May 11 NEC Webinar: So You Want to Start a Peer-Run Warmline?

NEC Technical Assistance Center Presents a Webinar

So You Want to Start a Peer-run Warmline? Ideas, Information, and Inspiration

With Julio Brionez, Trinity Guayante, and Angel Moore

Friday, May 11, 2012

1 pm – 2:30 pm EST (10 am – 11:30 am PST)

Click here to register

(Registration will close at 5 pm on Thursday, May 10)

Peer-run warmlines are designed by and for people who have experience with mental health crisis, healing, and recovery. 

They are based on the principles of mutual support, healing through relationships, and the wisdom of lived experience. Peer-run warmlines represent important crisis alternatives in that they view crisis as a gateway to learning and growth. They can help reduce costly and often re-traumatizing psychiatric hospitalization, and help people to recover a sense of hope and purpose in their lives. Speakers from the David Romprey Oregon Warmline and the Montana Warmline will share their firsthand experience on the elements of a successful peer-run warmline, including the start-up phase, recruitment, outreach/promotion, and ongoing support of warmline workers. In addition, useful tips on using technology and social media to create a more cost-effective and efficient warmline will be provided.

About the presenters:

Julio Brionez works with Mental Health America (MHA) of Montana http://www.montanamentalhealth.org. Julio heads up social media for MHA, which includes podcasting, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and video-based peer support groups. Julio also runs the MHA website, and puts out their weekly e-blast mental health news updates.

Trinity Guayante works for Community Counseling Solutions as the coordinator of the David Romprey Warmline. Trinity believes that everyone deserves a chance and that we are all on this path together and that our world will be a better place if we practice building each other up. Having personally been a survivor of trauma on many levels, she has dedicated her life to those who may need kindness and support.

Angel Moore works for Community Counseling Solutions as manager of the David Romprey Oregon Warmline and is a Certified National IPS Trainer.  Angel says, “Recovery became a new way of life, living without the use of drugs and now a life of mental wellness and stability.” For the past 16 years Angel has shared her experience strength and hope without shame or guilt so that maybe it may inspire someone else to share theirs and help others.