LIMITED DAILY WELLNESS ACTIVITIES RESUMED -- Please contact the Center nearest you before visiting to learn about how social distancing guidelines are impacting activities.
Wellness Activities are now available online. Click here to learn more!
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The Peer Support, Wellness, and Respite Centers are peer-run alternatives to traditional mental health day programs and psychiatric hospitalization.
Each of the four Peer Support, Wellness, and Respite Centers has respite rooms available to citizens of Georgia, available 24 hours a day, year-round. The three respite rooms at each center are free of charge and can be occupied by an individual overwhelmed by life challenges who feels they would benefit from 24/7 peer support, for up to seven nights, every 30 days.
Peers often use Respite to avoid psychiatric hospitalization. An individual must have a Proactive Interview on file before being eligible for Respite. They must also be at least 18 years of age, self-identify as a person who is a consumer of mental health services, have a house tour, and sign Participation Guidelines. Peers are welcome to participate in all activities, regardless of whether that are staying overnight. Activities vary by location--please call ahead to verify the schedule. Descriptions of activities are at the bottom of this page.
All overnight participants are responsible for taking their own prescribed medications and keeping them in a locked box. The box and key are provided by the Respite Centers. The kitchen will be stocked for participants who are using the respite beds and they are free to prepare food for themselves at their convenience. Participants are also free to bring in their own food.
There are no doctors, nurses, case-managers, or clinical staff associated with the Respite Centers, although each participant is free to utilize his or her established medical and community resources. Participants have a file consisting of their Proactive Interview, Contact information, and Participation Guidelines. Guests have access to their file upon request.
The Peer Support, Wellness, and Respite Centers welcome self-referrals. No independent confirmation of mental health challenges or diagnosis is required.
All peer staff are Certified Peer Specialists. In addition, all peer staff have completed Intentional Peer Support Training with Shery Mead and Chris Hansen, Warmline Training with Sheila Silverman, CPR/First Aid Certification Training and general orientation with the Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network. Probably the best training, however, is the lived experience we all share as mental health peers!
Proactive Interviews
A Proactive Interview is an interactive dialogue between a Respite Center peer staff and a peer participant. It is used to determine the type of respite supports preferred by the participant. It is completed while a participant is feeling well.
A participant can come to a Respite Center while they are feeling well and have a pro-active Interview with a peer staff. Once the interview is completed, they qualify for a respite bed if and when the need arises and a bed is available.
Proactive Interviews are offered weekdays in White County by appointment only; in Bartow County between 9:00-11:00 am, and in Decatur, between 3:00-5:00 pm. All Respite Centers offer Proactive Interviews any time on the weekends during opening hours.
Statement on the Closing of the Peer Support, Wellness, and Respite Center of Henry County
Thanks to the efforts of peers and allies across the state, the Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network was able to avoid the majority of the budget cuts in the recent State of Georgia budget proposal.
However, GMHCN still experienced a loss of over 24% of its state funding, of which $360,641.00 was specifically targeted to come from our Peer Support, Wellness, and Respite Centers. As a result, it is no longer possible to continue operating all five Centers while offering the full array of recovery and wellness supports and services that are the hallmark of Georgia’s Peer Support, Wellness, and Respite Centers, and the reason for their success. The Peer Support, Wellness, and Respite Center of Henry County, located in McDonough, will close its doors on July 31, 2020.
According to Sherry Jenkins Tucker, GMHCN’s Executive Director, “This was a difficult but necessary decision. We have never closed a Peer Support, Wellness, and Respite Center before, but we live in unprecedented times. We know the closure will have an impact in the McDonough community, and we are prepared to provide support to our peers there through our Peer2Peer Warm Line, and at our other Centers.”
Roslind Hayes, Statewide Coordinator for the Peer Support, Wellness, and Respite Centers added, “This decision was based entirely on the lack of funding to support all five Centers. The Henry County Center was chosen for closure because of its relative proximity to our Center in Decatur, and is not a reflection in any way on the staff at the Henry County Center, or the peers we supported there.”
Chris Johnson, GMHCN’s Director of Communications, encouraged Georgia’s peer community to “stay connected, stay hopeful, and stay motivated to advocate for peer recovery support services leading up to our next legislative session. GMHCN has no immediate plans to close any other Peer Support, Wellness, and Respite Center, but we have to be prepared to advocate for what matters to us. If the original 2021 budget proposal had passed, it is possible all of the Centers might now be closing. This is a time of sadness, for sure, but also a time for gratitude that we were able to work together to save the other Centers, and a time to prepare for January, when we may face new budget cuts.”
peer support, wellness, and respite centers
Bartow County Peer Support, Wellness, and Respite Center Scheduled Weekly Activities
bartow county peer support, wellness, and respite Center
201 North Erwin Street
Cartersville, GA 30120
Phone 770-276-2019
Email wellnesscenter@gmhcn.org
Directions I-75 to exit 288 Main Street make a left off the exit. Cross over Hwy 41 and make a right hand turn onto Erwin Street, after train tracks. We will be about 4 blocks down on the right hand side at the corner of Carter and North Erwin.
