News from CHARG
(Capitol Hill Action and Recreation Group)

By David Burgess

As I write this, a couple of our mental health consumers and I are looking ahead to joining with the Our Savior’s congregation on Sunday, January 22 for a discussion of CHARG, mental illness, and a brief participation in the worship service. We always enjoy the lively discussion with people who share our values and who appreciate the importance of our work. I would also like to remind everyone that the CHARG consumer Speakers’ Bureau is available to talk to other audiences in the metro area. This articulate group of consumers has made a number of presentations to work groups, fraternal organizations, schools and pretty much any other group in Denver which is interested in hearing from us.

So if you enjoyed our dialogue on the 22nd, please think of us as a resource not only to the church itself, but to other groups you may be a part of. The typical Speakers’ Bureau presentation involves consumers telling their own stories to illustrate more general information about mental illness and the CHARG model. We have found that audiences have particular interest in hearing first-person stories from our consumers about the experience of mental illness – coming as they do from the people who know mental illness best from their own direct experience, these stories are especially effective in responding to people’s questions and curiosity, and overall in educating the public about mental illness and breaking down the stigma that is too often associated with it.

Please give this idea some thought, and let us know if this would interest you. Aron Williams coordinates the Speakers’ Bureau, and he can be reached through CHARG (303-830-8805 to leave a message), or by e mail at aragospc@hotmail.com.

Thank you!

See photos from the Open House and Quarton Drop-in Center dedication on October 30, 2011.

February 2012