top of page
Search

Expanding Mental Health Literacy Across Vermont: Opportunities to Connect, Learn, and Lead


At Sunshine Silver Lining, we believe that mental health literacy is not just a skillset—it’s a shared responsibility and a powerful pathway to stronger, more connected communities.

As we move into the spring, summer, and beyond, we’re excited to share a range of opportunities to engage with us across Vermont and beyond. Whether you’re a longtime partner, a new collaborator, or simply someone who cares deeply about wellbeing in your community, there is a place for you in this work.


A Growing Community, Grounded in Connection


Over the past year, we’ve had the privilege of connecting with partners across sectors—education, healthcare, nonprofit, and business—who are committed to advancing mental health literacy in meaningful, sustainable ways.


To continue nurturing these relationships, we’re launching Monthly Community Connections, beginning May 7, in honor of Mental Health Month.


These 30-minute virtual sessions are designed to be accessible, engaging, and grounded in real-world application. Each session will include:


  • Updates from Sunshine Silver Lining

  • Vermont, regional, and national insights

  • Guest speakers and collaborators

  • A wellness-based activity you can bring into your own life or work

  • Open space for questions, reflection, and shared learning


While rooted in our work here in New England, these sessions are open to participants from across the country—and beyond. Our goal is simple: to create a space where people can come together, exchange ideas, and feel less alone in this work.


Building Skills Through Mental Health First Aid


We are also proud to continue offering virtual Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) trainings, generously funded by Vermont Care Partners and available at no cost to participants.

MHFA equips individuals with practical, evidence-based tools to:

  • Recognize signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges

  • Respond with confidence using a structured, five-step action plan

  • Connect individuals to appropriate supports and resources


These trainings are open to everyone in Vermont—community members, professionals, leaders, and anyone interested in making a difference.


With upcoming sessions available this summer, now is a powerful time to deepen your understanding and expand your impact.



Regional Focus: Addison and Rutland Counties


Through generous support from Rutland Regional Medical Center’s Vermont Prevention Lead Organization (VPLO), we are currently offering no-cost Mental Health Literacy programming across Addison and Rutland Counties through June 30, 2026.


This initiative is designed to strengthen prevention efforts by:

  • Increasing awareness and understanding

  • Reducing stigma

  • Building practical, actionable skills for early identification and support


Offerings include:

  • Mental Health First Aid

  • QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer)

  • MHLC AWARE foundational training

  • Customized workshops and engagement strategies


Programs are available to:

  • K–12 schools

  • Youth-serving organizations

  • Higher education institutions

  • Community organizations across sectors


Sessions can be delivered both in person and virtually, allowing flexibility to meet communities where they are.



Let’s Build What’s Next—Together


The energy is building, the conversations are deepening, and the need for thoughtful, accessible mental health literacy has never been more clear.


We are actively planning programming through 2026 and would love to connect with you—whether that means:


  • Hosting a training

  • Collaborating on an initiative

  • Joining a community session

  • Or simply starting a conversation


If there’s someone in your network who should be part of this work, we welcome introductions. This is how we grow—through relationships, trust, and shared purpose.


Stay Connected


If you’d like to explore opportunities, join upcoming sessions, or bring programming to your organization, we invite you to reach out or express interest through our forms.


And if nothing else, stay close to this work. Share it. Talk about it. Live it.


Because mental health literacy isn’t just something we teach.


It’s something we practice together.

 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page