Peer Respite
Peer respite is a voluntary, short-term, overnight program that provides community-based, non-clinical crisis support to help people find new understanding and ways to move forward. It operates 24 hours per day in a homelike environment. Support is provided by individuals who share the lived experience of having psychiatric histories or having experienced trauma, emotional distress, or extreme states.
Afiya is the first and only peer-run respite in Massachusetts and one of only a few dozen in the country. Afiya, located in Northampton, strives to provide a safe space in which each person can find the balance and support needed to turn what is so often referred to as a ‘crisis’ into a learning and growth opportunity. It is available to adults who are experiencing distress and feels they would benefit from being in a short-term, 24-hour peer-supported environment with others who have ‘been there.’