MOULTRIE, Ga. — State trainers from NAMI Georgia recently certified 15 individuals to lead the NAMI Connection Support Group following two days of intense training.  

Colquitt Regional Medical Center provided the training site, with NAMI Moultrie serving as the local host affiliate. Christina Bacapoulos, program coordinator for NAMI Georgia, arranged the training.

Graduates are certified to lead Connection Support Group, a peer-led support group for adults living with mental illness.  Connection is unique because it follows a structured model to ensure participants in the group have an opportunity to be heard in a safe and confidential setting, gaining hope and developing relationships, according to a press release from NAMI Moultrie. The group encourages empathy, productive discussion, and a sense of community.  

Participants gain insight from hearing the challenges and successes of others and find strength in sharing experiences, the local NAMI chapter said. Participation in Connection assists individuals as they cultivate coping skills and work for a better future.

NAMI Moultrie offers Connection Support Group, as well as Family Support Group, twice a month. Meetings begin at 6 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at First United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall.

NAMI meetings are offered to the public at no cost.  

For more information, contact Shannon Bell, shann.mbell@gmail.com, or Lynn Wilson, lynnbw45@gmail.com.