Mental health peer groups offered
NAMI Minnesota (National Alliance on Mental Illness) sponsors a variety of free online peer support groups for adults and young adults living with a mental illness, their families, friends, spouses/partners, as well as parents of children and teens. Led by trained peer facilitators the support groups help individuals and families learn coping skills and find strength through sharing their experiences. When joining an online group, please add only your first name. Also, the groups are specifically for those individuals suggested by the group’s title. For example, Family Support Group is only for family members and NAMI Connection is only for those who live with a mental illness and are more than 18 years old, etc.
Find a complete listing of group meetings and how to join in by going to NAMI MN and clicking on “Support Groups” or go straight to the Support Groups page.
NAMI Minnesota staff are very concerned about the mental health of the people served and the greater community.
- Call the warm line at 651-288-0400 or text “Support” to 85511 or call 844-739-6369.
- Call the local crisis team at **CRISIS or check the NAMI website for the county numbers.
- Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
- Use the Crisis Lifeline by texting MN to 741741.
- Call the SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990
FFI: 651-647-1083, info@ausm.org
PACER Center workshop sampling
PACER Center offers many useful free or low-cost workshops and other resources for families of children with any disabilities. Workshops are available online. Advance registration is required for all workshops. At least 48 hours’ notice is needed for interpretation. Check out PACER’s website and link to the newsletter of statewide workshops that allows participants to pick and choose sessions designed for their needs. Workshops are free but advance registration required. FFI: PACER, 952- 838-9000, 800-537-2237.
Succeed at Work: Tools that Support Executive Function and Focus on the Job
Offered 2-3 p.m. Tue, Aug. 11. The workshop will showcase technology to support executive function at work. Topics will include managing time, staying organized, completing tasks, and maintaining focus. Demonstrations will include timers, task managers, and smart pens.
Tech for Teens Club: LEGO Stop Motion Videos
Offered 10 a.m.-noon Sat, Aug. 15. Participants will learn to create stop-motion style videos with a camera and LEGO toys! Requirements: mobile device with camera, Stop Motion Studio app, participant’s choice of LEGO figure or other toys with moving parts.
Parent Leadership Summit on Children’s Mental Health
Offered 9 a.m.-noon Fri, Aug. 21. The webinar is designed to provide information to educators to increase their effectiveness in working with culturally diverse students with mental health and behavioral needs. Training takes place Friday, Aug. 21 and Sat, Aug. 22. Certificates of attendance will be available.
Most of the groups that have listings in the Opportunities page have suspended activities, have gone to online services only or are offering limited services. Many offices are operating remotely, or with limited staff and hours. Please check with disability service provider websites to see what is offered, as offerings are continuing to change.
