
12/10/2020
This week's affirmation was contributed by Joshua Walters. Thanks Joshua.
PEERS is a mental health consumer-run organization that specializes in mental health and wellness training, programs and services, and media projects.
Our Mission PEERS is a diverse community of people with mental health experiences. Our mission is to promote innovative peer-based wellness strategies. We create culturally-rich, community-based mental health programs that honor diverse experiences to eliminate stigma and discrimination. Our Vision We envision a world where people can freely choose among many mental health options that address the needs of the whole person. We see a future where people with mental health experiences are valued for their essential contributions to society.
Operating as usual
This week's affirmation was contributed by Joshua Walters. Thanks Joshua.
Your Pandemic Holiday Season Survival Guide is Here! By Leah Harris
https://peersnet.org/2020/12/08/your-pandemic-holiday-season-survival-guide-is-here/
By Leah Harris Even before the pandemic, the holiday season was a very challenging time for folks living with mental health and substance use conditions. There is the stress of connecting with relatives, especially if there has been a history of trauma in families. For some LGBTQ people, there is th...
Today’s WRAP® affirmation was contributed by Kozi Arrington, Thanks Kozi!
Give yourself a gift of WRAP® this holiday season. WRAP® Orientation, This Thursday, December 3rd 9:30-12:30.
https://peersnet.org/2020/12/01/sneak-preview-wrap-for-the-holidays/
For more WRAP® support, visit PEERS’ WRAP® Program webpage, download the WRAP® app, and find out more about WRAP® online. By Vilma Sakalauskaite HOLIDAY WELLNESS Let me ask you, how do the Holidays make you feel? Joyous Spiritual Generous Excited Isolated Sad Grief Bad memories Holidays are an...
The Holidays can be a hard time for many, so if you need a way to remind yourself of all your special qualities follow this writing prompt on How To Write a Love Letter to Yourself...
https://peersnet.org/2020/11/25/wellness-tools-a-love-letter-to-myself/
For more WRAP® support, visit PEERS’ WRAP® Program webpage, download the WRAP® app, and find out more about WRAP® online. By Heather Riemer Recently I was feeling kind of down. I happened to come across an exercise that I thought might make me feel better. It was called “A Love Letter to Mys...
"I have always loved to travel, to learn about new places and new cultures. Given the restrictions that we are all living with globally, I have found a secret loophole – virtual travel!"
https://peersnet.org/2020/11/24/wellness-tools-virtual-traveling/
This edition of Wellness Tools was written by community partner, Kai Jones-Biscette. As someone living with mental health challenges, one really must pay particular attention and care to the activities and routines which help keep us well. And, during these Covid Times, I’m finding that I am hav...
Wellness Tools: Open Water Swimming For Anxiety Relief-
https://peersnet.org/2020/11/20/wellness-tools-open-water-swimming-for-anxiety-relief/
For more WRAP® support, visit PEERS’ WRAP® Program webpage, download the WRAP® app, and find out more about WRAP® online. By Vilma Sakalauskaite Open Water Swimming For Anxiety Relief Open water swimming is a new wellness tool for me that I started a month ago and have been using on a daily ba...
The question as we go into the Holidays: "True Peace and Security, How Can You Find It?"
Need an uplifting voice to calm your nerves? Here are 10 Meditations for Staying Positive:
https://peersnet.org/2020/11/12/wellness-tools-meditations-for-staying-positive/
“Meditations for Staying Positive” In the world we live in there are many reasons to feel overwhelmed. That’s why we created this list of podcasts entitled, “Meditations for Staying Positive”. This is a list of 10 uniquely chosen podcasts to put you in the mood for thinking positively abou...
A Salute to our Veterans. Happy Veterans Day!
