In the heart of Charlotte, NC, a powerful movement is underway—a movement to challenge perceptions, break down barriers, and reimagine mental health. For one transformative month, our community is uniting for “Courage is Contagious: Reimagining Mental Health,” a groundbreaking campaign presented by Promise Resource Network, where “Every Story Matters.” This is more than just a conversation, it’s a powerful movement to redefine mental health.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, making this initiative even more timely and impactful. Last year alone, over 47,000 people died by suicide. Ranking suicide the 2nd leading cause of death for people aged 10-24. We are gathering community leaders together to address this growing trend and to let people know that their story matters. Our stories connect us all if we are just courageous enough to tell them.
Throughout the month we will be hearing stories from Charlotte Filmmaker Joanne Hock, Cultural Anthropologist and documentary filmmaker Ron Lacey, NC House Representative John Autry, and winner of the Most Inspirational Poet at the 2024 Charlotte Poetry Festival, Nemo Sum. Plus many more inspirational stories you don’t want to miss.
From Thursday coffee talks at Promise Resource Network Recovery Hub, to Mental Health Monday’s at the Independent Picture House, CLT, and a Veterans creative journaling workshop, at the Public Library there is a storytelling event for everyone. Each week we will tackle the alarming statistics around mental health in the LGBTQ+ space, veterans and the youth and how our stories can break down barriers and empower change.These are more than conversations about mental health- they’re a powerful movement to redefine mental illness. All events are free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served and there will be a door prize or two. Please registration here: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/mental-health-reimagined-82989950413
Coffee Talks- Turning your story into your superpower
Mornings full of empowerment, unearthing your story, and finding your voice.
May 2nd, 9th & 30th 8:30-9:30 AM
PRN – The Hub 1401 East 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28204
Mental Health Mondays: May 6th, 13th, and 20th- FREE EVENT
May 6th 6:00- 7:30 PM Independent Picture House Charlotte, 4237 Raleigh St. Charlotte, NC 28213
MENTAL ILLNESS ACROSS GENRES: How Hollywood has helped shape the narrative around mental illness.
Panelists include the dynamic filmmaker Joanne Hock; Cultural Anthropologist Ron Lacey; Promise Resource Network’s and PRN Warm Line Shift Leader, Alex Crow. An innovative conversation going to the heart of stigma and how we can redefine mental illness through our own stories. We will focus on the film community, actors, and artists on the front lines of telling these important stories!
May 13th 6:00- 7:30 PM Independent Picture House Charlotte, 4237 Raleigh St. Charlotte, NC 28213
CHANGING THE NARRATIVE: From Hollywood to DC how one story can affect lasting change. – FREE Event
Community leaders NC State Representative John Autry and Promise Resource Network Chief Operating Officer, Noah Swabe. Real stories that reflect the power storytelling has in creating lasting change and what you can do to change the narrative in your community.
May 20th 6:00- 7:30 PM Independent Picture House Charlotte, 4237 Raleigh St. Charlotte, NC 28213
THE HERO’S JOURNEY: Becoming the heroes in our own stories. FREE Event
Journal Making WORKSHOP For Veterans- FREE Event
Veterans will learn the benefits of journaling while creating and making their own pocket-sized journals.
The workshop facilitator, Jim Dukes, a former bomb technician, has been teaching healing art workshops to Veterans, active duty military, and caregivers for seven years. Art and photography became his healing outlet after his fifth TBI in 2013 left him disabled and needing a way to cope with PTSD and anxiety. Jim’s workshops with active-duty Drill Sergeants are legendary, leading him to deliver a TEDx Talk on the subject of healing art. He is committed to providing creative outlets to the military community in an effort to facilitate helpful communication.
Promise Resource Network has played a pivotal role in leading the peer-led approach to substance use and mental health recovery for almost 20 years. PRN’s expertise in peer-led initiatives and dedication to fostering a supportive mental health and substance use community have fueled policy and driven local and statewide initiatives. Through peer support, education, and advocacy, Promise Resource Network empowers individuals to lead fulfilling lives.
