United Counseling Service is hosting its first UCS PRESENTS event with a screening of the documentary Beyond Silence. The screening will be held at Oldcastle Theatre at 331 Main Street Wednesday, November 8th at 6pm. Immediately following, Dr. Alya Reeve, UCS Medical Director. will lead the audience in a discussion.

Beyond Silence follows the lives of three very different people who share one common experience—a diagnosis of mental illness which include bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and depression and anxiety. The film celebrates the strength, perseverance and dedication of courageous individuals determined to break through the silence often associated with mental illness and help others along the way.

“The stigma of mental illness can often lead individuals to believe that no one can understand their story,” says Lorna Mattern, Executive Director of United Counseling Service. “We hope this film and the discussion to follow sheds light on the common experiences that many individuals with mental illness share.”

The event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. Special thanks to Elm Street Market, Thymes Table Catering and Hannaford for their generous donations.

UCS is a private, non-profit community mental health center serving Bennington County since 1958. UCS promotes healthy lifestyles through all its programs and offers care at 15 different facilities, including two primary outpatient facilities in Bennington and Manchester. UCS provides comprehensive, community-based behavioral and developmental services for children, adults, families, and seniors. UCS employs 300 people and annually serves nearly 3,000 Bennington County residents.

For more information visit www.ucsvt.org or call 802.442.5491.