Each year PEERS brings you amazing photos from Day of the Dead. This year was celebrated differently by Joshua Walters by listening to the radio...
https://peersnet.org/2020/11/05/day-of-the-dead-para-los-nanas/
PEERS Perspectives is a blog series that offers thoughts and reflections from our staff and community members on mental health, current events, and the ways they affect our lives. Today’s post is an open letter to KCSM Radio DJ Chuy Verela after he played his annual Latin jazz tribute for Day of ...
Today’s Affirmation was created by PEERS Staff Tasha Ceyan who says,”I learned to say these things to myself while experiencing a period of homelessness. They remind me that no matter where I am, I am always at home. Even if I feel lost at sea, I can be the solid ground that I need to stand on.” -Thanks Tasha
Here are some tips for navigating the inevitable anxiety that is likely to ensue beyond Election Day.
https://peersnet.org/2020/11/03/navigating-post-election-stress-in-massively-uncertain-times/
Navigating Post-Election Stress in Massively Uncertain Times By Leah Harris It has been said so often that we live in “unprecedented times,” with a highly contentious election taking place during a global pandemic, on top of ongoing civil unrest and racialized violence, as well as major wildfire...
8 Principals to Guide Your Wellness-
https://peersnet.org/2020/10/29/wellness-tools-8-principals-to-guide-your-wellness/
For more WRAP® support, visit PEERS’ WRAP® Program webpage, download the WRAP® app, and find out more about WRAP® online. By Heather Riemer 8 Principals to Guide Your Wellness Sometimes it is difficult to make it through the day when you have mental health challenges, or even if you don’t! ...
When was the last time you sat down with a good book? Recent studies show that reading is now being prescribed for many mental health conditions during this time.
https://peersnet.org/2020/10/27/bibliotherapy-to-nourish-mental-health-during-this-moment-in-history/
#mentalhealth #reading
By Leah Harris Bibliotherapy is a practice dating back to ancient times, acknowledging the healing properties of engagement with books. In the UK, reading is currently being “prescribed” in a pilot program for the treatment of behavioral health conditions and chronic pain. And according to a rec...
Today’s Affirmation for the Weekend was contributed by, Communications Coordinator, Joshua Walters.
Thanks Joshua!
Need a good laugh to get you through these trying times? PEERS is partnering with The Oakland Comedy Festival, coming to you virtually Oct. 24th. #rootedinfunny
https://peersnet.org/2020/10/19/oakland-comedy-festival-oct-24th/
From the New York Times Article “Try Laughter, in Trying Times” (full article: Here) Some enlightened doctors, nurses and therapists have a prescription for helping all of us to get through this seemingly never-ending pandemic: Try a little laughter. Humor is not just a distraction from the grim...
If you have not registered to Vote in CA today is the last day to do so...
https://peersnet.org/resources/vote/
Today's Affirmation for the Weekend was contributed by, Communications Coordinator, Joshua Walters. Thanks Joshua!
"Nearly half of all lifetime mental illness cases in the U.S. begin by age 14, yet 79% of the youth in need of care don’t access it."
https://www.ideo.org/project/allcove
As of August 2018, Santa Clara County Behavioral Health Services—in collaboration with the Stanford Psychiatry Center for Youth Mental Health & Wellbeing—secured state approval to use $15 million to open two integrated youth mental health clinics. But they’re probably not what you’re picturi...
As this year plunges ahead we are on the threshold of yet another holiday season...
For more WRAP® support, visit PEERS’ WRAP® Program webpage, download the WRAP® app, and find out more about WRAP® online. By Portia Lee Greetings, Blessings and Happy October to you and yours. As this year plunges ahead we are on the threshold of yet another holiday season. One that comes wi...
Peers in California achieved a major victory on September 25, 2020, when Governor Newsom signed SB 803 into law.
PEERS Perspectives is a blog series that offers thoughts and reflections from our staff and community members on mental health, current events, and the ways they affect our lives. Today’s post on Mental Health perspective is written by Program Evaluation Specialist Sarah Marxer A Victory for Pe...
"I asked my grandmother, Nana, if she had any secrets for getting older. All she said was..."
