The North East Recovery Learning Community

"All the Buzz" the N.E. Recovery Learning Community's Peer to Peer Newsletter

PDF files require Adobe Acrobat Reader to be installed on your computer. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader please download it for FREE here.

Spring 2009

The North East Recovery Learning Community (NE RLC), the newest program at NILP, is one of the state's six Recovery Learning Communities, a project funded by the Department of Mental Health. RLCs are consumer run and offer support, advocacy, information and referral, as well as self-help workshops and trainings to help persons with psychiatric disabilities optimize their wellness and strengthen their support networks.

At the NE RLC we offer recovery-oriented, trauma informed care and culturally sensitive peer support, both in group settings and on an individual basis. Among the core activities we provide are information and referral, peer counseling, peer advocacy and skills training. We also offer self-help activities, training opportunities, and support to Peer Specialists and other peers working in traditional mental health settings as well as providing social and recreational opportunities for persons with psychiatric disabilities.

As our sister RLC in Western Mass. has written, "our goal is to stimulate and participate in a culture change that establishes a focus on promoting resilience, wellness recovery and empowerment rather than a narrow focus on symptom reduction." To this end we also offer consultation and training to "traditional" mental health providers.

Our logo is a phoenix flanked by a rising sun, both symbols of hope and renewal, reminding us that we are the experts at charting our own, individual paths to recovery.

The North East Recovery Learning Community at NILP is facilitating two online support forums specifically for people with lived experience who are working in the mental health field.

To maintain the safety and confidentiality of this forum, it has been designed as an "invitation only" forum. Also, to make sure ALL peer workers can safely and comfortably disclose ALL issues, we have created forums both for peers who are currently supervising other peers as well as for those who are not supervising others. E-list members are expected to have respect and regard for others, including views and opinions that differ from theirs.

This is a forum to share ideas, coping mechanisms, stress relief, general support and resources. Let’s build our peer worker community!

All peer workers are welcome, including those who are at a stage in their recovery where they do not feel comfortable disclosing publicly. For those who wish, we will be glad to help you set up a free e-mail account that will ensure your anonymity.

For more information, please contact:
NE Recovery Learning Community
NILP 20 Ballard Road, Lawrence, MA 01843
Phone: 978-687-4288 x130