NAMI NH & the NH Family Network
Family, Youth & Children's Newsletter
SPRING 2019
NAMI NH's mission is to to improve the lives of all people affected by
mental illness and suicide through support, education and advocacy.
Children's Mental Health Awareness Week 2019
On Wednesday, May 1st, people from across the state gathered at the NH State House to kick off Mental Health Awareness and Children's Mental Health Awareness Month. Fourth graders from the Christa McAuliffe Elementary School in Concord opened the program with a song followed by a number of speakers including Justice John Broderick and NH First Lady Valerie Sununu. Ten awards were given to school district staff and individuals in recognition of their efforts in promoting social-emotional learning in our schools (pictured above).
The NH Children's Behavioral Health Collaborative (NH CBHC) and the NH Fisher Cats partnered on Sunday, May 5th to celebrate Children's Mental Health Awareness and the winners of the Magnify Voices Film & Writing Contest. The 6 winning videos were shown on the new jumbotron, and the People's Choice winner Bre Paquette threw out the first pitch. In addition, member organizations of the NH CBHC had resource tables on the concourse providing information to families attending the game. It was a great event!
Youth Summit 2019
In April, Dartmouth-Hitchcock hosted Youth Summit 2019, a 2 day event where NH high school students came together to discuss issues important to them. On Day 1, the students examined topics chosen by the planning committee made up of high schoolers. The discussions were led by the youth with adult supervision who were considered experts in the topic. On Day 2, the youth facilitators reported out to parents, school staff and community members.

Alyssa Nickerson, a NAMI NH volunteer and member of the NH Family Network Grant Oversight Board, attended the first day. Click here to read Alyssa's insights on what our high schoolers had to say.
Children & Youth Programs Department
NAMI NH's 15 Family Peer Support Specialists (FPSS) provide Family Peer Support as part of the Wraparound Model ( click here for more information on Wraparound) in the state of NH to over 230 individuals. The FPSS provides parents/caregivers of a child or youth with a serious emotional disorder coaching, education, mentoring, and/or support and encouragement. They work with the family in the areas the family identifies as needs. The FPSS teaches the family how to navigate systems and improve their advocacy skills. They engage with the family to help them express their views and make informed decisions. They ensure that the family is an equal partner in their child/youth’s treatment process. Finally the FPSS helps decrease the family’s feeling of isolation by encouraging them to make connections with other NAMI NH Programs. For more information about Wraparound and NAMI NH's Family Peer Support Specialists, contact Brian Huckins, NAMI NH's Director of Children & Youth Programs.
NH Family Network
A Program of NAMI New Hampshire
The NH Family Network partnered with organizations from 2 NH communities in the month of May to screen the documentary Angst featuring Michael Phelps.

"I welcomed the opportunity to be a part of Angst to further the dialogue around mental health and to help people understand the impact anxiety has on our mental state and encourage people, especially kids, to ask for help." ~Michael Phelps
Colebrook Community Mental Health Forum

On Thursday, May 16th over 50 parents, guardians, school staff and community members enjoyed dinner, gathered resources from local organizations, watched the documentary Angst and engaged in an informative discussion regarding anxiety and our youth.

The NH Family Network, a program of NAMI NH, partnered with SAU7 Office of School Wellness to provide this free event to the community.
Keene Community Mental Health Forum
At the event held at Keene State College on May 23rd, 96 people attended the dinner, community resource fair, Angst screening and panel discussion. Post-event survey results indicated that most participants felt they gained a better understanding of some of the mental health challenges our children face (see below for details).

Our partners for the evening included: Advocates for Healthy Youth, Monadnock Family Services, Keene State College and Healthy Monadnock.
Upcoming Events
Registration is OPEN for NAMIWalks NH 2019!
Last year, NAMIWalks NH shattered records with more than 2,000 participants - let's do it again!  
NH's largest mental health and suicide prevention event returns on Sunday, October 6, 2019.
NAMIWalks NH is family-friendly, dog-friendly, free & FUN!  
Looking for Summer Activities?
Here are some links to summer programs/camps:
You can also check with your city or town's parks and rec programs and library.
Support
Boring Self-Care

"When you think of self care, what comes to mind? Lately self care has been attached to activities like getting your nails done, indulging in your favorite sweet, and retail therapy – basically, treating yourself. And while treating yourself is definitely important to do, self care encompasses a lot more than a eucalyptus bubble bath. “Boring” self care activities are the somewhat mundane things you do that aren’t exciting, but make you feel better and more productive as you head into your week. Click here to read the rest of the article.
Parent & Caregiver Groups
Please note - some of our groups may take a break from meeting during the summer months. Please check the website or contact the facilitator to confirm the meeting is being held.
Online Facebook Support Group
Looking for support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week? Consider joining our closed, private Facebook group for Parents & Caregivers. Members often provide good advice in a caring and non-judgmental way.

Click here for more information.

NAMI NH Information & Resources Line
The Information & Resources Line (1-800-242-6264) and info@NAMINH.org is always available for callers to leave a confidential message – a NAMI New Hampshire team member will return your call within 48 business hours Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Callers are connected with, or can leave a message for, one of our trained NAMI NH staff. These individuals can help answer questions and provide specific information on NAMI NH programs and supports. They can also provide contact information for local community and national resources.

Please note: This is not a hotline or a crisis service, but is a phone line for families and individuals affected by mental illness/emotional disorders. Our website does provide a link to crisis r esources at https://www.naminh.org/resources-2/crisis-lines/
Life Under Construction
Online Support for Our Youth
Life Under Construction is a variety of social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram where youth affected by mental illness can go to find information and support. Each is administered by youth for youth with oversight by NAMI NH staff to ensure safe messaging.

Click here for the Life Under Construction flyer.

For questions or more information, contact Michele Watson.
Want to Volunteer?
As a grassroots organization, NAMI NH’s members are the people who facilitate change and make the world a better place for individuals, and families, affected by mental illness and suicide. Volunteering with NAMI NH provides people with opportunities to impact the mental health system, eliminate stigma and a chance to give back and help families, like themselves. 

How can you get involved?
  • Attend our Public Policy Committee meetings on the 2nd Monday of each month. Contact Michele Watson for more information.
  • See our website for more ideas.
NAMI New Hampshire| 603-225-5359 | 800-242-6264 InfoLine | info@NAMINH.org | NAMINH.org