Peer Support

from Gerald Butler

June 4, 2007

The two greatest things about Peer Support are, 1) we can actually see the almost immediate effect on those we are working with. 2) True Peer Support is done from the heart, and anytime that much passion and spirit is applied to anything, everyone benefits. In the two months I have been working to organize the consumer band, I have grown exponentially. On a physical level, I am more positive than ever that the particular method of treatment is not as important as whether or not basic humanity is applied. I am growing spiritually in that I am realizing the value such characteristics as, integrity, honesty, and truth, play in helping others in their recovery journey.

The system has grown to the point where everyone involved, providers, consumers, physicians, case managers, ETC, must be pioneers. We all must work as one unit to find new and innovative paths of cooperation; after all, we are all affected by outcomes. In the last 12 years I have met literally thousands of folks in recovery, and every single person has had some sort of strong spiritual belief in a Higher Power. As Peer Supporters, we help nurture that spirituality in that we have been there, done that, and we are appreciative of the deep seated wants and desires of those new to the system

Veda Sharp, (Deputy Director/ D-WCCMHA) has expressed her excitement over the up coming conference, and we are proud to have her speak at this event. If it were not for her efforts, we would not be having this event, and we wholeheartedly thank her for her dedication to our recovery. She has also said there will not be a repeat of an incident last year in which consumers were yelled at by a staff member. Over the years, Yuself Seegars (Disability Network-Wayne County) has been a strong advocate for ‘Recovery Centered’ housing, and its essential role in the recovery process. He will be speaking on the importance of “Preparing for Independence’. By law, Religion and systems must remain separate, and rightly so. Thus we cannot expect systems to deal with a vital recovery tool, our spirituality. I will be speaking on this issue from the level of ‘Peer to Peer’, and on the values of self-esteem and unselfish love.

Dr. Harriet Green (Medical Director/ Behavioral Health Professionals Inc.) has been doing trainings on ‘Motivational Interviewing’ around the County. This educates administrators in the benefits of establishing a relationship of trust with clients. Over the past year she has done an in depth study of the Peer Support Movement, and will speak on the role Peer Supporters play in System Transformation. The good thing about Dr. Green’s presentations is that she presents in a way that everyone from the experts to the novice can relate to.

There was a recent article in the newspaper (Naomi Patton-Free Press-May 8^th) about Shirley Cockrel (Go-Getters Drop In Center/ Director) in which she told a little about her journey in recovery, and I feel it should be required reading for everyone in this field, consumers and administrators alike. Shirley will be presenting, ‘Recovery: A Consumer Perspective’, and anyone with a heart will be moved upon hearing her story. Panel members (Gabriel Williams, Tom Burden, Andria Jackson, and Joseph Hodge) were hand chosen because these particular consumers are strong advocates for utilizing their past to help others get through the maze of treatment and into recovery. In other words, they are turning ‘Poison into Medicine’ and I am certain God is looking upon them with favor.

By most standards, the progress of the consumer band ‘Recovery’ in the last two months would be considered miraculous. In reality it is merely Peer Support in its purest form. We are going to dance, have fun and deliver the message of recovery and hope, all in one session. Due to the great response from the last conference, ‘Urban Farming and Community Gardening’ will again be done by Genevieve Clark (Arise Detroit) and I hear she has some new material. By acquiring vacant lots from Wayne County and the City of Detroit, we are hoping to encourage Clubhouses and Drop In Centers to establish gardens that will not only help feed their members, but could possibly be a source of extra income depending on the size and amount of labor each facility is willing to apply.

James Lindsey (D-WCCMHA/ Customer Service) is extremely knowledgeable, and we sort of look at him as our own personal ‘Professor’. He also demonstrates how valuable a role ‘Informed Consumers’ play in relation to System Transformation. He will speak on the progress of Customer Service. James Child Savior (Corrections to Work) will be speaking on his experiences, and his efforts to help those who have been incarcerated, turn their lives around. His presentation ‘A Bad Hand Dealt’ deals with overcoming impossible odds, getting into recovery, and helping others. If you’re smart, you’ll bring your cameras specifically for the next event.

There are certain tasks that to most folks would seem mundane, but to many consumers, accomplishing these tasks are milestones. It often means they have come a long way in their recovery journey. We have asked Michele Vasconcellos (Director/ Customer Service@ D-WCCMHA) to present ‘Certificate of Achievement Awards to those consumers who have overcome obstacles and moved up a step on the recovery ladder. Those with cameras, and who are able to take a decent shot, will have proof of what it looks like when a person smiles from the inside when these consumers are presented with their awards.

Finally, I have been to Mental Health conferences around the State and even out of the State. The one common denominator is this: for whatever reason, consumers end up in the back of the venue and administrators end up in the front. This is one of the subtleties that help perpetuate stigma. At this conference, we are asking to approach that by having consumers occupying the tables in the front. This is a mere symbolic gesture, and not meant to cause any consternation among anyone. Also, we will be saying Prayer at around 9:10 that morning, and it would be great if those not able to attend, would still join us in prayer at that time.

Gerald Butler

CPSS/ Consumer Advocate