Social Work: Wellness and Recovery Group

The Social Work department runs a weekly workshop based on the recovery approach. This approach represents a shift in focus from mental illness to mental wellness and places the emphasis on getting well and staying well. It values the unique journey experienced by those with mental health difficulties and encourages participants to work towards leading a fulfilling life while managing the challenges that can be associated with mental health difficulties.

Method

Recovery emphasizes personal strengths, choice, responsibility and hope. Throughout the workshops the five key concepts of recovery are addressed

• Hope
• Personal Responsibility
• Education
• Self Advocacy
• Support

These workshops can be seen as an introduction to the 12-week Wellness Recovery Action Plan Programme which runs in the evening time; this is a self-help system for identifying personal resources and then using those resources to stay well.