Skip to main content
NatCon25 Main banner
Back

    Harold Grimes, CT Certifies PSS, National Certified PSS

    Peer Support Specialsit
    Institute for Hispanic Families (Catholic Charities)
    Hartford, Connecticut

    My name is Harold Grimes. I am currently the peer support special for the institute For Hispanic Families in Hartford Connecticut. I have been a Connecticut peers support specialist for 6 years. I have been one of the few National Certified Peer Support Specialist for one year. Prior to my current assignment, I work at another agency for a year and have over 11 years and a facilitator and state trainer for NAMI. I also volunteer as a group leader for the VA in Newington. I am on the Board of Directors for Advocacy Unlimited as well. Advocacy Unlimited it the organization the trains and educates the perspective peer support specialists in the state.

    I tell people that peer support saved my life. When I was struggling with 35 years of mental health and other health issues. I did it on my own which did not go well. In 2010 I was hospitalized at the VA for suicidal ideations. My release was conditional where I had to attend the Healing and Recovery Program at the VA in Newington. Once I got over that fact I was forced to go, I started listening to other stories and realized that I was not alone. Within 2 years of the program, I was mentoring other vets in how they can handle problems and feel good about themselves.

    I am constantly looking for training to enhance my work. I am an Alternative to Suicide Facilitator, Hearing Voices Network Facilitator, Seeking Safety Facilitator, Whole Health Action Mangement Facilitator, NAMiI Connection Facilitator and NAMI Connections State trainer.

    Aside from those, I have been passionately working to show how valuable peer support can be in supporting the clinical work in Mental Health. I get tremendous support for the clinicians. they are extremely overworked but find that all the client we work together on they get into solid recovery sooner and have to be seen less frequently. I am also fighting for our state to recognize peer support as a valuable tool in mental health recovery.

    Presentation(s):