For more WRAP® support, visit PEERS’ WRAP® Program webpage, download the WRAP® app, and find out more about WRAP® online. By Joshua Walters I asked my grandmother, Nana, on the week of her 100th birthday if she had any secrets for getting older. All she said was that she takes it one day at a ...
Today’s WRAP® affirmation was contributed by
Kenneth Kozi Arrington, Programs Outreach Coordinator. Thanks Kozi!
"The science of making friends is fascinating, but in practice, it feels totally natural — when we open ourselves up to let it happen."
https://medium.com/@Speechlessinc/can-we-engineer-friendship-2fbcfffecca4
Isolating the variables of genuine connection
In WRAP we create a Crisis Plan that lists our supporters. Has your Crisis Plan had to be changed because of COVID-19?
PEERS is supporting you through your WRAP® journey with daily blog posts. On Wednesdays, we provide sneak previews of what you can expect when you join one of our ongoing WRAP® groups. This week’s sneak preview is a Values Clarification worksheet from PEERS Programs Outreach Coordinator and Adva...
Ever want to escape the U.S.? A colleague did just that. I wrote him a letter to summarize the current situation back home.
PEERS Perspectives is a blog series that offers thoughts and reflections from our staff and community members on mental health, current events, and the ways they affect our lives. Today’s post is written by Communications Coordinator Joshua Walters Alex, Whenever it seems like this country is goi...
There are two full moons this month. The Harvest Moon was a great time to use the wellness tool of breath work and meditation. Here's a short video guild if you need grounding...
For more WRAP® support, visit PEERS’ WRAP® Program webpage, download the WRAP® app, and find out more about WRAP® online. By Kenneth Kozi Arrington Using meditation as a wellness tool allows one to go within, quiet the mind and release tension, apprehension, and fear, as well as soothe on...
Today’s Affirmation for the Weekend was contributed by, Zakiya Johnson. Thanks Zakiya!
MENTAL NOTES is a one-day virtual concert organized by
@HotTopic
on #WorldMentalHealthDay 10/10 hosted by
@MikeyWay
and featuring performances by several artists. Proceeds will go back to Mental Health for America.
More info: http://hottopic.com/mentalnotes. #mentalhealthisahottopic
Shop for the latest mental notes, pop culture merchandise, gifts & collectibles at Hot Topic! From mental notes to tees, figures & more, Hot Topic is your one-stop-shop for must-have music & pop culture-inspired merch. Shop Hot Topic today!
You’ve probably heard of the menopause in women, but did you know men go through a similar hormonal change as they age?
You’ve probably heard of the menopause in women, but did you know men go through a similar hormonal change as they age? The male menopause, or andropause, is often triggered when men reach their 40s.
"2020 has been a year of change for all of us. While many of the changes have been challenging and stressful, others have left us feeling hopeful for positive transformation in our communities and our personal lives."
PEERS Perspectives is a blog series that offers thoughts and reflections from our staff and community members on mental health, current events, and the ways they affect our lives. Today’s post is written by PEERS Interim Executive Director Jules Plumadore. 2020 has been a year of change for all of...
Looking for something good to read? We've got you covered especially when it comes to short stories. For many reading can be a wellness tool. #read
For more WRAP® support, visit PEERS’ WRAP® Program webpage, download the WRAP® app, and find out more about WRAP® online. Wellness Tools Contributed by PEERS Office Coordinator Tasha Ceyan I’ve been an avid reader since I learned to read as a small child. I love all styles of writing fro...
Today's Affirmation for the Weekend was contributed by, Portia Lee. Thanks Portia!
Monday | 09:00 - 17:00 |
Tuesday | 09:00 - 17:00 |
Wednesday | 09:00 - 17:00 |
Thursday | 09:00 - 17:00 |
Friday | 09:00 - 17:00 |
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when PEERS posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Send a message to PEERS:
Last week was the state wide API (Asian Pacific Islander) Mental Health Empowerment Conference in Oakland. Along with powerful keynotes and educational workshops, the crowd was treated to a buffet of different performances highlighting acrobatics, music and dance from China, India, Vietnam, Tahiti and the Philippines. The diversity of cultures was phenomenal.
