NAMI Education Program, 356 Biltmore Avenue, Ste. 315, Asheville, NC 28801

Tuesday, June 5, 6 – 7 pm

This presentation will introduce the ways that Wellness Recovery Action Planning (W.R.A.P.) can be used within families to identify triggers and  Wellness Tools while improving communication and working together to develop strategies to respond to psychiatric crisis in ways that support Family Wellness and Individual Recovery.

This introductory program is presented by Faith Rhyne, a Certified Peer and WRAP facilitator. Ms. Rhyne has extensive lived experience with mental health disorder and, as a professional Peer, is passionate about helping individuals and families learn to navigate life challenges.

Our general education meetings are now on the first Tuesday of the month from 6 – 7 pm at 356 Biltmore Avenue, Suite 315.

Our speaker for Tuesday, May 1, will be Mark Merrick. Mark has worked at FIRST at Blue Ridge for six years and is now the Administrative Director. He has been a member of the NAMI WC Board of Directors since October 2011.

The topic will be “The Therapeutic Community Model of Peer Support Specialists in Recovery”.

May 10 – June 14

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS REGISTERED. THE CLASS IS FULL WITH EIGHT STUDENTS.

OUR NEXT W.R.A.P. CLASS WILL BEGIN IN OCTOBER. DATES TBA.

The next 12-hour training using Mary Ellen Copeland’s book “Wellness Recovery Action Plan” will begin on Thursday, May 10. The class will meet for six consecutive Thursdays at our office at 356 Biltmore Ave. #207. W.R.A.P. is a proven way to  gain insight into yourself, your feelings and emotions to help you build a constructive wellness plan to delay or prevent relapses from mental health/substance abuse/trauma issues. You will explore what makes you feel good, what to do daily to continue feeling good, triggers, early warning signs, when things are breaking down and a crisis and post-crisis plan.

This may be the first time that you have ever taken the time to really explore who you are and what you need to stay well. It is well worth the journey.

This class is for those with a mental health diagnosis/substance abuse-addiction only. It is not for professionals wanting to learn about W.R.A.P.  A separate 4-hour class will be scheduled for professionals later this summer.

Cost is $25 for materials. Class is limited to eight (8). Please register by contacting Christine at namiwnc@yahoo.com or by calling 828-505-7353 by May 3. This class is approved by Western Highlands Network for 12 hours continuing education credits for Peer Support Specialists.

JUST CONFIRMED!!

COMING SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 at Pack Square, Noon – 4 pm – “The Greatest Show of Courage”, a Carnival and Parade fundraiser for NAMI WC.  Show your support for NAMI Western Carolina’s services by organizing a team and raising money from sponsors and donors – similar to the Walk! Food, entertainment and fun. SAVE THE DATE! More information forthcoming on our website and in the July (Summer) newsletter as committees work out details. Want to join a committee to work on the Carnival? Send your name and contact information to Christine at namwnc@yahoo.com or call 828-505-7353.

Plan to come to Pack Square in front of City Hall September 23!

Elizabeth Burgess, Training Specialist for Western Highlands Network, has generously offered to hold a “Hearing Voices Training” for NAMI WC. The two-hour class allows you to have the experience of trying to do everyday tasks or play a game while wearing earbuds and listening to voices talk to you, perhaps give you orders, in the way that some people with a mental health problem hear voices. The training will give you a first-hand understanding of how distracting and difficult it can be to focus on the things you need to do. No negative messages will be given.

This training is part of  Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) which educates police officers and first-responders on how to work with those with mental health issues when they receive a 9-1-1 call.

Class is limited to ten people. A date will not be set for the free training until we see how much interest there is. Elizabeth is available in the evenings or on Saturdays. For more information or to register call us at 505-7353 or email namiwnc@yahoo.com. Use the phrase “Voices” in the subject line.