This week marked an annual travel tradition for Perry Wellness Center, as 20 peers and staff boarded vans for a trip to the Georgia Coast. There, the Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network annual meeting is being held at Epworth-by-the-Sea. This gathering celebrates the recovery of those with mental illness and provides information and training for peers throughout the state.

In past years, staff members from Perry Wellness Center have led breakout groups to share ideas about peer training, wellness, and recovery. Four years ago, the center received the state organization’s award as the top mental health provider in Georgia.

“This is a fun outing for all of us,” said Stuart Perry. “It does take work to organize this trip, but it is worth the effort to enjoy the coast of Georgia, the water and the relaxation. Our peers will mingle with other peers from throughout Georgia and maybe learn that our staff does some dramatic programs for them.”

Stuart’s word served as a reminder that some of the greatest benefits of such gatherings are the fellowship and sharing that occur outside of formal workshops and discussion groups.

“I know that the peers and staff will return to Americus with a greater appreciation for the works and concerns of Perry Wellness Center,” Stuart concluded.

The Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network promotes access to care that promotes recovery and independence for those dealing with the effects of mental illness throughout the state. Its mission is to “lead an accountable and effective continuum of care to support Georgians with behavioral health challenges and intellectual and developmental disabilities in a dynamic health care environment.”

In the photo above, peers and staff prepare to load vans for the trip to the Georgia coast. Pictured are: Stuart Perry with send-off by Pam Perry, Chelsea Hodges, Essie Waters, Tamika Brown, Timothy Davenport, Antwan Smith, Jackie Teasley, Shanesha Edge, Randolph Wiggins, Carl Bond, Annie Ruth Thomas, Essie Fulkes, Rhonda Hubbard, and Penny Davis.