The National Alliance on Mental Illness, NAMI, is the oldest grassroots non-profit mental health organization in the country. Our volunteers represent people who are affected by mental illnesses, and the families, friends and loved ones who care for them. State affiliates (our affiliate is NAMI Mass) divide into state and county regions. We are proud to be members and volunteers of the NAMI Northeast Essex Affiliate, NNEA. Our geographic area encompasses Amesbury to Rowley and Newburyport to Haverhill. Of course, people located in other regions are always welcome to join us. The members of our organization are not healthcare providers. Our members have learned to cope skills because of knowledge from personal experiences with mental health conditions, or from caring and supporting others who have them. One of our goals is to unite as a community where there is empathy, not judgment; conversation, not silence; and engagement, not withdrawal. We advocate ending stigma and discrimination associated with mental health conditions. NNEA is proud to offer facilitated support groups, including the Family Support Group and the Connections Recovery Support Group. We meet every first and third Thursdays of the month. See our website for detailed information: naminortheastaffiliate.org. Also, we periodically host relateable, educational programs such as In Our Own Voices, where brave folks who are managing mental illnesses share, 'in their own voices': their inspiring stories – with humor and dignity – about how they manage.
