Boston Peer-Run Mental Health Programs
The Department of Mental Health in
Boston funds five peer-run (all staff identify as having lived experience)
Recovery Learning Communities (RLC), one for each of their five catchment
areas. Recovery Learning Communities are consumer-run networks of
self-help/peer support, information and referral, advocacy and training
activities. Training in recovery concepts and tools, advocacy forums and social
and recreational events are all part of what goes on in a Recovery Learning Community.
The doors are
open to all individuals with a serious mental illness. RLCs work
collaboratively with mental health providers, other human service agencies and
the community at large to forward the mission of community integration and
respect for people with mental health conditions. RLC activities are designed
to appeal to the range of people in the community, including people of all
racial and ethnic backgrounds and people of all co-occurring disabilities. RLCs
are for everyone.
One of its
offerings is Opening Doors to the Arts where free and reduced priced tickets to
theater, concerts and more are given. Relationships exist with Boston Symphony
Orchestra, Handel and Haydn Society, Boston Philharmonic, Berklee School of
Music, SpeakEasy Stage Company, Lyric Stage, Wheelock Family Theater and more.
Learn more at OpeningDoorsToTheArts.org.
The Metro
Boston RLC also operates a peer support line (also called a warmline) seven
days a week from 4 to 7:45 p.m. A warmline is a compassionate listening and
resource line staffed entirely by people with lived experience. The MBRLC peer support line is toll-free 1-877-733-7563 (877 PEER LNE). For a directory of
other peer support lines visit Warmline.org.
See
all Recovery Learning Communities at Mass.gov/service-details/recovery-learning-communities.
