“What do we live for, if it is not to make life less difficult for each other?”
-George Eliot
What Is SHAMA?
The “Self Help and Mutual Aid” center is a place where peers can take charge of their mental health, with other like-minded peers.
Peer Specialists at SHAMA support peers with the three core principles and four main tasks of IPS-Intentional Peer Support. Connection, worldview, mutuality and moving towards peers is at the foundation of SHAMA.
SHAMA offers individual and group peer support with groups ranging from Depression and Dual Diagnosis Support to lighter subjects such as Arts + Crafts.
SHAMA Principals:
SHAMA at its core believes all humans deserve compassion, empathy, respect and kindness. Peers at SHAMA are breaking down mental health stigmas and teaching our community that we are not defined by our mental health diagnosis.
SHAMA belongs to those who give it energy.
Current SHAMA Groups:
Morning Mingle/Arts + Crafts –
focus on an activity in front of you to feel grounded and present. Build a heathy rapport with peers. Peers are expected to participate by conversating/engaging with each other to the best of their ability. We hope peers will gain confidence at SHAMA to offer feedback within our community.
Depression Support –
breaking down the stigma behind depression. Develop healthy coping skills that
resonate within yourself. We discuss the importance of authenticity, setting boundaries and self-care in regard to guarding our sacred energy. Find and set small and attainable depression goals, that are not overwhelming.
SHAMA Peer Support –
peer support is to share lived experiences. Peer support focuses on learning how to communicate in a healthy manner. Build trust and connection with each other. Discover what makes peer support special and different from traditional supervision. Be your own best advocate, because you know your mind and body best.
Mindfulness –
discover mindfulness by finding ways to live in the moment and be present. Meditation is at the heart of mindfulness. Discover ways to eat, sleep and find overall wellness. We also discuss the 8 Dimensions of Wellness (emotional, financial, social and spiritual balance) to find peace in our lives.
Dual Diagnosis Group –
remember you are not defined by your diagnosis. Dual Diagnosis Group focuses on education of commonly paired diagnoses. As well as the signs and symptoms and how to cope with a Dual Diagnosis. The goal of this group is to support those who have lived with an addiction. Recovery is possible for those who desire it. Everyone deserves a quality life free from substances.
Each One, Teach One –
this group offers peers a chance to learn from each other. Share a hobby, talent or expertise with your peers on a subject of your choice. One topic will be chosen and will be presented on the last Wednesday of the month at 10AM.
Eat to Live –
education on the food you’re eating, its origins and its health benefits. Learn new healthy recipes and shopping habits that will be wallet friendly. Connect with fellow peers over our mutual love of cuisine.
For more information on SHAMA classes and planned events you can view our calendar here!
Referral and Enrollment (Steps and Qualifications)
1. Have a psychiatric disorder
2. Be enrolled in OHP
3. Be enrolled with Coos Health & Wellness
4. Request SHAMA Peer Support services from anyone on your CHW care team
5. The referral will be sent from CHW to a SHAMA support specialist and an appointment will be set up to initiate the service
SHAMA referral forms for clinician use can be downloaded here.
Working Wonders in Coos County 