Monday
10:00-10:30 Wellness Walk
11:00-11:30 Aroma Therapy
Noon-1pm Financial Planning
1:30-2:30 Art Exploration
4:00-5:00 Self-Care
8:00-9:00 Respite Support
Tuesday
10:00-10:30 Wellness Walk
11:00-Noon Women's Support
12:30-1:30 Job Readiness
2:00-3:30 Housing Support
4:00-5:00 Trauma Informed Peer Support (TIPS)
8:00-9:00 Respite Support
Wednesday
10:30-11:00 Wellness Walk
Noon-1:00 Issues in Mental Health
1:30-2:30 Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP)
4:00-5:00 Boosting Self Esteem
8:00-9:00 Respite Support
Thursday
10:00-10:30 Wellness Walk
11:00-Noon Emotional Wellbeing Support
12:30-2:00 Whole Health
2:30-3:30 Computer Skills
4:00-5:00 Double Trouble in Recovery
8:00-9:00 Respite Support
Friday
10:00-10:30 Wellness Walk
11:00-12:30 What's on Your Mind
1:00-2:00 Musical Expressions
2:30-3:30 Creative Expressions
8:00-9:00 Respite Support
Saturday Events on the Square
10:30-1:00 Community Activity (times may vary)
1:00-2:30 Fun & Games
8:00-9:00 Respite Support
Sunday
11:00-1:00 Movie at the Center
2:00-3:00 Fun & Games
4:00-5:00 Y'All Recovery All Recovery
8:00-9:00 Respite Support
colquitt county peer support, wellness, and respite Center
417 2nd Street SE
Moultrie, GA 31768
Phone 229-873-9737
Email wellnesscenter@gmhcn.org
Colquitt County Peer Support, Wellness, and Respite Center Scheduled Weekly Activities
Monday
2:00-3:00 Peer Community
3:30-4:30 Computer Skills
5:00-6:00 Issues in Mental Health
8:00-9:00 Respite Support
Tuesday
2:00-3:00 Double Trouble in Recovery
3:30-4:30 Housing Support / Financial Planning
5:00-6:00 Trauma-Informed Peer Support
8:00-9:00 Respite Support
Wednesday
2:00-3:00 Exploring Relationships
3:30-4:30 Creating a Meaningful Life
5:00-6:00 Art Explorations
8:00-9:00 Respite Support
Thursday
2:00-3:00 WRAP
3:30-4:30 Whole Health/Wellbeing Support
5:00-6:00 Creative Expressions
8:00-9:00 Respite Support
Friday
2:00-3:00 Y'all Recovery All Recovery
3:30-4:30 Music
5:00-6:00 Nourishing the Spirit
8:00-9:00 Respite Support
Saturday
10:00–6:00 Movies and Games
2:00-3:00 Double Trouble in Recovery
8:00-9:00 Respite Support
Sunday
1:00–6:00 Super Sports Sundays
8:00-9:00 Respite Support
Decatur peer support and wellness Center
444 Sycamore Drive
Decatur, GA 30030
Phone 404-371-1414
Email wellnesscenter@gmhcn.org
Directions The Center is located two and a half blocks north of the Avondale Marta station on Sycamore Drive. After crossing E. Ponce de Leon, look for the 444 mailbox on the left. The house sits down a long driveway directly across from Springdale St.
Decatur Peer Support and Wellness Center Scheduled Weekly Activities
Monday
11:00-12:30 YMCA (1st & 5th Monday)
11:00-12:30 Whole Health (2nd, 3rd, & 4th)
1:30-3:00 Issues in Mental Health
8:00-9:00 Respite Support
Tuesday
11:00-12:00 Peer Zone
12:30-1:30 Trauma-Informed Peer Support
2:30-3:30 Y'all Recovery All Recovery
4:00–5:00 Computers/Financial Planning/Housing Support
8:00-9:00 Respite Support
Wednesday
11:00-11:30 Peer Community @The Comet
11:30-12:30 Bowling @The Comet (First 10 bowlers are free, additional bowlers $5.00)
1:30-3:00 Musical Expressions
5:00-6:00 Double Trouble in Recovery
8:00-9:00 Respite Support
Thursday
11:30-12:30 WRAP
1:00 – 2:00 Peer Zone
3:00 – 4:00 Creative Expressions
8:00-9:00 Respite Support
Friday
11:00-12:30 YMCA
1:30-2:30 Hearing Voices Network
3:30-5:00 Art Explorations
8:00-9:00 Respite Support
Saturday
Noon-2:00 Bingo
10:00–6:00 Movies and Games!
10:00–6:00 Resources Support
8:00-9:00 Respite Support
Sunday
10:00am - 6:00 CPS Study Group
1:00 – 6:00 Super Sports Sundays
8:00-9:00 Respite Support
white county peer support, wellness and respite Center
46 Knaus Drive
Cleveland, Ga 30528
Phone 706-865-3601
Email wellnesscenter@gmhcn.org
Directions The Peer Support, Wellness and Respite Center of White County is located north of Cleveland on Highway 129, approximately one mile past the high school. We are on the right and just before Kamper Korner (RV lot). The Center is the white house on the hill.
