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Introduction:
The Western New York Regional Consumer Training Project is a joint initiative of the Mental Health Associations of Erie, Niagara, Cattaragus, Tompkins and Monroe Counties developed in conjunction with consumer participants. These workshops are intended to inform and educate consumers on a variety of topics and issues. There is no cost for any of these workshops. Trainings and workshops are available upon request.
Introductory Workshops:
These workshops last from one hour to a full day and are geared for consumers with little or no training in consumer issues. The focus is on helping participants to:
- Understand the difference between self-esteem and “recognition.”
- Discover some ways to improve self-esteem.
- Distinguish between the internal and external view of how you view yourself.
- Begin to understand the relationship between how you view your own self-esteem and the concept of self-help and recovery.
- Appreciate that “recovery” is a process.
- Consider making a personal commitment to improving self-esteem.
- Begin to understand the role of peer support and self-help.
- See some ways to improve self-esteem through helping others.
- Think about using self-help as a therapeutic goal.
Project Goal:
The primary goal of this project is to enlist consumers in the early stages of recovery to participate in consumer led activities which will enhance their outlook on life.
To this end, this training is designed to present introductory materials at on-site locations in small groups. Follow-up contact will be provided and the program is designed to be sensitive to race, culture, gender and age, and differences in levels of involvement with the mental health system.
This training is geared for consumers with little or no background or exposure to the self-help experience. Because this still represents a wide range of experiences and backgrounds as well as involvement with the mental health system, the workshops will be adaptable for different groups.
Trainers:
The trainers for these workshops are current or former recipients of mental health services and are matched with each request on the basis of the topic. All of the trainers are experiences in group process and working with consumers and have received specialized training.
Supporting Organizations:
This project is being supported through the New York State Office of Mental Health Re-Investment Funding. Cooperating agencies are the Mental Health Associations in the Western Region. These MHA's have worked together for over eight years with consumers on developing high quality consumer training programs.
Possible Sites For Basic Workshops:
- Social Clubs
- Continuing Day Treatment
- Rehabilitation Centers/Programs
- Sheltered Workshops
- Psychiatric Rehabilitation Programs
- Mental Health Associations
- Vocational Programs
- In-Patient
- Adult Homes
- Community Residences
- Skilled Nursing Facilities
- Outpatient Programs
- Drop-in Centers
Advanced Workshops:
Advanced workshops are also available. These are typically single sessions and may range from one hour to a full day. Topics may include:
- What It Means to Participate on Boards and Committees
- Writing and Well-Being
- Self-Esteem in Relationships
- Cultural Issues
- Public Assistance
- Legal Rights
- Advocacy for Empowerment
Scheduling:
To schedule workshops, we invite you to contact the training coordinator at the MHA in your area.
Mental Health Association of Erie County, Inc.
999 Deleware Avenue
Buffalo, New York 14209
716-886-1242
Mental Health Association in Niagara County
(Includes Orleans, Genessee and Wyoming Counties)
36 Pine Street
Lockport, New York 14094
716-433-3780
Mental Health Association in Cattaraugus County
(Includes Chatauqua, Steuben and Allegany Counties)
125 South Union Street
POB 833
Olean, New York 14760
716-372-0208
Mental Health Association in Tompkins County
(Includes Schuyler, Seneca, Tioga and Yates Counties)
301 South Geneva Street
Ithaca, New York 14850
607-273-9250
Mental Health Association in Monroe County
(Includes Wayne, Ontario and Livingston Counties)
1100 University Avenue
Rochester, New York 14607
716-256-0590
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