapy Mondays at noon Call to confirm

Breakfast Open House Monday Nov 18 from 7:30AM-9:30 We invite you to come by and see all that’s new at

Connections! We continue to welcome new members

who seek connection and community. Come chat with

members and staff to learn more about peer support.

CPSC Board of Directors Annual Meeting Wednesday November 20 from 4:00pm-6:00pm This is our annual meeting for all members and board members. Come vote on the slate of board nominees.

544 ISLINGTON ST PORTSMOUTH, NH HOURS: MON-THURS 8:30 AM-5:30 PM FRIDAY 8:30 AM-4:30 PM 603-427-6966 WWW.CONNECTIONSPEERSUPPORT.ORG

FOR TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM THE CENTER, PLEASE CALL 603-427-6966 BY 3 PM THE DAY BEFORE

YOU NEED A RIDE. PLEASE TALK TO A PERSON TO ENSURE THAT YOU ARE ON THE LIST – WE DON’T ALWAYS GET VOICEMAIL MESSAGES ON TIME. WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU

2 NOVEMBER 2019 CPSC

What is Intentional Peer Support? Intentional Peer Support is about making and sustaining Connection in a

relationship. At times, this connection is natural, but often the participants have to work at building and

maintaining it. One way to establish and keep a connection alive is through exploring our own and each other’s

Worldviews. Worldview is how we and others have come to know what we know through our

personal experiences and culture. Greater understanding of ourselves and others

strengthens our connection to one another, and in turn helps to establish Mutuality in the

relationship. When people are mutual partners in a relationship, there is equality between the

people in the relationship. One person is not the “helper” to the other. Both people benefit in the relationship,

and can support each other in Moving Towards. Moving towards is a concept that means working toward what

we want in life, rather than moving away from what we don’t want or what isn’t working in our lives. It changes

the focus from the negative to the positive, and leads us to determining what actions we can take to reach our

goals.

Need a ride to and from the center? We provide transportation! Call 603-427-6966 by

3 PM to sign up for a ride for the next day.

On Tuesdays, we take members from the center to Hannaford for shopping and the in-

store healthy demo provided by their nutritionist. She provides nutritious samples,

recipe ideas, coupons & nutrition tips.

The Warm Line

EVERY NIGHT, 7 DAYS A WEEK, 5 PM - 10 PM

1-603-427-6966 or 1-800-809-6262 The Warm Line is a Peer Support Center service provided by trained peers who work for Connections

Peer Support Center. They want to hear from you about your challenges and successes, and provide

support as you move toward what you want in life. If you want to talk to someone who will listen as a

peer, and offer peer support, call the number above. Available 7 days a week from 5pm to 10pm. You

can also arrange to have Warm Line calls made to you regularly if that meets your needs.

Our Warmline staff members are Maureen, Beth, Dee, Cindy & Rachel

We are now conducting a Warm Line survey to gather input from our callers!

CPSC staff will be contacting members at random throughout the business day.

Please Call the 1-603-427-6966 from 8:30-4:00 if you would like to participate.

3 NOVEMBER 2019 CPSC

CENTER NEWS

Please join us for our open house!

Monday, November 18, from 7:30 to 9:30 AM

If you are interested in pursuing mental wellness, or if you are involved in the mental health or medical field, we would love to meet you! Join us at our center in Portsmouth and learn from our members, staff, and board members how Connections Peer Support Center is a transformational part of people's lives on their journey to recovery from mental health challenges.

Some of you may know Rachel from her

time on the Warmline; she has now

joined the Connections staff as our

Community Outreach Coordinator. She is

looking forward putting faces to the

many voices she has come to know over

the past year, as well as getting to know

our community as a whole. She lives in

Dover with two rabbits and a beehive

that, each in their own way, contribute

to a large and messy garden that often

gets away from her.

