Consumer Council System of Maine

Consumer Council System of Maine A mental health advocacy organization providing a voice for consumers of mental health services.

•The Consumer Council System of Maine (CCSM) is an independent, public instrumentality established by Maine law (Title 34-B, §3611).

•The CCSM is responsible for providing an independent and effective consumer voice into mental health public policy, services, and funding decisions. The CCSM consists entirely of past/present recipients of mental health services (consumer/peers), including all Statewide Consumer Council representatives and paid staff.

Sunday Community Check-In: Game Day or Quiet Day?Happy Sunday, CCSM community! 🌿Today is Super Bowl Sunday, we know many...
02/08/2026

Sunday Community Check-In: Game Day or Quiet Day?
Happy Sunday, CCSM community! 🌿

Today is Super Bowl Sunday, we know many of you might be headed to loud parties, wearing your lucky jerseys, and cheering for a win. 🏆

But we also know that for many peers, The Big Game can feel like a lot of Big Noise. Social expectations, loud environments, and crowded rooms aren't for everyone, and that is perfectly okay.

Today, we’re checking in:
How are you spending your Sunday?
Are you surrounded by friends, family, and football?
Are you just here for the halftime show and the wings?
Are you ignoring the hype and opting for a book, a nap, or a quiet walk?

There is no "right" way to spend a Sunday. Whether you’re at a party or home on the couch, remember to listen to your needs. If you need to step away from the noise for five minutes to breathe, do it. Your well-being is the only score that matters today.

Drop a comment below and let us know: What is one thing you’re doing for your mental health today? 👇

Resource Spotlight: Maine Equal Justice (MEJ)Advocacy isn't just about what happens at the statehouse in Augusta. It i...
02/07/2026

Resource Spotlight: Maine Equal Justice (MEJ)

Advocacy isn't just about what happens at the statehouse in Augusta. It is about ensuring every Mainer has what they need to live with dignity. Today, we are spotlighting Maine Equal Justice, a nonprofit that fights for economic security, healthcare access, and fair opportunity for all.

While CCSM focuses on the peer voice in mental health, MEJ focuses on the systems that impact our survival. They are a powerhouse for systemic change in Maine.

How They Can Help You:
• Healthcare Access: If you’re struggling with MaineCare or need help understanding your rights to medical coverage, MEJ provides guides and direct support.
• Food Security: They work to protect and expand programs like SNAP (food stamps) so no one has to choose between a meal and their medicine.
• Housing & General Assistance: MEJ provides vital resources if you are facing an eviction or having trouble accessing local General Assistance (GA).
• A Seat at the Table: Much like CCSM, MEJ empowers people with lived experience of poverty to speak directly to lawmakers through their "Circle of Leaders."

Why They Are a CCSM Ally:
Policy is personal. When we talk about mental health recovery, we also have to talk about the stress of housing instability or food insecurity. MEJ works to fix the rules of these systems so that they work for us, not against us.

Get Connected:
📞 Legal Question Line: 1-866-626-7059 (Leave a message, and they will call you back!) 💻 Website: MaineEqualJustice.org 📍 Online Resources: Their website has "Know Your Rights" booklets for almost every social service in Maine.

Rest as Resistance FridayIn a world that tells us we must always be "doing" to be valuable, choosing to simply be is a r...
02/06/2026

Rest as Resistance Friday

In a world that tells us we must always be "doing" to be valuable, choosing to simply be is a radical act.

You don't have to "earn" a break by being productive.

We can’t tear down walls if we are too exhausted to stand. Rest ensures we stay in the fight for the long haul.

The system often views us by our symptoms or cases. Resting reminds us that we are human beings first.

Self-care is a tool for justice. Whether it’s a nap, a walk, or turning off your phone. Your rest is an investment in our collective future.

Terms of the Trade: Lived ExperienceYou’ve heard us use it, but what does "Lived Experience" actually mean in the world ...
02/05/2026

Terms of the Trade: Lived Experience
You’ve heard us use it, but what does "Lived Experience" actually mean in the world of mental health advocacy?

It refers to the first-hand, personal knowledge gained through direct experience with mental health challenges, addiction, or navigating the recovery system.
At CCSM, we believe that those who have "been there" are the real experts. Lived experience isn't just a bio, it’s a qualification that drives better policy and more empathetic care.

How has your lived experience shaped your perspective? Let us know in the comments!

New Deadline of February 28th!!!
02/04/2026

New Deadline of February 28th!!!

🗣️ Voice of Lived Experience Wednesday"You can study a map for years, but you’ll never know the road like the person who...
02/04/2026

🗣️ Voice of Lived Experience Wednesday

"You can study a map for years, but you’ll never know the road like the person who has actually walked it." 👣

In the mental health system, many people study the "map", the budgets and the data. But at CCSM, we know the most important info comes from those of us walking the path.

