NAMI Manchester - CT

03/18/2026

People often keep it a secret, but the urge to self-harm isn't uncommon, especially in adolescents and young adults. Many overcome it with treatment.

Learn more about self-harm, why people do it, how treatment works, and what to do/say for loved ones engaging in self-harm: https://www.nami.org/co-occurring-conditions/self-harm/

Visit the NAMI Manchester calendar to find FREE local support, both for people experiencing mental health challenges and for their families/loved ones: https://namimanchesterct.org/calendar/

02/19/2026

NAMI on Campus at CT State Manchester, in cooperation with the Manchester Community College Foundation, is offering a presentation about eating disorders this coming Monday, February 23, 2026. Free and open to the public, with lunch provided. We hope to see you there!

📆 Monday, February 23, 2026
🕛 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
📍 Culinary Arts Center @ CT State Manchester (formerly Manchester Community College), 60 Bidwell Street

Park in the East Lot and follow signs towards the bookstore entrance (SSC Building), then head up the grand staircase in the main lobby and turn left at the top of the stairs. The Culinary Arts Center will be right in front of you.

01/13/2026

Do you have a loved one with a mental health condition? Would you like to learn more about how you can support them and yourself?

NAMI Manchester is now taking registrations for a FREE 8-week Family-to-Family class beginning Wednesday, February 25, to be held at Center Congregational Church UCC in Downtown Manchester CT.

NAMI Family-to-Family is taught by NAMI-trained family members who have been there, and includes presentations, discussions, and interactive exercises. Research shows that the class significantly improves the coping and problem-solving abilities of the people closest to a person with a mental health condition.

In the class, you'll learn about:

• How to solve problems and communicate effectively
• Taking care of yourself and managing your stress
• Supporting your loved one with compassion
• Finding and using local supports and services
• Up-to-date information on mental health conditions and how they affect the brain
• How to handle a crisis
• Current treatments and therapies
• The impact of mental health conditions on the entire family

You'll also experience compassion and reinforcement from people who understand your situation -- you are not alone in your journey, and there is hope.

Register at https://namict.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/family-to-family-registration

01/08/2026

Are you 30+ and looking for a non-traditional, activity-based, FREE peer support group for mental health? Great news! One of NAMI Manchester's Continuum groups is meeting this coming Monday, January 12 at 7 PM at Center Congregational Church UCC in Downtown Manchester CT.

Continuum group sessions can include art activities, games, goal-setting, and other activities, as well as traditional support group discussion. No registration required and groups respect confidentiality.

01/04/2026

We invite you to join an important community event that addresses su***de prevention.

Why We Didn’t Tell You
Monday, January 5, 6:30 pm
Manchester Public Library, CT - Mary Cheney Library, 586 Main Street

Grace Grinnell of NAMI CT and Steven MacHattie of Charter Oak Family Center will lead an open, honest conversation about why teens and adults often don’t disclose suicidal thoughts or past attempts. This program aims to reduce stigma and create space for the frank dialogue our community needs. Understanding the barriers to disclosure can help us become better supporters, listeners and advocates for those who are struggling.

We hope to see you there!

12/30/2025

It's almost 2026! If you're thinking about coming up with a mental health-related resolution for the new year, NAMI has some great suggestions at https://www.nami.org/people/mental-health-resolutions-for-the-new-year/

What are you proud of accomplishing with your mental health or with mental health advocacy in 2025? Do you have any goals for 2026 you'd like to share?

12/22/2025

This time of year can be hard for many, but remember: the "holiday blues" are short-term and they will pass. Learn more at http://nami.org/holidayblues

NAMI Manchester is here for you. If you would like to attend a free support group, visit our calendar at https://namimanchesterct.org/calendar

12/02/2025

NAMI Manchester is a local, grassroots 501(c)3 working towards improving the lives of people with mental health challenges and their loved ones across 15 towns in Hartford and Tolland counties. We provide 100% FREE support groups, education, programming, and advocacy -- and we can't do it without financial help from our fellow community members.

If you'd like to make a donation or learn more about what we do, please visit https://namimanchesterct.org/get-involved/donate/

Thank you for supporting local charities on this !

11/15/2025

Struggling with the darker days and colder weather? East Hartford native Dr. Christine M. Crawford, M.D., MPH, NAMI's national associate medical director, did a wonderful webinar on "Navigating the Winter & Holiday Blues". See the recording at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XOxR738HWU

If you're looking for people who understand what you or your loved ones are going through with mental health challenges, please know that NAMI Manchester offers free support groups in Manchester and 14 other towns in Hartford and Tolland counties. See our schedule at https://NAMIManchesterCT.org/calendar

11/12/2025

PSA: If you are looking for support as a parent/caregiver for a child or adolescent dealing with mental health challenges, our friends at NAMI Southwest CT have a Zoom group available.

You’re not alone in your journey as a parent or caregiver. Join the NAMI-CAN Support Group on Zoom this morning, for a safe, free, and confidential space to connect with others facing similar challenges.

✨ Gain insights, share experiences, and build the strength to keep going. Together, we can find hope. Register at https://loom.ly/bWZwKWw

11/11/2025

The NAMI on Campus chapter at CT State Manchester, with support from the Manchester Community College Foundation, is hosting a FREE presentation on PTSD, including complimentary lunch and stress relief giveaway items for all attendees.

This event will help dispel common myths about the condition and inform the community about new treatment approaches available in our area. There will also be a Q&A opportunity.

This event is open to the public -- please share with your networks!

🗓️Monday, November 17, 2025 - 12:30-1:30 PM
📍CT State Manchester, 60 Bidwell Street, AST Building, Room E202 (park in West Lot and enter through tall white building)

10/29/2025

Reminder! This event is being held TOMORROW, Thursday, October 30th from 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM at CT State Manchester (formerly Manchester Community College). It is free and open to the public. We hope to see members of the NAMI Manchester community there!

The NAMI on Campus chapter at CT State Manchester, with support from the Manchester Community College Foundation, is proud to welcome two speakers with lived experience to share their stories, answer your questions, and break the stigma around mental health. This week's event is FREE and open to the public, with lunch provided.

WHEN: Thursday, October 30, 2025 - 12:30 PM-1:30 PM

WHERE: Culinary Arts Center, SSC Building 2nd Floor, CT State Manchester (formerly Manchester Community College), 60 Bidwell Street, Manchester - park in East Lot

P.S. NAMI on Campus is also conducting a toiletries drive for their campus pantry. If you're planning to attend and you're able to contribute a personal care item, a donations box will be at the door -- but there is zero expectation, so please don't feel obligated!