PEERS was once again a participant at Art and Soul over the weekend. We set up a booth, listened to the tunes and promoted our programs.
Peers Envisioning and Engaging in Recovery Services (PEERS) stands with other consumer-run mental health organizations, including the Pool of Consumer Champions (POCC), the California Association of Mental Health Peer-Run Organizations (CAMHPRO), and the Alameda County Network of Mental Health Clients (ACNETMHC), in endorsing Senate Bill 906. This legislation represents a meaningful step toward legitimizing the essential work done by peer support specialists. Mental health consumers deserve access to high-quality, humanizing, and empowering services and resources. California must follow the lead of other states in establishing a statewide peer services certification program.
Recently, PEERS Transition Age Youth Mentee DeAnna Atkins sat on the Youth Panel at the CMHACY conference in Monterey, CA. In particular, she answered the question: "in a perfect world what would wellness look like for you and your peers?"
Does prayer, spirituality, faith, or belief enhance your personal wellness? Join us for the annual Alameda County Everyone Counts Campaign: National Mental Health Day of Prayer and Celebration! This free, open, and family-focused event will take place on Thursday, May 3rd, 2018 at the Courtyard in front of the County Administration Building, 1221 Oak St. in Oakland. Please enjoy FREE art activities, food, performances and speeches. The Reverend Wanda Johnson, Oscar Grant's mother and a renowned community activist, will be speaking at this event!
Mental health stigma is a significant challenge facing the Latino/a/x American community. Over the past two years, PEERS’ Latino/a/x American Action Team has worked towards addressing this complex and pervasive issue through community outreach and by inaugurating Spanish-language support groups. This program has produced measurable outcomes in terms of reducing internal and external stigma. El estigma en la salud mental es un reto importante que enfrenta la comunidad Latino/a/x. En pasados dos años el comité de acción Latino/a/x de PEERS ha trabajado para abordar este tema tan complejo y penetrante a través de sus opiniones y también contactaron a la comunidad, inaugurando los grupos de apoyo en español. Este programa ha producido excelentes resultados en términos de reducir el estigma interno y externo. As part of the ongoing community engagement efforts, the Action Team recently produced a video Public Service Announcement aimed at the Spanish-speaking community of the San Francisco Bay Area. This video features narration and performances from the Action Team members themselves. We encourage you to share this video on social media in order to help reduce mental health stigma for the Latino/a/x American community of the Bay Area. Como parte de los esfuerzos de la participación de la comunidad, el comité produjo recientemente un video que anuncia este servicio público dirigido a la comunidad de habla hispana de la bahía de San Francisco. Este video cuenta con narración y actuaciones de los propios miembros del equipo de acción. Les animamos a compartir este video en las redes sociales para ayudar a reducir el estigma de la salud mental para la comunidad Latina/a/x área de la bahía. PEERS confronts mental health stigma by delivering support groups, workshops, and community outreach. We are the premier peer-led mental health alternative for Alameda County residents. PEERS lucha para frenar el estigma en la salud mental mediante el soporte de grupos de apoyo y ta
On the last day of February, many PEERS staff and community members attended the 2018 ACBHCS and POCC Annual Black History Month Celebration and Training. PEERS’ own Program Manager Bre Williams presented on African American History 101, taking listeners on a whirlwind tour through hundreds of years of history. Her talk centered on resilience and social, political, and technological innovation by Africans and African Americans alike. Bre is a passionate and respected advocate for ending mental health stigma within the African American Community, especially in Alameda County.
PEERS, in collaboration with Alameda County Behavioral Health Care Services, has produced a series of three videos for East Bay youth. This series is intended to help young people make informed decisions when they’re prescribed psychiatric medication from health care providers. This is part 3 of 3.
