May/June Newsletter
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed in the U.S. since 1949. Each year, millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental health condition. In May, once again the NH Children's System of Care joins this national movement to raise awareness about mental health. 

Mental Health Awareness Month provides a perfect opportunity for NH CSoC to shine a spotlight on spreading helpful resources and information on local programs and initiatives.
Check out the events and happenings across the state during Mental Health Awareness Month.
Celebration Event on May 24
Plymouth State University will host the Magnify Voices Expressive Art Contest celebration event streamed live on May 24.

In its fifth year, Magnify Voices recognizes and celebrates the creativity of youth in order to demonstrate the vital importance of positive mental health for a child’s healthy development. The expressive art contest was open to students in fifth through 12th grade.
 Advocating for Mental Health
Partners in the NH Children's System of Care are collectively dedicated to improving the behavioral and mental health of NH children, youth, and families. As part of their organizations' missions, some of our partners actively advocate for legislation that supports the mental health of children, youth, and families. 
 
Learn more about this advocacy work, including opportunities to get involved:
 
Connecting to Support

Did you know there are groups meeting statewide throughout the year to offer connection and support for Granite State youth and their families? Below are a few options to explore.
 
Creating Connections NH – Alternative Peer Groups (APG) are community-based, family-centered, and professionally staffed positive peer support programs that offer prosocial fun substance-free activities.
 
NAMI New Hampshire – learn about support groups including Parent/Caregiver, Family Support, NAMI Connection, Survivors of Suicide Loss, and Online options.  
 
Seacoast Outright – offerings include Youth Group, Game Night, and Parent Support Group.
reKINDling Curiosity Summer Camp
The NH Department of Education is partnering with New Hampshire camps and school-age summer programs across the state to offer students the unique opportunity to enjoy a much-needed summer camp experience after the school year at little or no cost. Students of all ages, backgrounds and abilities benefit from exposure to short-term summer enrichment programs, including in the areas of challenge, friend-making, positivity, and emotional safety. Act soon – deadline approaching, and slots are limited. 
Inclusive Summer Camps
The 603 Stories podcast is a platform where young adults are invited to share their stories and expertise on topics related to mental wellness. In this recent episode, Whitney Leyland spoke about her time working for summer camp programs and shared how, historically, campers with emotional or behavioral support needs were more likely to not return to summer camp after the first few days. She also shares thoughts on how to create a more supportive and inclusive camp environment for all youth.
Free Screenings of Anxious Nation Coming to NH Communities
NAMI New Hampshire, in partnership with our state’s 10 Community Mental Health Centers, will bring the documentary Anxious Nation to communities statewide beginning in May. These free screenings are made possible with the generous support of the Endowment for Health and New Hampshire Charitable Foundation. Open to the public, events will feature a free documentary screening, panel discussion, and access to mental health and suicide prevention resources. 

Anxious Nation explores and captures the many faces and facets of anxiety. This feature-length documentary takes a deep look into the crisis of anxiety and mental health in America, especially its impact on youth (ages 10-26) and families. 
Children's System of Care | NHCSoC.org