Press release Recovery

Recovery at Wirral Mind

Simon was diagnosed with a serious mental health problem more than 20 years ago. But he didn’t only collect a diagnosis and a label, he took on the view that his quality of life, as he had known it, was over. He was told he was unlikely ever to work again, that he was inevitably going to go in and out of hospital, and that even his close relationships and friendships by going to be difficult or impossible. And this is the way its was. That and the stigma he experienced as someone with mental health problems. A year ago Simon found out about Recovery – the idea that he could take back control of his life, learn new skills and tools, make new and better relationships and start becoming a giver of support himself, as well as a receiver of support from others. Simon now has three jobs, a partner and he teaches ‘wellness’ to others – many of whom are mental health professionals themselves.

These ideas about Recovery came to Wirral about two years ago and hundreds of people are already involved - all looking at their own well-being and supporting one another regardless of whether they are people who use services, staff or carers. Recovery doesn’t discriminate, because we are all looking after our mental health every day, whether we are doing fine at the moment or having a difficult time.

The Learning and Growth Project at Wirral Mind has just been awarded a grant from The Big Lottery Fund to bring recovery ideas and services to many more people. We will be providing workshops, where people can learn how to look after themselves better. These will be free and open to anyone interested in improving their mental wellbeing. We will be promoting self-help groups and peer counselling networks, so that people can support one another.
There is plenty of information on Recovery to be found. Pamphlets available from Wirral Mind, and web sites such as mentalhealthrecovery.com and home2.btconnect.com/wirralmind/

The most important thing about recovery from emotional distresses is Hope. Hope is the key to Recovery. People do get better!