What is Peer Support?
Peer support is based upon the belief that building genuine, mutual, one-on-one relationships can lead to greater insight and self-awareness for both people.
Mutual means that the relationship is working if it’s working for both people. Genuine means that we are going to show up ready to connect on a human-to-human level as a learner and not an expert.
Peer support staff are chosen for our ability to relate and connect with others, in part because of our life experience. We are able to relate to distress, marginalization, and oppression because we have been through it.
How to Connect with The Peer Support Team
Peer Support Voicemail Line:
(802) 886-4567 ext. 2625 (leave a message with your contact information and we will call you back)
Peer Support Email:
peersupport@hcrs.org
Or talk with one of your HCRS providers about connecting with us.
Peer Support May Be Helpful If Someone:
- Is looking for connection or to be heard
- Needs more support than they are currently getting
- Isn’t understanding or being understood by other providers and needs a “translator” or mediator
- Has an advocacy need
- Would like to talk with another person who has had a similar experience (it’s possible that no one on our team has had this particular experience, but we try to connect people who have that shared experience)
- Wants to get connected to a community, group, etc.
- Is interested in exploring alternative perspectives to make better sense of their experience(s)
- Is feeling traumatized or harmed by treatment/the system
- Is looking for support or information on reducing, changing, or eliminating psychiatric drugs
The LEC (Life Enrichment Center)
The LEC is a hub for life-enriching activities, conversations, and advocacy for anyone over 18 who works at or receives services from HCRS. Peer support staff manage operations for this community space.
The LEC is open Mondays and Thursdays from 9:30 am – 2:00 pm and on Fridays from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm. It is located at the HCRS main office at 256 River Street in Springfield, Vermont. Activities include various mutual support groups, arts and crafts, meditation, games, music, and more!
Frequently Asked Questions about the LEC
The LEC is located at 256 River Street in Springfield, Vermont
Please email peersupport@hcrs.org or call 802-886-4567 ext. 2625 for more information or if you have questions.
What Else Do We Do?
Social Justice:
We do our best to represent the voice of the psychiatric survivor community in agency practices, policies, and culture and to help move the system in a more holistic, non-pathologizing, and rights-conscious direction.
Building Community and Capacity:
We are interested in helping to make mutual support more accessible to HCRS clients and the community at large by supporting the development of grassroots support networks, facilitating groups, and sharing peer support skills and values. The Life Enrichment Center is one example of how this is happening in Springfield.
Testimonials
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I most enjoy spending time in the community and with [HCRS] staff.
DS service recipient -
My Service Coordinator makes me feel heard. They listen, understand, and show compassion.
DS service recipient -
I most like being able to go to work and have a job to support myself.
DS service recipient -
My son’s [HCRS] therapist meets with him at his school. She is amazing. She has developed a strong bond with him in a short amount of time. It is clear she is invested and wants him to succeed and feel good. We are very grateful for her.
Children’s service recipient -
Being able to have appointments through Zoom has been a huge help. It makes it easier to keep appointments, cuts down on stress as I don’t have to worry about transportation or if I can afford gas for my car. It also helps with anxiety when the weather is bad as I don’t have to drive. It is also really easy to get in contact with your team. Everyone is very reachable by either phone or email…I feel like I can reach out to either our case manager or counselor at any time, which helps with making me feel very supported.
CRT service recipient -
I most love that services are consistent and tailored to my daughter.
Children’s service recipient -
I most love that services are available both in-person or online.
Adult service recipient -
[HCRS] staff are kind and understanding.
Adult service recipient -
My son adores his provider and enjoys spending the time with her.
Children’s service recipient -
My case workers listen to me and understand that I know myself best and what works or doesn’t work for me.
CRT service recipient -
My counselor supports me in exploring successful approaches to dealing with my issues.
Adult service recipient -
I never feel like I’m being judged, so it’s easy to ask for whatever I need. In turn, staff have shown full and complete effort in finding the most effective ways to support my healing and growth.
Adult service recipient -
[HCRS] services have helped me feel more secure after being hospitalized for more than a year.
CRT service recipient -
I always feel welcomed and heard. Someone is always available in a time of need. It’s a no judgment zone.
Adult service recipient -
My counselor is very in tune to what I need.
Adult service recipient -
Everybody [at HCRS] works hard to help you.
Adult service recipient -
The online services option has worked best for me. My case worker is amazing, and I am glad for [HCRS] services.
Adult service recipient -
I feel like I can talk to my counselor about anything and everything openly.
Adult service recipient -
My case worker makes me feel like I’m a person.
Adult service recipient -
My suggestions are taken seriously. If I share ideas, HCRS will try to make it happen if they can.
CRT service recipient
