Countywide mental health services, supports and trainings are available in English and Spanish. They including Zumba, gardening groups, walking groups, mental health workshops, and stress-busters, with more to come including Cafecitos, and mental health-first aid training.
The community has the opportunity to be trained in Psychological First Aid and certified in Skills for Psychological Recovery.
Research, including a recent survey by psychiatric times, says getting involved in the community and maintaining connections enhances people’s mental health and coping skills, and promotes resiliency.
Another article by NAMI states that not only is community connection important for mental health, it is critical for humans to thrive.
The community activities and trainings are funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and developed through the feedback gained from some 5,000 community participants in the community mental health assessment led by Behavioral Wellness last fall.
The assessment was conducted to learn the local impact of the pandemic within the community, and hear what the community felt was most needed to help in the overall recovery from the devastating impact felt in the lives of many.
Key priorities heard included:
· Social connection opportunities
· Accessibility to resources
· Education and stigma reduction
· Variety of accessible services and supports
A collaborative team of five local organizational providers has been awarded ARPA funding and members are working on the launch of the services and supports now available countywide. Providers include CommUnify, Community Promotores Network, Santa
Barbara Response Network, Transitions Mental Health Association, and the Lompoc Valley Community Health Care Organization.
For more about new services, including activity flyers, and to sign up, visit the Behavioral Wellness website. Fall and winter opportunities are currently posted. The information will be updated regularly.
For links to mental health services or for urgent or crisis needs, call the Behavioral Wellness 24/7 Access line, 1-888-868-1649.
For more about the Santa Barbara County Department of Behavioral Wellness, visit https://www.countyofsb.org/274/Behavioral-Wellness.