Studies have shown that many people living with mental illness need support to feel included in the community. Lack of inclusion contributes to feelings of isolation and hampers recovery. A Community Inclusion program (CI) can focus on how individuals with mental illness can find natural supports and activities with others in their community. Maybe the individual doesn’t have money for leisure activities, or wants to venture out but is afraid based on past experiences of rejection, anxiety, etc. CI programs help remove those barriers so peers can enjoy being a part of a community just like everyone else.

NAMI NC’s Mikayla Leffin (center in photo) participated in a CI session led by Temple University’s Mark Salzer, PhD (on left) and Bryan McCormick, PhD, CTRS, FDRT (on right) at the recent i2i Conference in Pinehurst, NC.

NAMI would like to launch this valuable program in your community, but we need your help. We are looking for volunteers to be a part of the program. Free training is provided and mini grants are available to provide funding. Click here for more information.