Connections Community

An Innovative Mental Wellness Retreat in Northwood, NH

Connections Peer Support Center, serving the Seacoast community since 1992, now offers an innovative mental health service called Connections Community - a Step-Up Step-Down program. Based on the principles of Intentional Peer Support (IPS), this program is a 30 to 90-day voluntary, residential support for New Hampshire residents who either: ⁃ find that they need to “step-up” into increased support as they navigate their mental health challenges, ⁃ or “step-down” into a bridge period from a hospital setting as they aim to return to their communities on their journey of wellness.

We like to think of Connections Community as a mental wellness retreat. It's the perfect environment for someone to explore their unique path towards finding balance. This is a self-driven program; perfect for those of us who are ready to figure out how to balance our mental health and our lives.

Hear More about SUSD on NH Public Radio

Are your mental health challenges getting in the way?

We aren’t doctors,

We aren’t social workers,

We aren’t therapists,

But we've been there.

We’re here for you.

Who is Eligible to Participate?

NH residents aged 18 years or older who are looking for a peer-driven alternative resource to work on their mental wellness.

Connections Community, in Northwood, is one of four Step-Up Step-Down programs in the state. There are also programs in Manchester, Keene, and Nashua. All programs are free of charge to any adult NH resident.

Connections Peer Support Center's SUSD program, located in Northwood, NH is a peer driven voluntary 30-90 day mental health residential program, whose mission is to create an environment that will facilitate hope-based recovery, and increase mental, physical, and emotional well-being for those who participate. We encourage participants to think of this as a mental wellness retreat; unique to each individual.

Other Resources in the Area

What Can I Expect?

- Each person has their own private bedroom with shared common areas.

- Participants are able to continue work, school, and are able to visit their family and friends or attend groups outside of the home.

- Everyone is expected to clean up after themselves, cook for themselves, and is in control of their own wellness plan.

- There are a variety of opportunities to try new things and explore methods of wellness that may not have been available to the person before.

- This is a self-driven program. Each person is in control of their own path.

Check Out Our Brochure

How Do I Apply?

You and your referring partner (case manager, social worker, or other service provider, or your local peer support center) fill out and submit this application.

"Intentional peer supporters are a great resource to talk to. [People] should consider [Connections Community] and take it seriously if they do go.”

- Peer Alumni

"This program would have been great for someone like me. I have self-admitted to the hospital twice in my life. It gave me a rest from the world but didn't provide a supportive environment to work on my mental health. Sometimes we need a middle option."

- Kali

Download Your Application