December, 2019
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from Chester County Department of MH/IDD
Growing Chester County's Peer Specialist Pool
Congratulations to the class pictured above! On November 8 this group graduated from Chester County's Certified Peer Specialists training.

Part of the county's initiative to expand peer support services, these individuals will continue their education with a rigorous 100-hour field placement and ongoing mentoring. When the lengthy process is complete, they will be valued mental health professionals using skills they learned, and sharing their personal experiences with mental health recovery to inspire and encourage others.

As they continue the Certified Peer Specialist program for the next several months, some of the graduates have agreed to share this incredible journey with our readers. We will follow them to report updates, trials and successes. Look for more in upcoming issues of Minding Your Health .
Creating Bright Futures

On November 6, thirteen people graduated from the eight-week Bright Futures program held in Exton. The free classes, offered through Chester County Department of Mental Health/Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities, are designed for adults in mental health recovery with employment or education goals.

Students learn basic computer, job search and interviewing skills. One student, pictured above, shows off her certificate at the graduation. Click for a class photo . Another Bright Futures class is planned for the Spring of 2020.
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The Stress of Holiday Expectations
 
Each holiday season we're reminded to keep realistic expectations - for gift exchanges, family relationships and social gatherings, as well as every other "to do" item on our lists.

The message can get lost in a busy time of year and other routine lifestyle advice, but managing expectations and stress may be one of the most important things we do during the holidays. The reminder is especially significant for those who have experienced recent loss or acting as a caregiver. Use the links for relevant tips from AARP and the American Psychological Association .
Three Mental Health First Aid Classes in December!
If you haven't been certified in Mental Health First Aid, give yourself a gift this month! Two Adult and one Youth Mental Health First Aid classes are being offered in December. All classes are being offered through Chester County Department of MHIDD at no cost to participants.

On December 10 & 11 one adult class and one youth class are scheduled. On the 19 & 20 an additional adult class is scheduled. All classes are 8 hours long (plus time for breaks) and divided into two morning sessions from 8:00 AM - 12:30 PM. Registration is required. Use this link to see the class fliers. Use the links in the fliers to register.
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With colder temperatures, potentially dangerous situations arise for individuals
left out in the cold. There is a risk for hypothermia, frost bite, or other
cold-­related injuries when temperatures dip to 35 degrees or below.
But Code Blue can help. Chester County has Code Blue resources, including day and overnight shelters and places to get hot meals. Find out more about these potentially life-saving resources located throughout the county. Click here.
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If you are interested in County of Chester Job Opportunities, please check our our current openings at the link below: 
More Resources, Events & Classes

There are several other county departments
that send out community newsletters and announcements just like this one. If you're interested, sign up with this link!


Click links below for more information!

Chester County Department of Human Services is offering the free class, Accessing the Adult Serving Systems in Chester County, Thursday, Jan. 16 from 8:30 - 12:30 at the Government Services Center in West Chester. Registration is required. Use this link.

Child and Family Focus offers respite services for families with children using mental health services.

Chester County CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder) offers information, resources and local support groups.

ChescoLife i s a countywide program that supports families who have a child or adolescent that struggles with emotional, behavioral, social needs, intellectual disabilities, and/or involvement with dependency or delinquency systems.

Chester County's Meetings and support groups . Please contact us if you have changes or additions.

Charting a Lifecourse - What's your vision of a good life? Learn about the Lifecourse tools, offered at no cost.

Chester County Refer web - a user-friendly database for social services.
Chester County Department of Mental Health / Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
601 Westtown Road, West Chester, PA 19380


Chester County Commissioners
Administrator: Linda Cox
Deputy MH Administrator: Candy Craig