Community Conversations on Mental Health on
February 6, 13, 20 and 27 at Birdseye Municipal Complex in Stratford
Engaging the public to work towards healthy minds and healthy communities
Launched as a result of the Sandy Hook School tragedy, “Community Conversations on Mental Health,” are coming to Stratford in February.
Organized by the Southwest Regional Mental Health Board and the National Alliance for Mental Illness, the Community Conversations are part of a national initiative, designed not only to provide the opportunity to talk about mental health, but to develop recommendations for local solutions that will build “healthy minds, healthy communities.” A grant from Fairfield County Community Foundation will allow the recommendations from the Community Conversations to be presented to local stakeholders for action.
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In Stratford, these conversations will take place on Thursdays, February 6, 13, 20 and 27 from 7:00 to 8:30 P.M. at Birdseye Municipal Complex, 468 Birdseye Street. The public, adults and teens are encouraged and invited to sign up by February 3, at www.HealthyMindsCT.org or by calling Anna Gasinski at Stratford Community Services at (203)385-4095.
Each conversation group is kept small, with 6-12 people per group, and meets several times over a pizza dinner. A trained facilitator guides the discussion so that all participants can air their beliefs, participate in identifying challenges, and work toward locally actionable solutions.
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The Community Conversations are open to any resident of Fairfield County. Depending on the number of signups, a small group for teens and young adults, and another small group for adults will be formed. Conversations can be held in English or Spanish. With up to 25% of people experiencing some form of mental illness in their lives—whether it be anxiety, depression, or another disorder—and mental illness starting on average at age 14, virtually everyone knows someone who is struggling with this issue.
Conversations have already taken place in Bridgeport, Fairfield, Greenwich and Norwalk, for senior citizens, the LGBTQ community, and at the Open Door Shelter. Others will be offered in Bridgeport and New Canaan.
Contact: Anna Gasinski at Stratford Community Services
(203) 385-4095 Agasinski@townofstratford.com
