NAMI Support Groups are peer-led groups for any adult with a loved one who has experienced symptoms of a mental health condition
NAMI Support Groups
NAMI Family Support Group
is for any adult caring for a loved one who is experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition. This group follows a structured model, ensuring everyone has an opportunity to be heard and get what they need. Our Family Support Group is peer-led and offered in person as well as online via zoom. Gain insight from the challenges and successes of others facing similar experiences. Facilitators are trained through the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Upcoming Meeting Schedule
NAMI-CAN (Child & Adolescent Network)
offers support for parents and caregivers of children and adolescents, under age 21, with behavioral and emotional issues. This group follows a structured model, ensuring everyone has an opportunity to be heard and get what they need. This support group is peer-led and welcomes any adult struggling to understand the challenges of caring for a loved one who is under the age of 21 and experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition. Gain insight from the challenges and successes of others facing similar experiences. Facilitators are trained through the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Upcoming Meeting Schedule
Help NAMI CT and NAMI Shoreline Be the Best They Can Be!
Become a NAMI Support Group Facilitator: Join NAMI CT next month for a live training at Wisdom House Retreat in Litchfield, CT. This is a 2 day live training program. Check In is at 2PM on Friday, April 21st and the program runs through Saturday, April 22nd at 4:30 PM. Meals and lodging are provided. Come to rusticate, learn, and grow from our common bond. Please contact Paul Brainerd if you have any questions @ pbrainerd@namict.org or 860-882-8674. Phone interview required, but first things first, APPLY TODAY!
Please sign up for our newsletter and learn about upcoming opportunities.
Meetings are free of charge and begin promptly at the designated time.
For more information about the Support Group Meetings, please call Jennifer at 203.996.7290
For a listing of all NAMI Support Group meetings in the state, please visit the NAMI CT website.
Young Adult Community
We are a network of young people dedicated to improving the quality of life for emerging adults by raising awareness about mental health and suicide through our free education, support, and advocacy programs at the state and local levels.
Please note: All of our young adult groups currently meet on Zoom.
NAMI Young Adult Connection Group is a peer-led support group for any young adult (ages 18-29) who experiences mental health challenges. It’s a safe space to share and gain insight from others. The groups are led by trained young adults who’ve been there and understand. The focus is on managing mental wellness through thought-provoking activities, recovery skill building, goal planning,
socialization, and supportive discussion. Young Adults are encouraged to share their stories and insights, but are not required to.
For questions and information about the Young Adult Connection Community, contact:
Valerie Lepoutre, Manager of Peer Initiatives, Education, and Training VLepoutre@namict.org
Torry Bernard - tbernard@namict.org
Leadership Opportunities
Young Adult Connection Group Facilitator
If you are a young adult (ages 18-29) in recovery from a mental health condition, trauma, and/or other life-interrupting challenges, please consider volunteering with us. Learn the skills and understanding to set up and facilitate a NAMI Connecticut Young Adult Connection peer support group. In our training, facilitators will:
- Meet and connect with other young people
- Strengthen peer support and leadership skills
- Practice group facilitation skills and managing challenging situations
- Enhance trauma awareness and self-care strategies
- Recognize the signs of suicide and how to respond
- Learn the basics in planning, promoting, launching, and establishing a NAMI Young Adult Connection Group
Hope in Action
In addition to our groups, NAMI Young Adult Connection Community members are invited to join our social engagement events (nature hikes, media nights, game nights, block parties, etc.) and Hope in Action events (book drives, music festivals, clean-up projects, awareness walks, etc.), as a way to support their own healing journey and/or to honor someone they’ve lost.
Helpful Sites
Turning Point CT: Developed by young people in Connecticut who are in recovery from mental health and substance use issues as a way to reach out to other young people looking for information and support.
The Mighty: an online platform that publishes real stories by real people facing real challenges
Meetup: An online social networking portal that facilitates offline group meetings in various localities around the world. Meetup allows members to find and join groups unified by a common interest.
Facebook Group: An online NAMI Connecticut peer-run support community Facebook Group for young people living with mental health challenges.
NAMI Shoreline is a community of people who share the desire to improve the lives of those affected by mental illness and their loved ones. Using our personal experiences, we serve the Connecticut Shoreline by offering free education, resources, support, and advocacy opportunities that align with our mission.