Boosting Consumer Voices in Montana's Behavioral Health
Our goal is to increase leadership and advocacy skills of consumers and support their involvement in the behavioral health system in Montana.
Imagine a behavioral health system where every voice matters. That's exactly what Jim and Andi are working towards with the Peer Advocacy and Leadership Project. In this episode of 'Recovery Talks', they break down the details of a new grant-funded initiative aimed at elevating consumer leadership and advocacy within Montana's behavioral health landscape. Montana's Peer Network, a peer-run non-profit, is on a mission to provide support, resources, and education to those in recovery from mental health and substance abuse issues.
The Peer Advocacy and Leadership Project is a key part of this mission. Jim and Andi highlight the crucial role of consumer voices in shaping the system, noting that these voices often go unheard on various councils across the state. By involving consumers, they believe the system can benefit from unique insights drawn from personal experiences. To make this happen, they're developing online training modules covering essential topics like Robert's Rules of Order and council procedures.
These resources aim to build confidence and skills, particularly for those new to advocacy work. But it's not just about training. Jim and Andi stress the importance of inclusivity, emphasizing the need to continually recruit new participants to avoid a closed group dynamic. They also touch on the Recovery Roundtable, an initiative fostering open conversations about recovery among a diverse group of individuals. This project isn't just about education; it's about creating a supportive community where everyone has a voice.
If you're curious about how Montana's Peer Network is making strides in behavioral health, this episode is a must-listen.