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VOCAL FAQ Q: What is a
"consumer" or "peer"? What is a "consumer" or "peer"? The terms “peer”, “consumer,” “survivor” refer to someone who has personally experienced serious mental health issues. This can include anyone who chooses to identify as a consumer based on personal experiences such as: being diagnosed with a mental illness, a past history of serious mental health issues, or a current experience of psychiatric symptoms that have a substantial impact on one’s life or well-being. Peers can include people who are or have been hospitalized for a mental illness, are in therapy or taking medication for a mental illness, or are otherwise managing their mental health issues.
What is a peer-run program? Peer-run programs are self-help programs led by and for people with mental illness. As people who have personally experienced mental illness, we work to create programs that respect the inherent worth and dignity of each individual, regardless of their current or past mental state, medical diagnosis, or use of medications. There are all kinds of peer-run programs in Virginia: Drop-In Centers, Employment Centers, Training Programs, Warm Lines, Arts Programs, Transitional Housing, Advocacy Groups, Recovery Groups, and more. Is VOCAL peer-run? Yes. VOCAL is currently 100% peer-run. All our staff and board members identify as people in mental health recovery.
How do I get involved with VOCAL? Would you like to get involved with VOCAL? Take a workshop? Come to a meeting? Become a member? Connect with other advocates? Click here to find out ways you can get involved.
How is VOCAL funded? VOCAL is made possible thanks to support from:
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