White County Peer Support, Wellness, and Respite Center Scheduled Weekly Activities
Monday
11-Noon Nourishing the Spirit
12:30-1:30 DTR
2:00-3:00 Creating a Meaningful Life/Independent Living
7:00-8:00 Respite Support
Tuesday
11:00-Noon Art
12:30-4:30 Bowling (two free games for first 10 participants)
7:00-8:00 Respite Support
Wednesday
11:00-Noon WHAM
12:30-1:30 Whole Health
2:00-4:00 Recreational Center
7:00-8:00 Respite Support
Thursday
11:00-Noon TIPS
12:30-2:30 Basic Computer Skills/Job Readiness
2:00-4:00 Out and About
7:00-8:00 Respite Support
Friday
11:00-Noon WRAP
12:30-2:30 Y'All Recovery All Recovery
3:30-4:30 Decompression Session
7:00-8:00 Respite Support
Peer Support Activity Descriptions
Peer support activities vary by location. These descriptions are meant to provide a general idea of what might be expected at any of the Peer Support, Wellness, and Respite Centers. For specific information about scheduled activities, please contact the PSWRC using the contact information above.
Aroma & Relaxation (Bartow) – Let go of your fears, worries, and stresses as we enter a state of complete relaxation. We will use aroma, music, imagery, meditation, and other easy-to do techniques to come to an inner peace.
Art Explorations – Use a variety of art media for self expression and exploration.
Bingo (Decatur) – Join us on Saturdays at 12:00 PM for BINGO with prizes!
Bowling (Decatur) – Meet at The Comet (formerly Suburban Lanes) every Wednesday at 11:00 to bowl competitively with peers and have loads of fun! (First 10 bowlers are free, additional bowlers $5.00); Address 2679 N. Decatur Rd. 30033; 470-225-1931
Computer Skills/Financial Planning/Housing Support - Learn basic computer skills to access housing and financial resources online. Create a budget. Learn the ins and outs of SSI/SSDI. During this hour, computers will only be available for those participating in the activity.
CPS Study Group – Make arrangements with study partners to meet at the PSWC on Sundays to prepare for the Certified Peer Specialist exam.
Creative Cafe – Share your original poetry, spoken word, prose, short stories, etc. Get creative and enjoy coffee and hot chocolate!
Double Trouble in Recovery – A twelve-step program designed to meet the needs of individuals who are dealing with both substance abuse and a mental health diagnosis
Free Events on the Square (Bartow) – Each spring, summer, and fall, Cartersville presents Events on the Square consisting of concerts, farmers market, festivals, etc. Peers can walk to the downtown square all day on Saturdays.
Hearing Voices Network – Are you a person who hears voices? Do you want to talk openly about it without labels, judgments, or coercion? This is a safe place to talk freely and openly about your experiences.
Issues in Mental Health – Let’s talk about the real issues in mental health -- in the news, with drug companies, legislation… Let’s explore what does and does not support us in recovery
Lyrical Expressions – Exploring the soundtracks of our lives!
LGBT Support – Free to all who self-identify as having a mental health challenge and identify as LGBT
Movies and Games – Saturdays are for hanging out with peers and having some good old-fashioned fun with board games, cards, and movies. We provide games to choose from, but feel free to bring your own as well.
Peer Community (Decatur) – Join us on Wednesdays at The Comet before bowling for news and announcements. This is also a good time to bring up issues that affect the PSWC community at large. Address 2679 N. Decatur Rd. 30033; 470-225-193126619
Peer Zone – A set of interactive workshops created by Mary O’Hagan and Sarah McCook. The activities are engaging and relevant to peers on the recovery path.
Respite Support – An activity every evening at 8:00 pm with respite guests for extra support if you choose
Resources Support – Resources galore. Find what you need in the community, on the internet, or through networking with other peers who have been where you’re at and know what’s available. Food, clothes, housing, support groups, lots of giveaways in Atlanta!
Sacred Space – this is a forum to talk about spirituality and what makes you passionate! You can freely share your personal feelings and beliefs about spirituality and what it means to you. No preaching, just sharing.
Super Sports Sundays – Come cheer your team on in front of the TV and have a blast!
Trauma-Informed Peer Support – Have you experienced a life-altering event in your life? This is the place where these issues can be explored with your peers while developing skills to begin to move forward.
Voices and Visions – A time to share and explore the place and possible meanings that hearing voices and seeing visions play in our lives. Various tips and tools for working with them will be discussed as well.
Whole Health – Exploring the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspect of our lives and how they intertwine.
WRAP Planning – WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan) assists with developing a wellness plan that keeps you in control when you experience a crisis.
YMCA – The PSWC has free passes! Meet us at the PSWC at 11:00 am on Mondays (1st & 5th Monday) and Fridays for some fun and exercise at the Y. Meet us at the Decatur YMCA located at 1100 Clairemont Ave., Decatur, GA Phone: (404) 377-9622