Please take the 2019 Peer Support Outcomes Survey

Your input will help to show the extent to which peer support in NH is an effective process. This annual survey provides data about the benefits of each peer support agency (PSA) This helps your local PSA with asking for funds and to show that peer support services are a good investment.

https://www.surveymonkey,com/r/CQQYB3Q

Or ask a staff member at Connections for a paper version

4 NOVEMBER 2019 CPSC

CENTER HAPPENINGS

APPLECREST FARMS

Celebrating Natalie’s birthday with birthday apple pie!

Thank you, Alden and Dave, for peeling all those apples!

Members enjoy a beautiful fall day at Applecrest Farms. We

picked plenty of apples for eating and baking

5 NOVEMBER 2019 CPSC

PEER CONTRIBUTIONS

Finding a beautiful leaf that focuses you on

beauty

Aware of seasons and changes in life

Looking forward to wearing sweaters, hats,

mittens

Looking at the secrets in awe of the beauty

of life ~Barbara ~Barbara L

Always enjoying autumn

Under the bridge the leaves were

scattered

Time moving quickly toward winter

Under the bridge the leaves were

scattered

Making scarecrows with the leaves

Never wanting the trees to turn bare

Brisk air to move the leaves everywhere ~Paula R

Hallowed ground; don not trodden

All welcome trick or treaters

Long shadows early evening

Lore, fantasy and legend needed

Owls with eyes that blink in the night

Witches scaring the children away

Energy and the moon; changelings are

about

Earthy smells; otherworldly change on

this night

Never-ending stories of folklore and

monsters

~Paula R

Fun

Autumn

Love

Leaves

~Natalie

Apple pie

U Bring me a snack!

Turkey comes later

Up the hill to Frankenstein’s house

Make me jump

Nowhere but home to hide the

candy

6 NOVEMBER 2019 CPSC

RECOVERY THROUGH ART

Connections would not be successful without its members and volunteers! Thank you for all you do!

Thank you, Betsy, for bringing in pumpkins to decorate

Betsy's abstract painting

Marionette Template by Paul

Cartoons by Dave L Donna creating jewelry

7 NOVEMBER 2019 CPSC

HIGHLIGHTED GROUPS

Addictions Group

Peer support for addictions encourages people to share their personal experiences

with various types of addictions. Since the American Cancer Society sponsors the

Great American Smokeout in November, this month’s focus will be on tobacco

addiction. But this group will still benefit anyone with any type of addiction. Peer

support is especially helpful for people with co-occurring mental health issues.

Difficult Emotions around the Holidays

Even as decorations go up and lights twinkle, the holidays can bring difficult emotions

to the surface. We will gather together to share some of these feelings about this time

of year and support each other through what can be a stressful time.

Acrylic Pour

This rescheduled class is open to anyone. Pour painting is an innovative way to use

acrylic paints to create an art piece. Instead of using tools like brushes or knives to

create a piece of art, fluid paints can be poured directly onto the surface and the

canvas tilted to move the paint around. Pouring paints allows for the colors to blend

naturally as they come in contact with each other.

Imagery Board

Remember a time you felt comfort as a child. Did you have a favorite spot that made you feel content? We will create an imagery board to symbolize these feelings, representing all the senses- sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch.

This group will be facilitated by member and volunteer Paula R

National Novel Writing Month

Each year on November 1, hundreds of thousands of people around the world begin

to write, determined to end the month with 50,000 words of a brand-new novel.

Connections member Mary Lou would like members to join her in this challenge.

Meet weekly during writing group to support one another in this challenge!

8 NOVEMBER 2019 CPSC

AREA HAPPENINGS

Don’t forget to exercise your rights – VOTE on Tuesday, November 5!

You can visit https://app.sos.nh.gov/Public/PollingPlaceSearch.aspx on the internet to find out where to go in

your area to vote, or call your city or town hall!

