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Developing recovery approaches in Scotland

Simon Bradstreet, Network Director

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Today’s presentation

• Scottish context• Scottish Recovery Network• Major projects• What is recovery?• What has helped

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The Scottish context

• Five million people• Devolved Government• Health and social policy• 14 Health Boards and

32 Local Authorities• Health ineqaulities• Urban/rural mix

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The Scottish context

• Five million people• Devolved Government• Health and social policy• 14 Health Boards• 32 Local Authorities• Urban/rural mix

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Today’s presentation

Scottish Recovery Network 2011

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Scottish Recovery Network

• Network of people and organisations• Eight staff • Supported by Strategy Group• Funded mainly by Scottish Government• Hosted by Penumbra

‘It has been described as a “catalyst” and “pump primer”, a “bridge-builder”, “facilitator” and “collaborator”.’Evaluation of the Scottish Recovery Network, Scottish Government, 2010

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• Working since 2004 to:• Raise awareness of recovery• Develop understanding of

recovery • Build capacity and encourage

action

Our aims

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Ultimate aim

To contribute to an increase in the number of people who experience mental health problems in Scotland recovering.

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Main areas of work

• Research and learning• Communications and network support• Building capacity for recovery• Policy and practice development

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• Narrative research project• Learning materials• Local recovery networks• Peer Support working

Significant projects

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• Scottish Recovery Indicator (SRI)• Wellness Recovery Action Planning (WRAP)

Significant projects

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• Returning to narrative research• Carers and recovery• Self stigma research• Launching SRI 2

New projects

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Government grants to SRN

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What is recovery?

• A reality• Unique experience with common themes

• Hope, belief and identity• Empowerment and control• Meaning, purpose and opportunity• Relationships

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What is recovery?

• A process rather than an event• Powerful• Built on growth and learning

‘I have become much stronger and more resilient since the start of my illness, and I’m no longer prepared to just bowl along. I make every day count.’Personal narrative: www.scottishrecovery.net

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What is recovery?

“Recovery is being able to live a meaningful and satisfying life, as defined by each person, in the presence or absence of symptoms. It is about having control over and input into your own life. Each individual’s recovery… is a unique and deeply personal process.”

Journey’s of Recovery, Scottish Recovery Network, 2006

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What it’s not

• A fad, buzz word or new phenomenon• A service model• All about mental health services

‘I know everyone talks about hope, as if it’s the jargon and the latest fad. The thing is, it’s not jargon. It’s the light in the darkness which kept me going; the wish and yearning for change.’

Personal narrative: www.scottishrecovery.net

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What it’s not

• Something you can do to people• Necessarily easy or quick

‘Recovery is a personal journey and is different for everyone, and the way is not always easy... My journey to recovery took several years and much time was spent finding out what helped and what didn’t.’ Personal narrative: www.scottishrecovery.net

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Implications of recovery

• People in recovery are the evidence• Different knowledge, skills and values• Shared roles - walking alongside• A shift in power

‘I feel that it’s vital that professionals are open to letting people take control, but I know that it’s hard to get it right. Ultimately, it’s about treating people as individuals.’Personal narrative: www.scottishrecovery.net

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Recovery in Scotland today

• Starting to walk the talk • Long way to go• Mixed professional

engagement • Positive SRN evaluation• Many unaware of concept• Low public awareness

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Public attitudes

‘The majority of people with mental health problems recover.’

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Public attitudes

Year Professionals Non professionals

2006 66 76

2008 73 79

Received a positive message of recovery (subset)

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What has helped

• Network approach• Government support• Local support and commitment• Building on international experience• Top down and bottom up• The recovery message

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Launch event | 31 October 2011 | Edinburgh

Live streaming from 2pmwww.scottishrecovery.net

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Join SRN mail list100 recovery storiesResearch findingsNews and featuresAudio and filmLearning materials

Find out more

Web: www.scottishrecovery.net Email: simon@scottishrecovery.netTwitter: @SimonSRN