Unique Peerspectives – Seniors

What is Unique Peerspectives?

Located in Downtown Syracuse, Unique Peerspectives is a safe and convenient place for individuals who want to improve their mental health to gather and find support.  At UP, everyone works side by side to determine and pursue their goals… and this includes the staff! UP’s staff are all certified peer specialists, which means:

1. Each of them have personal experience dealing with mental health challenges
   
2. Each of them have completed training on how to use their personal experience to help others
   

Why Use Peer Services?

When it was created in 1996, UP was the only peer-support program in Central New York. In recent years however, the number of peer based programs in operation has exploded. And with good reason! According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), peer programs are very effective in helping people improve their mental health in a sustainable way.

Programs at UP can help:

• Reduce mental health related hospitalizations and inpatient treatments
• Improve levels of self-esteem and hope
• Improve social relationships
• Increase quality of life
  

UP’s Skills Classes

Members of the UP community regularly decide on both individual goals and group goals. For example, in the summer of 2021, UP members built a raised garden bed in the Center’s courtyard and planted vegetables. When their harvest was ready, members then gathered to cook and share a meal made of those veggies.

To assist members in reaching their goals, UP hosts weekly skills classes and discussion groups so that members can talk about their experiences and find community with people who understand. Offerings change based on the needs and interests of the members, but often include:

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Reach Us 24/7

AccessCNY’s peer supports offer 24/7 support via our warm line. We can be reached by calling 315-437-3300 or messaging our Facebook page Access CNY Peer Support Services.   

Visit us in person during business hours at 572 South Salina Street in Syracuse, across from the Centro main terminal.