Ancora Peer Support Center Celebration: Activities

Introduction to Ancora Peer Support Center Celebration

Join us for an unforgettable day at the Ancora Peer Support Center Celebration, a highlight among Albuquerque events! This festive gathering showcases inspiring Behavioral Health Services, including substance use counseling and community support services. In partnership with Perfectly Imperfect, the celebration offers interactive workshops, engaging activities, and opportunities to connect with peers. Learn how you can help build a better community while having a day full of help, education, and enjoyment!

Purpose of the Celebration

This event is an important space to encourage mental health awareness during Recovery Month, highlighting the role of community involvement in improving life quality.

The event will include different activities to help people connect and share their recovery stories.

Workshops and panel discussions will focus on substance use counseling, while also addressing pressing issues such as gun violence and its impact on mental health.

Participants can engage with local resources, including counselors and support groups, promoting independent living solutions. For context, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides extensive resources on this topic through their National Recovery Month toolkit.

Interactive art and music sessions will give people a chance to be creative, letting them share their experiences and enjoy their personal stories. Those curious about additional recovery event highlights might appreciate our overview of recovery events goals and participation.

The goal of this celebration is to encourage hope and motivate community efforts to better mental health.

Overview of Activities

The event includes various activities, such as workshops, main speeches, and hands-on sessions, created to improve skills and build relationships among participants.

Participants can look forward to skill-building workshops led by experts in various fields. These include:

• A digital literacy session by Kewa Family Wellness Center, focusing on online tools for health management. According to a recent publication in Frontiers in Digital Health, digital health literacy is a key factor in realizing the value of online health tools, making this session particularly relevant.
• A resume-building workshop hosted by the NM Reentry Center, aimed at enhancing job application skills.

You will have chances to connect with local groups to learn about mentorship programs and community support projects. Participating in these activities develops important skills and strengthens connections within the community (especially in peer support settings that are crucial for recovery, as discussed in our guide on peer support settings).

Keynote Speakers

The keynote speakers at the Ancora Peer Support Center Celebration are respected individuals in behavioral health, sharing important knowledge and personal stories.

Guest Speaker Profiles

Profiles of guest speakers include prominent advocates and experts in behavioral health, each with unique backgrounds and experiences related to recovery.

Dr. Sarah Johnson, a psychologist and part of the Suicide Prevention Task Force, has dedicated more than ten years to studying how people recover from trauma. She initiated multiple community projects aimed at suicide prevention, aligning with initiatives from organizations like the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

Similarly, Michael Lee, a mental health advocate and former athlete, shares his story of overcoming depression and now leads workshops to inspire resilience in youth.

Dr. Naomi Rivers, recognized for her work on addiction, often speaks at events to highlight the need for mental health support. Related callout: Developing Self-Awareness in Addiction Recovery is a critical aspect of her advocacy.

These speakers add depth to conversations about promoting and teaching mental health.

Topics of Discussion

The discussions will cover various topics, including strategies for enhancing peer support and addressing substance misuse in local communities.

Participants will learn practical methods like setting up community-led support groups to create a feeling of connection.

Experts will review local programs that successfully address substance misuse, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts. For example, engaging local health services to provide education on addiction and resources can create a more informed public.

Showing how community stability connects with effective support services encourages a thorough approach to recovery, ensuring all aspects of community health are considered.

Workshops and Interactive Sessions

Workshops and interactive sessions at the Ancora celebration offer practical learning opportunities designed to improve skills in helping peers and getting involved with the community.

Skill-Building Workshops

The skill-building workshops will cover practical techniques for effective peer support, with a focus on real-life applications and participant engagement.

Participants will engage in role-playing scenarios to practice crisis intervention strategies, learning how to assess situations and respond appropriately.

The workshops will have group discussions to improve communication skills. Participants will look at case studies and create individual support plans.

By the end of the sessions, participants will feel more sure of themselves in helping others and getting better at talking to people, which will make them active helpers in their communities.

Peer Support Techniques

Participants will learn about different ways to help each other that can be used in their communities to create a supportive atmosphere.

1. One effective method is the establishment of support groups where individuals can share their experiences and challenges. People can listen carefully to make sure everyone feels heard and valued.
2. Another approach is to facilitate regular check-ins, creating opportunities for open dialogue and feedback. By using collaborative tools like Google Docs for shared resource lists, members can work together and learn from each other.

These methods create a safe space and support personal growth and community involvement. For those interested in enhancing these efforts with digital solutions, exploring Virtual Peer Support: Digital Platforms and Apps can offer valuable insights into integrating technology with community support.

Community Engagement Activities

Community activities at the Ancora event focus on linking attendees with local groups and offering ways for them to get involved.