Let’s change the Conversation: Normalizing Mental Health

Sunday November 3, 2019 from 2:00pm- 3:00 pm at Portsmouth High School

Justice John Broderick, Sr Director External Affairs, Dartmouth Hitchcock

Hear from parents, students and community resources about the importance of recognizing the signs and symptoms of emotional distress, and where to go for help Open to the community

NH Mental Health Consumer Council

The mission of the NH Mental Health Consumer Council is to educate and advocate with consumers,

clinicians and mental health administrators in pursuit of equal rights and a recovery-based mental

health system, and to empower consumers to participate and exercise leadership in regional and

statewide forums. Council meetings will be conducted in a safe environment that respects the needs

and contributions of all participants. Our director, Greg, will be driving any interested members. The

Advocacy Committee meets from 10 to 11 AM, and the Consumer Council meets from 11 AM to 1 PM.

The NH Mental Health Planning and Advisory Council (formerly BHAC) advocates for adults,

children and youth with serious mental health challenges.

The meetings are quarterly (October, January, April, July) on the second Tuesday of the month from

10AM to 2PM. Meetings are held in the Fox Chapel of the Main Building at 105 Pleasant St. For

more information contact: MHBG State Planner: Beth Anne Nichols : Beth.Nichols@dhhs.nh.gov

9 NOVEMBER 2019 CPSC

PROGRAMS AND GROUPS AT CPSC

Advocacy and Outreach This group will provide the opportunity to self-advocate and advocate for other peers as well. Art with Paul ***Art with Carol Jump into something creative/artistic/expressive. Do you enjoy drawing, painting, or creating crafts to give as gifts or for yourself? Let’s bring out the creativity that is hidden in all of us! Assertiveness Training It is important to speak up for yourself. Come learn easy ways to begin finding your voice. It’s a process that takes time and commitment. It’s not easy, but well worth the journey. Computers

Learn to use the computer. You can learn to type, learn to email people, search for things on the internet, look

for employment, etc. We offer individualized sessions– call for more information.

Writing Group

Write short stories, poems, and letters. You may even want to submit some of your work to the Connections

Peer Support Center monthly newsletter.

Meal Preparation An opportunity for everyone to join in the preparation of a delicious meal. The benefit of this popular group is learning simple meal preparations that are very heathy but delicious and inexpensive too. Depression/Anxiety Support Group Get and give support as we investigate topics concerning depression & anxiety. Intentional Peer Support (IPS) Topics This group is for learning more about IPS and why it is so important in a Peer Support Agency. We will explore the four tasks of IPS – Connection, Worldview, Mutuality, and Moving Towards, or other topics related to IPS. Lunch at Connie’s, St. John’s, and Middle Street Baptist Church This is a chance for members to share their positive experiences at CPSC with other community members, while enjoying a great meal. Transportation is provided to these community lunches on Tues, Weds and Thurs. Women’s Group at CPSC This group provides an opportunity for women to come together and consider topics important to them. Being in these smaller peer groups often allows participants to share things they find hard to share in groups of men and women together. Topics will be decided by the participants themselves. Suggestions welcome. Morning Meeting Do you have something you want to share with your peers at Connections? This is the time to do it! Start out your day knowing you are a part of the Connections family. Nutrition Tips Learn easy ways to eat healthy to improve your physical health, your emotional health and your mental health. Every week is a different topic, each developed to provide essential information for optimal nutritional health. Stress Management – KEY to Health and Wellbeing We’ll explore neuroscience, meditation, better eating habits, the importance of connection and challenging our own beliefs as a way to better manage stress. WRAP- Wellness Recovery Action Plan (developed by Mary Ellen Copeland) WRAP is about developing your own wellness plan. This has proven to be an essential tool for self-determination

and empowerment in the journey to recovery. To insure you have a plan when feelings become more than you

can handle, join us for this group. It is an adaptable and flexible tool – used as a general wellness tool or it can

be specified to help with a variety of challenges. In addition to the generic WRAP group, we also focus in on

smoking and addiction

10 NOVEMBER 2019 CPSC

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Agencies/organizations are invited to send any additions or corrections to info@connectionspeersupport.org

To connect with local resources in the Seacoast area, go to www.211nh.org OR call 211.

