WHAT:

Peer Support is an exciting and some what new concept In Mental Illness. There are several different Peer Support models; basically, it is a form of counseling that was created by those who have mental illness to help themselves and others recover from mental Illness. The definition of recovery in the model I have been trained in is this: Remembering who you are and using your strength to become all you were meant to be! (Recovery Innovations*). This is so exciting to me because once one analyzes this phrase, they will realize how powerful this statement is! For more info. See "recovery concept" below.

WHY:

For many reasons, including the Health in well being of those with mental Illness. Basically, Mental Health is such a growing problem in the United States that in about the year 2001, President Bush had a committee investigate the Mental Health system. The committee found that not only was it not working, but it was so bad that it needed to be totally refurbished. For more info. See "why" below.

WHERE:

Peer support started to manifest itself many places at one time. However, I received my training at a place caller Meta (R. I.*), in Phenix, Arizona. See below.

WHEN: In about the year 2000.

HOW: There are so many concepts to Peer Support I could not possibly explain them all here. Yet, recovery, and it's success through the Peer Support Model is based on 5 different pathways of ones life:

• CHOICE
• HOPE
• EMPOWERMENT
• ENVIROMENT and
• SPRITUALLITY

(R.I.)

We in Peer Support believe that the one key to opening these pathways is love (R.I*.) . Interesting?

SUMMERY:

I and many others in Peer Support truly believe that we have discovered and been blessed in a concept that is going to change people lives for the better. I personally have seen what can only be described as miracles through peer support. So fasten your seat belt and synch it tight. Soon I will be explaining a freedom you never thought you could have. (More to come).