Skip to main content

Natural Awakenings Greater Boston - Rhode Island

Boston Peer-Run Mental Health Programs

The Department of Mental Health in Boston funds five peer-run (all staff identify as having lived experience) Recovery Learning Communities (RLC), one for each of their five catchment areas. Recovery Learning Communities are consumer-run networks of self-help/peer support, information and referral, advocacy and training activities. Training in recovery concepts and tools, advocacy forums and social and recreational events are all part of what goes on in a Recovery Learning Community.

The doors are open to all individuals with a serious mental illness. RLCs work collaboratively with mental health providers, other human service agencies and the community at large to forward the mission of community integration and respect for people with mental health conditions. RLC activities are designed to appeal to the range of people in the community, including people of all racial and ethnic backgrounds and people of all co-occurring disabilities. RLCs are for everyone.

One of its offerings is Opening Doors to the Arts where free and reduced priced tickets to theater, concerts and more are given. Relationships exist with Boston Symphony Orchestra, Handel and Haydn Society, Boston Philharmonic, Berklee School of Music, SpeakEasy Stage Company, Lyric Stage, Wheelock Family Theater and more. Learn more at OpeningDoorsToTheArts.org.

The Metro Boston RLC also operates a peer support line (also called a warmline) seven days a week from 4 to 7:45 p.m. A warmline is a compassionate listening and resource line staffed entirely by people with lived experience. The MBRLC peer support line is toll-free 1-877-733-7563 (877 PEER LNE). For a directory of other peer support lines visit Warmline.org.

See all Recovery Learning Communities at Mass.gov/service-details/recovery-learning-communities.