PEERS, in collaboration with Alameda County Behavioral Health Care Services, has produced a series of three videos for East Bay youth. This series is intended to help young people make informed decisions when they’re prescribed psychiatric medication from health care providers. This is part 2 of 3.
PEERS, in collaboration with Alameda County Behavioral Health Care Services, has produced a series of three videos for East Bay youth. This series is intended to help young people make informed decisions when they’re prescribed psychiatric medication from health care providers. Stay tuned for parts 2 and 3!
Why is youth mental health important? PEERS is part of the NoStigmaNoBarriers collaborative that connects Transition Age Youth to mental health resources. Watch our video here!
Last Friday, PEERS’ WRAP group decorated sugar skulls as part of their weekly meeting. Decorating sugar skulls is a defining feature of Día de los Muertos celebrations. The practice traditionally honors deceased relatives in Mexican culture. This activity was a collaboration between WRAP and PEERS’ Latino/a/x American Action Team. The Everyone Counts Campaign for 2016-2018 is focused on reducing stigma and providing services to the Bay Area Latino/a/x community.
What's better than music and good food? Last night, PEERS took part in the POCC's Latino Power Event at Hayward City Hall. This event promoted mental health in the Latino/a/x community!
Earlier this summer, PEERS Program Assistant Zakiya Johnson saved a suicidal man on a East Bay freeway. That man was Jose. In honor of Suicide Awareness Prevention Month, Zakiya and Jose agreed to tell their story.
Looking for a new wellness tool? Soul collaging is a great way to go!
Meet the inspiring participants who make PEERS a unique organization.
How're your dancing skills? Bring Your Kid to Work Day was last Friday at PEERS!
LEVS and TAY LEVS had their end of year BBQ celebration today! Congrats to our LEVS participants and staff for another highly successful year!
TAY Leadership Mentee DeAnna Atkins and Program Coordinator Ashlee Jemmott discuss the positive impact of PEERS' Transition Age Youth Program.
PEERS Contractor Aisha Scott talks about the ongoing 5 Day WRAP Facilitator Training for Women.
Interview with Chinese American Action Team Member Jean Lee
Interview with Consumer Movement Organizer Jay Mahler PEERS' BestNow! Intern recently interviewed Consumer Movement organizer Jay Mahler about his life, activism, and the history of the movement. Check out this amazing interview!
PEERS' Latino/a/x Action Team met last week to work on story-telling skills, develop materials for an anti-stigma curriculum, and plan for the upcoming 10x10 We Move for Health Event on May 19th.
Today is East Bay Gives! Please consider donating to our Special Messages program. Don't know why Special Messages is important?? Watch this video! www.eastbaygives.org/peers
In the very near future, PEERS will be participating in an online fundraiser called East Bay Gives—a one day community giving event that takes place on May 4th, 2017. www.eastbaygives.org/peers This year, we are hoping to raise $1000 for our Special Messages program. Currently Special Messages is run on shoestring budget by talented staff who volunteer their time and expertise. Please consider donating to this very important cause!
PEERS confronts mental health stigma by delivering support groups, workshops, and community outreach.
We are the premier peer-led mental health alternative for Alameda County residents.
Our Mission:
PEERS is a diverse community of people with mental health experiences. Our mission is to promote innovative peer-based wellness strategies. We create culturally-rich, community-based mental health programs that honor diverse experiences to eliminate stigma and discrimination.
Our Vision: We envision a world where people can freely choose among many mental health options that address the needs of the whole person. We see a future where people with mental health experiences are valued for their essential contributions to society.
Allegany County Board of Elections
8 Willets Ave, BelmontVeterans Coalition of Orange County, NY
111 Craigville Rd, GoshenDallas Fire Station 18 A Shift
660 N Griffin St., DallasPawnee County Emergency Management
500 Harrison St #104, PawneeAccuScreen Mobile Drug Testing Services
625 West Valley Highway #2, Suite B, Torrington