NAMI Manchester - CT

If you're ages 18-35 and interested in socializing with others who "get it", join NAMI Manchester and the Young Adult Connection Community via NAMI CT for a FREE, fun afternoon of bowling!

🗓️Saturday, October 24, 2026
🕐 1 PM - 3 PM
📍Spare Time, 350 Talcottville Road, Vernon

Spots are limited and RSVPs are required.

Reserve your spot now at https://namict.networkforgood.com/events/96571-rolling-into-fall-october-bowling-connection

Visit NAMIManchesterCT.org/self-harm-facts to get the facts about self-harm, treatment options, the "do's and don'ts" for helping yourself or others, and trustworthy resources for learning more.

NAMI Manchester is here for you, whether you or a loved one is experiencing self-harm. Visit NAMIManchesterCT.org/calendar to see our available support groups or e-mail [email protected] for more information.

September is Su***de Prevention Month. One of the biggest myths about su***de is that talking about it or asking someone if they are experiencing suicidal thoughts can be harmful. The truth is the opposite: silence is harmful, talking is helpful. One honest, caring conversation can save a life.

This month, NAMI Manchester encourages you to start a conversation. Raise awareness, spread hope, and spark meaningful action around one of the most urgent mental health issues of our time. Be the difference.

Find free resources for ***depreventionmonth at nami.org/spm

June is Month! Men die by su***de at 4x the rate women do and are much less likely than women to receive mental health treatment. It's important to know that it's okay to ask for help. If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 for support, 24/7. You can also see the free services NAMI Manchester provides at https://NAMIManchester.org -- we are here for you.

People often keep it a secret, but the urge to self-harm isn't uncommon, especially in adolescents and young adults. Many overcome it with treatment.

Learn more about self-harm, why people do it, how treatment works, and what to do/say for loved ones engaging in self-harm: https://www.nami.org/co-occurring-conditions/self-harm/

Visit the NAMI Manchester calendar to find FREE local support, both for people experiencing mental health challenges and for their families/loved ones: https://namimanchesterct.org/calendar/

NAMI on Campus at CT State Manchester, in cooperation with the Manchester Community College Foundation, is offering a presentation about eating disorders this coming Monday, February 23, 2026. Free and open to the public, with lunch provided. We hope to see you there!

📆 Monday, February 23, 2026
🕛 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
📍 Culinary Arts Center @ CT State Manchester (formerly Manchester Community College), 60 Bidwell Street

Park in the East Lot and follow signs towards the bookstore entrance (SSC Building), then head up the grand staircase in the main lobby and turn left at the top of the stairs. The Culinary Arts Center will be right in front of you.

Do you have a loved one with a mental health condition? Would you like to learn more about how you can support them and yourself?

NAMI Manchester is now taking registrations for a FREE 8-week Family-to-Family class beginning Wednesday, February 25, to be held at Center Congregational Church UCC in Downtown Manchester CT.

NAMI Family-to-Family is taught by NAMI-trained family members who have been there, and includes presentations, discussions, and interactive exercises. Research shows that the class significantly improves the coping and problem-solving abilities of the people closest to a person with a mental health condition.

In the class, you'll learn about:

• How to solve problems and communicate effectively
• Taking care of yourself and managing your stress
• Supporting your loved one with compassion
• Finding and using local supports and services
• Up-to-date information on mental health conditions and how they affect the brain
• How to handle a crisis
• Current treatments and therapies
• The impact of mental health conditions on the entire family

You'll also experience compassion and reinforcement from people who understand your situation -- you are not alone in your journey, and there is hope.

Register at https://namict.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/family-to-family-registration

Are you 30+ and looking for a non-traditional, activity-based, FREE peer support group for mental health? Great news! One of NAMI Manchester's Continuum groups is meeting this coming Monday, January 12 at 7 PM at Center Congregational Church UCC in Downtown Manchester CT.

Continuum group sessions can include art activities, games, goal-setting, and other activities, as well as traditional support group discussion. No registration required and groups respect confidentiality.

We invite you to join an important community event that addresses su***de prevention.

Why We Didn’t Tell You
Monday, January 5, 6:30 pm
Manchester Public Library, CT - Mary Cheney Library, 586 Main Street

Grace Grinnell of NAMI CT and Steven MacHattie of Charter Oak Family Center will lead an open, honest conversation about why teens and adults often don’t disclose suicidal thoughts or past attempts. This program aims to reduce stigma and create space for the frank dialogue our community needs. Understanding the barriers to disclosure can help us become better supporters, listeners and advocates for those who are struggling.

We hope to see you there!

It's almost 2026! If you're thinking about coming up with a mental health-related resolution for the new year, NAMI has some great suggestions at https://www.nami.org/people/mental-health-resolutions-for-the-new-year/

What are you proud of accomplishing with your mental health or with mental health advocacy in 2025? Do you have any goals for 2026 you'd like to share?