Featured Member: North Country Peer Support Center

|Published on: Nov 1, 2024|Categories: Featured Member|

North Country Peer Support Center

North Country Peer Support Center: Supporting Recovery and Community Connection in Rural New Hampshire

Featured member, North Country Peer Support Center (NCPS), plays a significant role in the North Country of New Hampshire by providing accessible, non-clinical peer support to individuals navigating mental health and substance use challenges. With a mission to offer a compassionate environment for those on their recovery journey, NCPS fosters community connection, education, and empowerment. Here’s a closer look at the services they provide and the impact they have on the local community.

NCPS Mission and Core Services

NCPS’s core mission is to create a supportive space where people aged 18 and older can work towards their own recovery. This journey occurs through education, peer support, and sharing experiences within a compassionate environment. By connecting individuals to both community and individual resources, NCPS facilitates a path to personal growth and resilience.

Their primary services include:

  • Peer Support Groups: Held during open hours, these groups allow individuals to connect and share experiences in a non-judgmental, supportive setting.
  • Dual Diagnosis Support Group: Offered weekly on Mondays from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at The Shed at Serenity Center, this group provides focused support for individuals managing both mental health and substance use concerns.
  • Warmline Support: Available every evening from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, this phone line (1-866-447-1765) offers immediate support and connection to anyone needing someone to talk to outside of regular hours.

Accessibility and Open Hours

NCPS operates out of the Tannery Marketplace in Littleton, New Hampshire, and has a presence in other North Country towns, including Conway, Berlin, and Groveton. Their open hours are:

  • Monday to Thursday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  • Friday: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

The range of hours provides flexibility for community members to access support throughout the week.

The Role of Peer Support Centers in Rural Communities

Rural peer support centers like NCPS provide a vital service to communities where traditional mental health resources can be limited. Here are some ways NCPS and similar organizations help address gaps in mental health care in rural areas:

Community and Connection

NCPS offers a welcoming space for individuals to connect and build relationships with others who understand their experiences. In rural areas, where social isolation can be more common due to geographic distance, this sense of community is particularly valuable. The peer-led nature of NCPS’s support groups allows individuals to feel understood and supported, fostering a sense of belonging that can be essential to recovery.

Reducing Stigma

In close-knit communities, mental health issues can often be misunderstood or stigmatized. NCPS encourages open conversation about mental health and substance use issues, helping to reduce stigma. This promotes a culture of understanding and acceptance, which is vital for individuals who may otherwise feel hesitant to seek support.

Accessible, Non-Clinical Support

Mental health services in rural settings can often require long-distance travel, making regular appointments challenging for those with transportation limitations. NCPS bridges this gap by offering accessible, cost-free support and daily programs. This accessibility allows community members to seek help without the barriers that might come with traditional mental health services.

Programs for Empowerment and Skill Building

Beyond providing emotional support, NCPS aims to empower individuals to take active steps in their personal development. Through various skill-building workshops and activities, participants can build confidence, achieve personal goals, and even explore educational or vocational paths. This empowerment approach aligns with NCPS’s mission to encourage individuals to shape their own recovery journey.

Early Intervention and Crisis Prevention

While NCPS does not replace formal therapy, its services can serve as a form of early intervention. Peer support centers play a role in helping individuals manage daily stressors, which can prevent these challenges from escalating into crises. By offering ongoing support and connection, NCPS helps to build resilience within its community members.

Culturally Sensitive Support

Local peer support centers like NCPS are often led by individuals from the same area, which brings an additional level of understanding and cultural sensitivity to their programs. This community-driven approach ensures that services are tailored to local needs, making it easier for participants to feel comfortable and understood.

Contact and Location Information

North Country Peer Support Center is located at: Tannery Marketplace
111 Saranac St., Studio #169 (Lower Level)
Littleton, NH, USA

For more information about services or to reach the warmline, contact NCPS at 1-866-447-1765 or visit the website at www.northcountrypsa.org.