Volunteer Opportunities

The event offers a variety of volunteer opportunities, allowing participants to get involved and contribute to local recovery initiatives.

Volunteers can pick from various roles to make a big difference. People who want to help with learning can support workshops by teaching cooking or managing money.

For individuals who enjoy planning, organizing activities like group outings or exercise sessions is an option. Assisting with preparing and organizing events makes it better for all attendees.

Tools like Google Sheets can help manage schedules, while social media is useful for promoting volunteer opportunities and engaging the community.

Networking Sessions

Networking sessions offer a great chance for participants to meet and interact with others in the behavioral health field.

These sessions help build relationships, letting participants share experiences and strategies to improve their work.

Engaging through structured activities, like small group discussions or speed networking, encourages deeper conversations. For example, use a tool like Gather or Remo for online meetings. Start with enjoyable introductions to help everyone relax.

Post-session follow-ups via LinkedIn or email can solidify connections made, turning initial conversations into collaborative projects that benefit your community’s health initiatives.

Entertainment and Performances

Entertainment at the Ancora celebration will feature local artists and performers, highlighting the variety of community talent and cultural expression.

Local Artists and Performers

Local artists will present their works and performances, reflecting the diverse cultural heritage of the Albuquerque area and its surrounding communities.

Painter Maria Sanchez stands out for her use of bright colors to show the scenery of New Mexico. She frequently includes ideas about nature’s power to heal.

Sculptor James Ortiz creates pieces from recycled materials, emphasizing community resilience and sustainability.

The performances feature dancers from local troupes who interpret stories of recovery through traditional Native American movements.

These artists honor their heritage and promote unity and hope, inviting audiences to connect with the community’s rich cultural story.

Participant Showcases

Participants will have opportunities to showcase their own talents, reinforcing the importance of community involvement and self-expression.

To facilitate this, we’ll organize sessions that encourage attendees to present their skills, stories, or art.

For example, a section for unique skills will allow everyone to give a 5-minute performance or talk.

We will set up a space for participants to exhibit their work, such as paintings and handmade items.

Storytelling corners will encourage people to share their own stories, creating stronger bonds.

These events highlight each person’s skills and bring our community together through shared experiences and creativity.

Feedback and Reflection

Feedback and reflection meetings will play a key role in checking how well the Ancora celebration went and collecting ideas for upcoming events.

Gathering Participant Insights

Collecting feedback from participants will give useful information on their experiences and how the event increased community awareness.

To effectively collect feedback, consider utilizing various methods.

• Surveys can be distributed via platforms like Google Forms or SurveyMonkey, allowing for targeted questions that gauge participant satisfaction.
• Running discussion groups can lead to more meaningful conversations and show detailed views on what participants think.

For instance, during a follow-up meeting, ask open-ended questions that encourage sharing personal experiences and suggestions.

This mix of numerical data from surveys and detailed information from discussions will give a complete view of how well your event went and what can be improved.

Future Event Suggestions

Participants will share their ideas for upcoming events. This will help everyone feel part of the group and make the community stronger.

To facilitate this, we will implement an online feedback form where attendees can submit their ideas and preferences.

For example, we might ask about topics they’d like covered, preferred event formats (such as in-person, virtual, or hybrid), and timing.

Each quarter, we’ll review the feedback and outline key themes to guide our planning. This process helps organize upcoming celebrations and makes participants feel personally involved, creating a stronger sense of community.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Ancora Peer Support Center Celebration?

The Ancora Peer Support Center Celebration is an event held by the Ancora Peer Support Center to celebrate and recognize the accomplishments and contributions of the center and its members.

Who can attend the Ancora Peer Support Center Celebration?

All members of the Ancora Peer Support Center are invited to attend the celebration, as well as their friends, family, and anyone in the community who is interested in learning more about the center.

What activities can I expect at the Ancora Peer Support Center Celebration?

The celebration will include a variety of fun and engaging activities such as games, music, food, and opportunities to connect with other members of the center.

Will there be any guest speakers at the Ancora Peer Support Center Celebration?

Yes, the celebration will have guest speakers who will talk about their personal stories and thoughts on how the Ancora Peer Support Center has affected them and why mental health support matters.

Is there a cost to attend the Ancora Peer Support Center Celebration?

No, the celebration is free for all members of the Ancora Peer Support Center and their guests. The center believes in providing accessible and inclusive events for its community members.

How can I get involved in planning the Ancora Peer Support Center Celebration?

If you are a member of the Ancora Peer Support Center and would like to be involved in planning the celebration, please reach out to the center’s staff or board members to express your interest and get more information on how to get involved.