Your lived experience is the real data and intelligence:
• You know where the gaps are, not just where they look like they are on paper.
• You know what it feels like when a policy fails in the real world.
• You know which moments of connection actually helped you heal.
It’s time to stop being managed and start being consulted. You aren't just a participant in the system; you are its most important witness and architect. 🏗️
________________________________________
📣 WE WANT TO FEATURE YOU!
Your voice is the heartbeat of CCSM. Whether it’s a short quote or a lesson learned, we want to give you the microphone. 🎤
How to get involved: 💬 Comment below: "I have a story to tell!" 📬 Send us a DM right here on Facebook. 📧 Email us: blorance@maineccsm.org
Lived experience is professional-grade expertise. Let’s make sure the system listens to the experts.

🏛️ Policy Pulse: Taking Your Seat at the Table 🏛️Ever wonder what actually happens when a bill is "up for a hearing" at ...
02/03/2026

🏛️ Policy Pulse: Taking Your Seat at the Table 🏛️
Ever wonder what actually happens when a bill is "up for a hearing" at the State House? It sounds formal, but it’s actually the moment where YOUR voice has the most power.

What is a Public Hearing?
Think of a public hearing as the "listening phase" of a bill. Before a committee of legislators decides whether a bill is a good idea, they are required to listen to the public. That means you!

The Process in 4 Simple Steps:
1. The Introduction: The bill sponsor explains what the bill (the "LD") does.
2. The Testimony: This is the heart of the day. People speak in three groups: those in favor, those against, and those "neither for nor against."
3. The 3-Minute Rule: Each person usually gets 3 minutes to share their thoughts. It goes by fast, so focusing on your personal story is key!
4. The Work Session: On a later day, the committee meets again to debate and vote based on what they heard during the hearing.

Why Peer Testimony is the "Secret Sauce"
While legislators receive plenty of reports and statistics, they often lack the most important data point: the human impact. Your lived experience is a form of expertise that no textbook can replicate. You are the authority on your own life, and your story helps lawmakers understand the real-world consequences of their decisions. Your story provides the "human element" that numbers can't show.

How CCSM Has Your Back
Speaking at the State House can be nerve-wracking, and you don’t have to do it alone! CCSM is here to support our peers through every step:
✅ Testimony Prep: We help you draft your 3-minute "elevator pitch."
✅ Logistics: We can help with transportation or navigating the "maze" of the State House in Augusta.
✅ Moral Support: We’ll sit with you in the committee room, so you have a friendly face in the crowd.

Your voice is a tool for change. Let's use it together!

The Big Picture: Why is it so hard to get an appointment? ⏳We often hear from peers who are told there is a 6-month wait...
02/02/2026

The Big Picture: Why is it so hard to get an appointment? ⏳

We often hear from peers who are told there is a 6-month wait for a therapist or a year-long wait for a psychiatrist. When you are in a mental health struggle, waiting isn't just an inconvenience, it’s a risk.

This isn't simply about more people needing help, It’s about a Workforce Crisis.
Low wages and high burnout mean we aren’t just losing providers; we aren't training new ones fast enough to keep up with the demand in Maine.

When community-based agencies aren't funded properly, they can't offer the competitive pay needed to keep experienced staff in the field
Systemic change means investing in the people who provide care. We advocate for better pay for mental health workers and lower barriers to entry for Peer Specialists, because a system is only as strong as the people working within it.

Have you or a loved one been put on a waitlist recently? How did that impact your journey? Let’s talk about the Big Picture in the comments. 👇

February in Maine, We’re officially in the thick of it! 🧤🧥We know that this time of year can be challenging for our ment...
02/01/2026

February in Maine, We’re officially in the thick of it! 🧤🧥

We know that this time of year can be challenging for our mental health. The days are still short, and the winter can feel long. As peers, we are our own best resource.
What is one thing in your survival kit this month? Is it a specific book, a favorite tea, a local walking trail, or a certain playlist?

Drop your recommendations below to help a fellow peer find some light this February!

February Local Council Meetings!Your voice matters! We are kicking off our February Local Council Meetings, and we want ...
02/01/2026

February Local Council Meetings!
Your voice matters! We are kicking off our February Local Council Meetings, and we want to hear from you. This month, our forum topic is a crucial one: Rural Access to Resources. 🌲🛣️

Meeting Schedule:
Greater Lewiston Auburn Area: Monday, Feb 9th @ 2:00 PM (Rumford Public Library)

Farmington Local Council: Tuesday, Feb 17th @ 1:00 PM (Farmington Public Library)

Bangor Local Council: Tuesday, Feb 24th @ 5:00 PM (Bangor Public Library)

Augusta Local Council: Wednesday, Feb 25th @ 5:00 PM (CCSM Office)

Can't make it in person? All meetings offer a remote option via Zoom! 💻

Address

219 Capitol Street, Suite #7
Augusta, ME
04330

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4pm
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 4pm

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•The Consumer Council System of Maine (CCSM) is an independent, public instrumentality established by Maine law (Title 34-B, §3611). •The CCSM is responsible for providing an independent and effective consumer voice into mental health public policy, services, and funding decisions. The CCSM consists entirely of past/present recipients of mental health services (consumer/peers), including all Statewide Consumer Council representatives and paid staff.