In-person support groups restart — at NAMI office

As participation in virtual support groups fell during the past couple of weeks, we checked in with some long-timers. And we heard that many have missed the kind of connection that happens when we gather in a room together.

So with guidance from El Paso County Public Health, and while taking every necessary safety precaution, NAMI Colorado Springs is reintroducing in-person support groups at its 1615 S. Murray Blvd. office.

Mondays, 7-8:30 p.m.: Basics Support Group

For parents & caregivers of children & teens who are experiencing mental health issues

Tuesdays, 7-8:30 p.m.: Connection Support Group

For adults living with mental illness

Wednesdays, 7-8:30 p.m.: Family Support Group

For family members of adults living with mental illness

The in-person Basics and Connection offerings will replace the virtual groups we’ve been running on those nights. On Wednesdays, we will continue to offer a virtual Family Support Group — now from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

(You can check our website homepage to see all of this in calendar format.)

If you’ve attended our in-person support groups before, you’ll want to note some changes. First, YOU MUST REGISTER AHEAD of time. This will allow us to limit the group to eight participants (plus two facilitators), ensuring participant safety and compliance with county guidelines. Drop-ins will not be allowed to join. To register, please call 719.473.8477 or email programs and volunteer manager Lynn Shull by noon on the day of the group.

Also, we will observe the following protocols:

• physical distancing of six feet or more;
• the wearing of masks inside the NAMI office;
• and sending people home if they are showing symptoms of illness.

More detail is available on the Connection group here and the Basics and Family support groups here.

We do expect these groups to fill, so if you’ve been waiting to join an in-person group, please don’t hesitate to call or email Lynn. Hope to see you soon!