Home Community Community News New veterans peer support group launching on the East End

New veterans peer support group launching on the East End

Veterans on the East End will have a new resource to help with transition and reintegration issues. Starting March 16, the Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans Peer Support Project is launching a new peer-to-peer support group on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. at the Synergy Center, 1380 Roanoke Avenue in Riverhead.

Now in its fourth year, the Dwyer Project serves veterans, service members, and their families with post-service transitional issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury. Because all Dwyer Project peer mentors are themselves veterans, they understand the reintegration needs of those who have served no matter the era, branch of service, or discharge status. All groups are confidential and anonymous in a safe, trusting environment.

Veteran-led peer support groups are fast becoming a very effective way for veterans and their families to find comfort and resources when seeking help with transition and reintegration. In addition to the new Riverhead location, groups meet in Amityville, Huntington, Bay Shore, Yaphank, and Sag Harbor as well as at St. Joseph’s College in Patchogue and at Suffolk County Community College’s three campuses. Veterans of all eras are welcome. Snacks and light refreshments are served at all meetings.

For more information, email vetspeertopeer@suffolkcountyny.gov, call (631) 853-8345, or visit www.facebook.com/DwyerProject. Calls and emails are strictly confidential.

About the Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Project

Named in memory of Long Islander PFC Joseph P. Dwyer, who enlisted two days after 9-11, Dwyer proudly served our nation in Iraq, but once home lost his own personal battle to PTSD.

With the support of Congressman Lee Zeldin – himself a veteran – the Dwyer Project is a collaboration between the Suffolk County Veterans Service Agency and Suffolk County United Veterans, a program of the Association for Mental Health and Wellness. It has quickly become the “gold standard” for community-based peer support as an adjunct to clinical treatment, especially for those with PTSD. The Dwyer Project leverages military cultural values of trust, respect, perseverance, and self-reliance to provide a healthy and effective reintegration experience.

Source: Press release from Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Project issued March 15, 2016

Surce:

SHARE