Peer Advocacy

Finding your way through the maze of social services is a difficult task for anyone. Imagine trying to make sense of these various systems in the middle of a psychotic or manic episode or while clinically depressed. The primary purposes of NAMI-CV's peer advocacy program are:

• to assist consumers in resolving complaints with the human service system and/or support services,
• to protect the rights of consumers,
• to promote empowerment and recovery, and
• to educate consumers about available services.

NAMI-CV's Peer Advocate/Educator, will help the consumer determine exactly what kind of assistance is needed and the type and extent of involvement that s/he wants. Such requested assistance may take many forms:

• Helping the consumer define the problem and some possible solutions/strategies for addressing it;
• Accompanying the consumer to meetings, hearings, appointments, etc.;
• Working with providers of mental health services or community agencies;
• Assisting the consumer with accessing, understanding, and completing paperwork;
• Helping the consumer access and review mental health or other records;
• Working with the consumer to resolve immediate life problems-food, housing, bills, legal issues, etc.; and
• Providing one-on-one support, skill training and encouragement.