Studies have shown that most people will experience trauma at least once in their lifetimes. Because of this, peer specialists should incorporate trauma responsiveness into the ways they provide peer support and embody peer support values. However, traditional approaches to trauma can be deficit-focused, focusing only on injury and harm. In this presentation, participants will...

Effective supervision of Peer Specialists working in mental health starts with basic best practices for supervising anyone providing direct services. Once a baseline of best practices are established we’ll explore ways to specifically support Peer Specialists through a clear understanding of the role, and the principles and ethics of the Peer Support field. We’ll also...

In this session, we will discuss what perinatal harm reduction is, and what it is not. We will look at the historical context in which it developed, with particular focus on the experiences of women and people of color. We will discuss harm reduction for tobacco/nicotine as well as practical strategies, interventions and resources. Joelle...

In "Breaking the Cycle: Supporting Marginalized Families with Culturally Relevant Care," we will explore the complexities of resilience, especially within historically marginalized families, and challenge the dominant narrative that glorifies resilience without addressing the systemic barriers that necessitate it. Participants will learn how resilience, while often celebrated, can mask the emotional and physical toll faced...

The NYPAN Networking Meeting is a regular informal drop-in space for peer specialists and advocates from across the state to come together to exchange insights, experiences, and opportunities with each other, while also providing and receiving mutual support. Meetings will continue to take place the third Wednesday of each month from 4pm to 5pm (Exception: October meeting...

Professional development is vital to any successful career. As the peer profession continues to grow, the workforce exhibits a need for leadership development amongst these peers. This 1-hour webinar will...

This session invites you to unpack and redefine traditional narratives surrounding experiences of self-harm and 'crisis' for youth and young adults. Facilitated through a lens of firsthand lived/ing experience, this session will consider healing-centered harm reduction and trauma-conscious approaches while navigating the complexities of existing support systems. Together, we will explore the intersecting roots of...