Service Link: Your link to information and support services within your community.

https://www.servicelink.nh.gov/ Toll Free Number 1-866-634-9412

Peer Respite: Crisis Respite is a 24-hour, peer-driven, short-term, non-medical crisis program. To

begin your pre-qualifying application and interview, call the following respite centers:

Stepping Stone, Claremont, NH. Respite 603-543-1388, Stepping Stone Peer Center: 603-543-1388,

Toll Free: 1-888-582-0920, www.steppingstonenextstep.org

H.E.A.R.T.S. Peer Support of Greater Nashua, Nashua, NH. Crisis Respite: 603-864-8769, Peer

Support Center: 603-882-8400, www.heartspsa.org.

Monadnock Area Peer Support Agency, Keene NH 03431, Respite 352-5093 or 866-352-5093,

www.monadnockpsa.org

Housing Resources: Portsmouth Housing Authority 603 436-4310

NH Housing Finance Authority 1-800-640-7239 extension 283

The Housing Partnership 603 516-0590

Legal Help: NH Legal Assistance 603 431-7411

NH Pro Bono 1 800-639-5290

Legal Advice& Referral Center 1800-639-5290

Disability Rights Center 1-800-834-1721

Meals: Salvation Army, 15 Middle St, Portsmouth: Dinner Daily 5:00 PM Breakfast Mon-Fri 7:00-8:00 AM

Seacoast Community Church, Lafayette Rd Portsmouth Lunch: Tuesdays 12 to 1 PM

St. John’s Church, Chapel St Portsmouth Lunch: Thursdays from 11 AM to 1 PM

Middle Street Baptist Church, 18 Court ST, Portsmouth: Wednesdays from 12 to 1 PM

Community Health Services: Families First: Providing health and dental care, as well as parent and family support.

Portsmouth location: 100 Campus Drive, Suite 12, Portsmouth (603)422-8208

11 NOVEMBER 2019 CPSC

Food Banks: Operation Blessing: 600A Lafayette Rd, Portsmouth: Monday, Thursday, Friday 10 AM – 4 PM

Gather: 210 West RD, Suite 3, Portsmouth. Monday to Thursday, 9 AM – 5 PM, Friday 9 AM to 1 PM

Mental Health/Substance Misuse Resources: Alcoholics Anonymous, A.A. World Services, Inc., P.O. Box 459, New York, NY 10163; (212) 870-3400;

24-Hour Hotline 1-800-593-3330; www.aa.org/

NAMI NH, www.naminh.org

National Suicide Prevention 1 800-273-TALK (8255), www.suicidepreventionelife.org/

NH Specialized Information and Referral Center is available 24/7, 365 days a year. Simply dial 211

Safe Harbor, 603-225-9540, www.safeharborrecoverynh.org

Seacoast Mental Health Center, Inc. 603 431-6703, http://www.smhc-nh.org/

Seacoast Pathways, 603-812-9031, www.seacoastpathways.org/

Transportation:

ACT (Alliance for Community Transportation) Alliance for Community Transportation

603-834-6010, or email triplink@communityrides.org

COAST (Cooperative Alliance for Seacoast Transportation)

743-5777 ext. 107. 42 Sumner Drive, Dover, NH 03820 (603) 743-5777; info@coastbus.org

www.coastbus.org

Ready Rides

(603) 244-8719 www.readyrides.org info@readyrides.org

New Hampshire Volunteer Transportation (877)-671-6291 – Call to determine if you are eligible

through your health plan. Requires 48-hour notice for appointments.

12 NOVEMBER 2019 CPSC

We are a peer support agency offering adults 18 years and older a non-medical approach to mental wellness & recovery

NOVEMBER 2019

CPSC Board Meeting: Join us for the monthly board of directors meeting. Members and staff are welcome and encouraged to attend Help prepare lunch at CPSC on Mondays and Fridays $1-$2 donations accepted. CPSC is open to everyone seeking support in pursuing mental health wellness with an emphasis on hope and recovery. All groups are free of charge and most do not require any registration. We hope to see you soon!

CONNECTIONS PEER SUPPORT CENTER Please visit us at 544 Islington St., Portsmouth, NH

Hours: 8:30am-5:30 pm, Monday-Thursday; 8:30 am-4:30 pm Friday. For transportation please call 603-427-6966 by 3PM the day before you need a ride.

