Advocacy and Education for Mental Health and Illness in Bonner and Boundary Counties

UPCOMING EVENTS

We are currently updating our calendar.  Please visit us later.

Available Groups

Join us every third Wednesday of the month at 5:30 PM at the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) building in Sandpoint, ID. This is a great opportunity to connect with your local NAMI Far North family in a relaxed and supportive environment. We begin with a public meeting where everyone is welcome to attend. We will present a NAMI update, a guest speaker or short movie, and a little social time from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM. Delicious food is provided.

Our peer-led support groups run from 6:30 PM to 7:45 PM; one for those living with a mental illness (Connections) and one for family members or friends (Family Support Group) whose loved ones live with a mental health condition.

Gain insight from the successes and challenges of others facing similar experiences. NAMI’s support groups are unique because they follow a structured model, ensuring everyone has an opportunity to be heard and realize that they are not alone.

NEXT MEETING:
See Calendar for Dates/Times

NAMI Family Support Group is a confidential peer-led support group for adults with a loved one who has experienced mental health symptoms. Led by family members of people with mental health conditions, this unique support group follows a structured model, ensuring everyone is heard and their needs are met.

The group meets weekly, every other week, or monthly and is free of cost to participants. The group is designed to provide a non-judgmental and safe space where individuals can share their experiences, gain insight, and develop supportive relationships.

By participating in this group, individuals can aim for:

  • Better coping skills
  • Find strength in sharing experiences
  • Embrace humor as a healthy outlet

Additionally, the group aims to help individuals accept that they cannot solve every problem, understand that mental health conditions are not anyone’s fault, and forgive themselves and reject guilt.

NEXT MEETING:
See Calendar for Dates/Times

NAMI Connection is a free, peer-led support group for any adult who has experienced symptoms of a mental health condition. You will gain insight from hearing the challenges and successes of others, and the groups are led by trained leaders who’ve been there.

Available Programs

WHEN:
1-2 classes per year,  Fall/Winter, Spring/Summer.  

NAMI Family-to-Family is a program led by NAMI-trained family members who have firsthand experience in supporting loved ones with mental health conditions. The program comprises presentations, discussions, and interactive exercises. NAMI Family-to-Family offers information and strategies for those who care for loved ones with mental health conditions, providing a sense of community and hope.

By participating in this program, you’ll gain knowledge on:

  • Effective communication
  • Self-care
  • Local resources
  • Up-to-date information on mental health conditions and treatments
  • How to support your loved one with compassion

Furthermore, the group setting provides a sense of mutual support and positive impact. Sharing your own experiences might help others in the class.

To schedule a NAMI Family-to-Family seminar, you can contact us at [email protected] or call us at 208-597-2047.

NEXT MEETING: To be Announced

Attend a free 90-minute or four-hour seminar designed to educate individuals with loved ones experiencing mental health conditions on how to provide optimal support. This seminar also provides an opportunity to connect with others facing similar situations, fostering a sense of community and support.

The seminar is led by trained individuals who have firsthand experience supporting family members with mental health conditions. Throughout the seminar, you’ll explore the following topics:

  • Gaining an understanding of diagnoses, treatment, and recovery
  • Learning effective communication strategies
  • Recognizing the importance of self-care
  • Developing crisis preparation strategies
  • Discovering NAMI and community resources

To schedule a seminar, please reach out to us at [email protected] or call 208-597-2047.

How Can I Help?

volunteer

By volunteering with NAMI Far North, you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness. Volunteers are needed in the following roles:

  • NAMI Walks and Movie Night Events
  • Support Group Greeter/Host
  • Peer Family and Connection Support Leaders (stipends and paid training)
  • Marketing/Social Media

join

Membership in NAMI Far North entitles you to membership in NAMI and NAMI Idaho. You will receive the NAMI "Advocate" and the NAMI Idaho Quarterly News.

Please provide your information below, then click submit to proceed to pay your annual dues:

  • $5 for Open Door Membership
  • $40 for Individual Membership
  • $60 for Family Membership
JOIN NAMI

contact us

Have questions? Reach out to us!

(208) 597-2047

[email protected]

NAMI Far North Idaho
P.O. Box 2415
Sandpoint, ID 83864

If you are in crisis, call the Idaho Region 1 Crisis Line: 208-769-1406