Delaware and Otsego County chapters of NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, invite the public to a very special FREE community event that focuses on mental health. "Hope & Healing: Perspectives on Mental Illness - 2," will take place Saturday, June 6th, from 1pm - 4:30pm at the United Presbyterian Church of East Guilford at the corner of Chenango Co. Rte 35 & State Hwy 8 (near Sidney, NY). Speakers Jason Paden and Tammy Burrows will each share their inspiring story of mental health recovery, managing major and chronic mental illness. They will summarize strategies that have helped them in their wellness journey and instill hope that mental health recovery is possible. Other presenters will provide information and insight on suicide prevention, family support, resources and service information for Chenango, Delaware and Otsego counties. There will be ample opportunity for audience interaction with all presenters. Light refreshments will be
served.
"Hope & Healing: Perspectives on Mental Illness 2" will also include the work of three area artists that create around the topic of mental health. Singer/song writer Mary Shepard will perform original music about her own family's journey towards recovery. There will be a presentation and display of Sidney Center painter David Byrd's art and book, Montrose V.A Hospital 1958-88. His work was inspired by his 30 years as a night orderly in the psychiatric ward. Also, local photographer Stefan Foster will share images from his beautifully haunting series of photographs taken at abandoned mental institutes throughout NY state.
The public is welcome to attend this free community event, however registration is required as seating is limited. Please register at: https://eventbrite.com/event/16885333487/ OR call: 607-746-3844.
Please join your neighbors for an important and informative community conversation about advocacy, recovery and services. It is time to end the silence and stigma surrounding mental illness!
