Seacoast Spotlight Series: Connections Peer Support Center

Piscataqua Savings Bank is the proud supporter of over 130 Seacoast area nonprofits. We’re highlighting a few of the nonprofits doing incredible, critical work in our Seacoast community with our Seacoast Spotlight Series. Next up in our spotlight is Connections Peer Support Center. 

When it comes to mental health and recovery, the value of human connection cannot be overstated. For many, navigating the journey to wellness can feel isolating, overwhelming, and sometimes even impossible. That’s where Connections Peer Support Center comes in, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals living with mental health challenges by providing a unique form of support: peer-led services.

Based in New Hampshire, Connections has been a lifeline for many, offering a space where individuals can access support from those who have been where they are. The foundation of the organization is their peer support model, which places individuals with lived experience at the forefront of helping others.

The Power of Peer Support

Peer support is rooted in the belief that those who have faced similar struggles have a unique understanding of the challenges that others are going through. In this model, individuals with mental health challenges provide support, encouragement, and guidance to others on their recovery journey. It’s an approach that builds trust and fosters a sense of community, two critical components in recovery.

Connections offers a range of services, all designed to help individuals build a support network and develop tools for navigating their mental health challenges. Whether through one-on-one peer support, group sessions, or recovery coaching, Connections empowers individuals by providing them with the resources they need to regain control over their lives.

Services for Every Stage of Recovery

One of the standout features at Connections is the diverse array of services they offer. These services cater to individuals at all stages of their mental health journey, from those seeking early support to individuals in the midst of long-term recovery.

• Health & Wellness Education: Connections offers programs that promote physical health and overall well-being. Educational workshops and peer-led discussions cover topics such as nutrition, exercise, preventive care, and emotional management. These programs empower individuals to make informed health choices, develop sustainable wellness habits, and integrate self-care practices into their daily lives. 
• Peer Support Services: Peer-led services are designed to support individuals on their mental health and wellness journey. Trained peer support specialists provide one-on-one guidance, offering empathy and practical advice based on lived experiences. Whether assisting with emotional well-being, coping strategies, or navigating daily challenges, these specialists help individuals take meaningful steps toward recovery.
• Support Groups: Connections hosts a variety of support groups, including those focused on mental health recovery, advocacy and outreach, and wellness topics. These peer-led groups provide a safe space for participants to share their experiences, gain encouragement, and build skills they can apply in daily life and the broader community. Groups such as Hearing Voices and Dual Recovery Group offer specialized support for individuals facing unique challenges.
• Life Skills Classes: Connections recognizes that wellness goes beyond mental health, offering a variety of classes and activities to support overall well-being. Creative programs like art, music, and writing provide outlets for self-expression, while practical courses in computer skills and financial literacy help build confidence and independence. Life skills classes also equip individuals with essential tools to manage stress, establish healthy routines, and strengthen resilience.

Creating a Community of Support

One of the most powerful aspects of Connections is the sense of community they foster. The organization goes beyond providing services, they actively work to build relationships and support networks that extend far beyond the peer support sessions themselves. Individuals involved with Connections often form lasting bonds with others in the community, creating a network of support that continues long after they’ve completed the program. These connections help break down the isolation that so many individuals with mental health challenges experience. 

Looking Ahead

As the demand for mental health and recovery services continues to grow, organizations like Connections are essential in ensuring that individuals have access to the help they need. The future of mental health care is moving toward more community-based, peer-driven models, and Connections is at the forefront of this movement.

Through their continued commitment to supporting individuals in recovery, Connections is helping to create a world where mental health challenges are no longer a source of shame or stigma. Instead, they are seen as a part of the human experience, and individuals facing these challenges are provided with the resources and support they need to thrive.

Get Involved

If you or someone you know could benefit from peer support, or if you’re interested in giving back to the community through volunteering or donating, Connections Peer Support Center offers numerous ways to get involved. Whether you’re looking for support or hoping to contribute to the growing network of peer support specialists, there are opportunities for everyone to make a difference.

To learn more about Connections Peer Support Center and the services they offer, visit their website at www.connectionspeersupport.org. Together, we can build a future where recovery is possible for all.