“A place where socialization, recreation and advocacy come together as one”
-Donald Mays, Jr.

Self-help Centers are:

• A place for learning and growth in a comfortable, relaxed and supportive setting
• Easily accessible to mental health consumers (they offer transportation)
• A place where you can feel respected and accepted
• A place where you can develop friendships
• Where you can gain support from other people who have similar life experiences

Self-help Centers

• Bring people together to enrich the lives of the membership
• Help prevent loneliness and isolation
• Offer opportunities for empowerment and leadership
• Provide stepping stones to personal growth
• Help you learn to access resources and things to help you in your recovery

What Happens at Self-help centers?

• Self-help groups (GROW, Dual Recovery, Schizophrenics Anonymous, etc.)
• Wellness and recovery education, groups and training opportunities
• Leadership training
• Trips within the community (cultural and sporting events, restaurants, movies)
• Peer Support
• Cultural sensitivity and diversity training
• Social events (parties, dances, coffee houses)
• Linkage to consumer advocacy groups (Coalition of Mental Health Consumer Organizations (COMHCO), State Consumer Advisory Committee (SCAC), Consumer Advocacy Partnership, County Mental Health Boards and others)
• Peer employment support groups (help you plan to return to school and/or work)