Peer to Peer

Peer-to-Peer is a unique, learning program for people with any serious mental illness who are interested in establishing and maintaining their health and wellness on their journey to recovery.

The course was written by Kathryn Cohan McNulty, a person with a psychiatric disability who is also a former provider and manager in the mental health field and a longtime mutual support group member and facilitator. An advisory board comprised of NAMI consumer members, in consultation with Joyce Burland, Ph.D., author of the successful NAMI Family-to-Family education program, helped guide the curriculum's development. Since 2005, NAMI's Peer-to-Peer Recovery Program has been supported by Astra Zeneca.

What does the course include?

	Peer-to-Peer is a nine week two-hour recovery course, taught by a team of three trained "Mentors" who are personally experienced at living well with mental illness.
	Mentors under go an intense 3 day training session, supplied with teaching manuals. They receive a stipend for each course they successfully teach.
	Participants come away from the course with a binder full of tangible resources: an advance directive; a "relapse prevention plan" to help identify feelings, thoughts, behaviors, or events that may warn of impending relapse.
	It also provides them with many coping strategies and enjoyable mindfulness exercises.

The Peer-to-Peer Education Course is offered free of charge to people who experience mental illness. If you are looking for effective tools to assist you in maintaining your health and wellness, this is the education course for you. You do not need to be a member of NAMI to take the course, however membership is always welcome.

For Information Call...

NAMI Illinois (800)-346-4572 or

Peer-to-Peer Program Director Ms. Sylvia Westbrook (708)-429-7231

How do I find a Peer-to-Peer course in my area?

Upcoming classes in an affiliate near you...

Please check back soon. We are updating and completing the course list.

Affiliate	Date/Location	Contact
Champaign County	Fall/2008
DeKalb, Kane South & Kendall Counties	May 6, 2008 - Aurora
DuPage County	Summer/2008
DuPage County	Fall/2008
Elk Grove/Schaumburg	Fall/2008
Madison County	Fall/2008 - Granite City
McHenry County	Fall/2008
Metro Suburban	Fall/2008 - Oak Park
Tri-County (Peoria)	Summer/2008

National Alliance on Mental Illness

Peer To Peer: NAMI's Recovery Curriculum

What is NAMI's Peer-to-Peer Program?

What does the course include?

How do I find a Peer-to-Peer course in my area?

Upcoming classes in an affiliate near you...