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March 21, 2022

The Art of Listening

How Peer Coaching Can Help People Recover from Addiction and Mental Health Struggles

Two women sit on a dock on Lake Champlain chatting.

One promising strategy to help Vermont residents recover from addiction and cope with mental health challenges is known as peer coaching. This approach brings trained coaches to emergency rooms, recovery centers, homeless shelters, and other locations to connect with people in need and help put them on the path to healthier lives.

National research suggests peer coaching can help reduce substance use disorder, hospitalizations, and involvement in the criminal justice system while building hope and empowerment.

In this brief discover:
  • Strategies to support organizations that train peer coaches
  • Interviews with leading thinkers on why this approach works
  • Solutions to create healthier workplaces and communities

Learn more in this video from Program Officer Andy Barker:

 

Our Health & Well Being Initiative

Collective efforts now are important to hold people safe and supported and to continue to build the resources, connections, and capacity that Vermont needs.

 

Seniors gathering at a production by The Flynn.