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

1 9:30 Gather Food Pantry/ Morning Mtg 10:00 Cooking Group 11:45 Lunch 12:30 Community Meeting 1:15 Self-Care & Compassion

4 9:30 Morning Meeting 10:00 Art with Carol 11:00 Cooking Group 12:00 Lunch & Check-in 1:15 Difficult Emotions 2:30 Afternoon Clean up 3:30 Indivl Peer Support

5 9:30 Morning Meeting 10:15 Guided Meditation 11:15 Hannaford – Shopping/Dietary Advice 11:45 Connie’s Kitchen 1:00 Newsletter Group 2:30 Clean up 3:30 Indivl Peer Support

6 9:30 Morning Meeting 10:00 Addictions Group or Art with Paul 11:45 Community Lunch 1:15 Magic Show! 2:30 Cleanup 3:30 Indivl Peer Support

7 9:30 Morning Meeting 10:0 Writing/Gratitude Grp 11:00 IPS Topics 11:45 Common Table 1:15 Anti-Anxiety and Anti Depression Group 2:30 Cleanup 3:30 Individual Peer Support

8 9:30 Gather Food Pantry/ Morning Mtg 10:00 Paint Workshop 11:00 Cooking Group 11:45 Lunch 12:30 Community Meeting 1:15 Self-Care & Compassion

11

CLOSED

12 9:30 Morning Meeting 10:15 Guided Meditation 11:15 Hannaford – Shopping/Dietary Advice 11:45 Connie’s Kitchen 1:00 Image Board 2:30 Cleanup 3:30 Indivi Peer Support

13 9:30 Morning Meeting 10:00 Addictions Group or Art with Paul 11:45 Community Lunch 1:15 WRAP Topics 2:30 Cleanup 3:30 Indivi Peer Support

14 9:30 Morning Meeting 10:0 Writing/Gratitude Grp 11:00 IPS Topics 11:45 Common Table 1:15 Anti-Anxiety and Anti Depression Group 2:30 Cleanup 3:30 Individual Peer Support

15 9:30 Gather Food Pantry/ Morning Mtg 10:00 Cooking Group 12:30 Community Meeting 1:15 Self-Care & Compassion

18 7:30 OPEN HOUSE 9:30 Morning Meeting 10:00 Mens/Womens Group 11:00 Cooking Group 12:00 Lunch & Check-in 1:15 Difficult Emotions 2:30 Afternoon Clean up 3:30 Individual Peer Support

19 9:30 Morning Meeting 10:15 Guided Meditation 11:15 Hannaford – Shopping/Dietary Advice 11:45 Connie’s Kitchen 1:00 Knitting/Crochet 2:30 Clean up 3:30 Individual Peer Support

20 9:30 Morning Meeting 10:00 Addictions Group or Art with Paul 11:45 Community Lunch 1:15 WRAP Topics 2:30 Cleanup 4:00 ANNUAL BOARD MEETING

21 9:30 Morning Meeting 10:0 Writing/Gratitude Grp 11:00 IPS Topics 11:45 Common Table

11:00 Thanksgiving at Masonic temple

22 CLOSED for STAFF DEVELOPMENT

25 9:30 Morning Meeting 10:00 Art with Carol 11:00 Cooking Group 12:00 Lunch & Check-in 12:00 Budgeting 1:15 Difficult Emotions 2:30 Afternoon Clean up 3:30 Individual Peer Support

26 9:30 Morning Meeting 10:15 11:15 Hannaford – Shopping/Dietary Advice 11:45 Connie’s Kitchen 1:00 Knitting/Crochet 2:30 Clean up 3:30 Individual Peer Support

27 9:30 Morning Meeting 10:00 Addictions Group or Art with Paul 11:45 Community Lunch 1:15 WRAP Topics 2:30 Cleanup 3:30 Individual Peer Support

Office Phone: 427-6966

Member Line: 433-8679

Warm Line: 1-800-809-

626

Schedule subject to change Call for updates

427-6966