The CARE Line is a peer support program made available through funds from the Mental Health Services Act. The staff on the CARE Line are persons in recovery from mental health issues and/or drug and alcohol addiction who have been trained to listen to and support their peers. The hours of the CARE Line are designed to compliment traditional services by providing a resource in the evening hours when many services are not available.The CARE Line is based on the belief that we as consumers are not helpless in our recovery. By “taking charge together” we can live fruitful lives nurtured by caring, peer support relationships. By connecting with a peer and sharing common experiences, we may begin to experience mutual support and to learn about the path to wellness and recovery. And by doing more, we are all becoming more…our real selves, more fulfilled as individuals and more satisfied with our lives.
We want to talk with clients of mental health or alcohol/drug services. Just give us a call; we offer you our attention and support. We may even have ideas about community resources that you may find helpful. You need not have a serious problem to give us a call. If you want to talk, we are here!
WE NEED NOT BE ALONE!
Staffing:
The CARE Line is staffed by three part time staff. The CARE Line Coordinator works 30 hours per week, while the CARE Line staff work 15 hours per week. The Line is stationed at CARES Santa Barbara. Through a 1-888 access line, the service is available to all residents of Santa Barbara County.
Training:
The CARE Line staff are part of the Partners in Hope Program, and have full access to the intensive training in Wellness and Recovery practices. They are provided with extensive training in active listening and problem-solving support techniques. Training in assessment for suicidality and other clinical concerns are provided by the CARES staff.
Clinical Support:
The staff of the Peer Support Warmline are trained to support one another through a debriefing process each shift, and after each call when time allows. If a need for clinical support or advice arises, the CARES staff are prepared to work with CARE Line staff as needed.
Supervision:
Andrew Vesper of CARES serves as the onsite supervisor. John Truman, Interim Consumer Empowerment Program Manager, is the overall Partners in Hope supervisor. He serves as the program advisor and support person for the consumer-provider staff.
