NAMI NH & the NH Family Network
Family, Youth & Children's Newsletter
EARLY WINTER 2018
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 & Youth Programs Department
The Children & Youth Department met this fall at our annual retreat. The team has doubled in size during this past year.

Our Family and Community Support Specialists support approximately 140 Granite State families and over 500 family members providing free and confidential, time-limited, one-on-one support and education to individuals and/or families with loved ones with emotional disorders or mental illness.

We also offer support through the Information & Resources Line at 1-800-242-6264 (this is not a hotline or crisis line).
NH Family Network
NHFN Grant Oversight Board

The purpose of the NHFN Grant Oversight Board is to oversee the services provided to Granite State families with children and youth experiencing social-emotional challenges and serious emotional disturbance. The volunteer board meets bimonthly and is comprised of both youth and parents/guardians as well as representatives of partner agencies.

During 2018, some of the board activities included the development of this newsletter, the NHFN page on the NAMI NH website and expanding the Life Under Construction social media pages for youth which now include Twitter and Instagram.

For more information, check out the NH Family Network page on the NAMI NH website or contact Michele Watson at mwatson@NAMINH.org
Community Ambassador Award

This fall, Alyssa Nickerson, an NHFN Grant Oversight Board Member, received the Jennifer Wierwille Norton Memorial Award Community Ambassador Award from the NH Children's Behavioral Health Collaborative for her dedication, determination and courage through her efforts to advocate, support and educate families dealing with mental illness and suicide loss. Congratulations Alyssa!

Alyssa is seated in the picture. Also in the picture (from L to R) are Tom Nickerson (Alyssa's husband), Michele Watson (NHFN Coordinator), Susan Stearns (NAMI NH Deputy Director), Ken Norton (NAMI NH Executive Director), Brian Huckins (NAMI NH Director of Children & Youth Programs)
Oyster River Community
Mental Health Forum

The Oyster River High School Student Mental Health Wellness Committee recently hosted a mental health forum for the Durham community promoting Awareness, Resilience and Hope. The forum included presentations by: Erin Hiley Sharp, PhD, UNH Associate Professor of Human Development & Family Studies; Grace Smith (pictured), ORHS student and student Mental Health Wellness Committee Member; Sarah Titus-Smith, parent and NHFN Board Member; and Michele Watson and Laurie Foster, NAMI NH staff. After each speaker, questions for discussion were shared and dialogue among attendees was encouraged.

Last April, NAMI NH honored Grace and teacher Meredith Freeman-Caple at our annual awards ceremony. Click here to read more.
Upcoming Events
NAMI NH Sponsored Events:
Events Around the State:
Check out these websites for family-friendly events.
Holiday Stress ~ How to Avoid It
Self-Care

It feels like we were just talking about back to school anxiety and now it's the holidays. For many it is a wonderful, magical time of year but with that can come a lot of pressure and stress.

Below are some articles to help you reduce your stress so you can enjoy the holidays more.

Support
Closed Facebook 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) 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.
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 people with mental illness and their families. 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