Mental Health Awareness Month – Events, trainings and resources
🗓️Upcoming Events
UVMMC Community Health Prioritization Sessions
Help shape the future of health in Chittenden and Grand Isle Counties and join one of two virtual sessions tomorrow, May 6 from 9am – 10am OR Thursday, May 8 from 3pm – 4pm to review key findings from the University of Vermont Medical Center’s 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment. Participants will be asked to identify the top three health priorities and discuss strategies to address them. Please register here.
Howard Center Conference
On Tuesday, May 13, the Howard Center’s Spring conference Perspectives 2025: Confronting Stigma, Cultivating Compassion will feature international speakers bringing diverse perspectives, hope, and inspiration to our community. Please note that in-person seating for the conference is sold out but livestream registration is still available. Register here.
NAMI Walks Vermont on May 17
On Saturday, May 17, individuals of all ages will gather at the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Burlington for NAMIWalks Vermont 2025 and join in a 2.5K walk through Burlington. This walkathon is not just a fundraiser; it is a celebration of community, awareness, and mental health support! Learn more about the walk here or register as a participant or donor here.
Music for Mental Health
The Me2 Orchestra has a series of performances this month across the region, including concerts in Burlington and Middlebury. Me2/ (“me, too”) is the world’s only classical music organization created for individuals with mental illnesses and the people who support them. See the full list of upcoming events here.
VA New England Mental Health Summit
The VA New England’s 2025 Community Mental Health Summit is on Thursday, June 5, from 8am – 12:15pm (virtual). The theme is The Power of Connection: Supporting Veterans and Their Families. Register here.
PeerPalooza
Washington County Mental Health Services is proud to host a conference celebrating all things related to Peer Services on Thursday, June 5, and Friday, June 6, at the Barre Auditorium from 9am – 4pm both days. PeerPalooza seeks to offer current and future Peer Specialists a place to learn, collaborate and share in all things that make Peer Specialists vital to the success of the people they serve. Learn more here.
🙋Facilitator Opportunities
Become a NAMI Sharing Hope Facilitator
Powered by the CCIE Grant from Kohl’s, NAMI Vermont is expanding Sharing Hope — a culturally responsive program for individuals of Black, African American, and African ancestry to explore mental health and wellness in a safe, supportive space. If you are interested in learning more about this initiative and how you can get involved, including as a facilitator, click here.
đź“šLearning Opportunities
De-Escalation Training for Front-Line and Office Staff
Common Good Vermont is offering a training on De-Escalation Strategies for Front-Line and Office Staff: A Trauma-Informed Approach to Safer Workplaces. This training is intended for front-line staff, administrative and office workers, HR professionals, supervisors, and anyone interested in improving communication, reducing workplace conflict, and building trauma-informed practices into everyday work. Thursday, May 29, 10am-11:30am, virtual. Register here.
Mental Health First Aid
This training provides practical tools to recognize mental health challenges, offer support, and connect individuals to care. These sessions are perfect for educators, family members, community leaders, and anyone ready to learn how to support mental health and make a difference, especially those with daytime commitments. Training led by Sunshine Silver Lining. Reserve your spot or indicate interest in an upcoming training here.
Suicide Prevention Training and Events Calendar
The Department of Health in collaboration with the Department of Mental Health and the Center for Health and Learning recently added a new Suicide Prevention Training and Events Calendar to the State’s FacingSuicideVT website. To request that an event be added to the calendar, email Lynette Davis.
Scenario and Action Planning in Times of Crisis
Nonprofits are slowly learning how the current administration’s actions will impact their services, funding, and ability to achieve their mission. Navigating this uncertainty can be challenging, but utilizing scenario planning allows organizations to build resilience by identifying potential responses and adapting strategically as federal policies evolve. In this training from Common Good Vermont on Scenario and Action Planning in Times of Crisis, participants will learn basic steps in scenario planning and will explore how to use the planning process in a hands-on activity. Thursday, June 5, 1pm-2:30pm, virtual. Register here.
🧰Resources
Vermont 211 Has Been Revamped!
Vermont 211 has launched a user-friendly online directory, making it easier for residents to find essential services. Whether you need child care, community meals, tax assistance, crisis support, or legal help, their search tool connects you with the resources you’re looking for. You can explore suggestions, search for specific services, or browse by category. As a nonprofit program of the United Ways of Vermont, Vermont 211 is available 24/7 to assist you. Call 211, text your zip code to 898211, or visit their website to access the directory.
Services for Service Members, Veterans and Families
Welcome to the Vermont Service Members, Veterans and Families Wellness Map. This interactive map is a comprehensive resource designed to support Vermont service members, veterans, and their families (SMVF) in finding the care and assistance they need. It offers an array of clinical resources, focusing on access to mental health services and supports by local area.
Provider Resource: Working With Marginalized Communities
Marginalized communities face barriers that limit their access to resources, opportunities and equal treatment in society. These communities include people of color, LGBTQ+ communities, low-income populations, people with disabilities, and immigrants. Given the rise of attacks and legislation against marginalized communities over the past few years, the work professional counselors do in supporting them has been even more crucial. Find comprehensive provider resources online from the American Counseling Association.
Navigating a Mental Health Crisis: A NAMI Resource
The Navigating a Mental Health Crisis guide provides essential, potentially life-saving information for people experiencing mental health crises and their loved ones. NAMI National created this guide to help individuals recognize the warning signs of a crisis, develop strategies to de-escalate it, and identify available resources for those affected.