Graphic of a cartoon star listening to music on headphones. Text at the top of the image reads, 'What songs uplift you?'

Listening to music can improve your mood, raise your spirits and get you moving about. A good song with a banging beat can turn your mood around in a matter of minutes. Recovery Partners have put together our own little uplifting playlist, see the link in our bio!🎶

Some collages in progress and a folded paper zine

Three people gathered around a table collaging

A table covered in collage supplies such as glue, pens, magazines

A table covered in collage supplies such as glue, pens, magazines

We had the wonderful opportunity recently to spend a morning with the trainee Peer Workers from our NHS England project. It was a joy to hear all the creative and innovative ideas around how the trainees plan to use their training and lived experiences in the future!

Neurographic art is a therapeutic creative activity combining the words ‘neuron’ and ‘graphic’. The process is more important than the final product and there are many different neurographic and art therapy techniques out there.

#RecoveryPartners #recovery #mentalillness #mentalhealth

A bright coloured graphic of a mountain with a tiny flag at the top, in front of a cloudy sunset. Text at the top of the graphic reads as follows, 'So I'll make it to the finish line. I'll stop the thoughts on the conveyor belt. I will take charge. It's not easy, it never has been. But it can slowly get better.'

Many of us begin the year with ambitious resolutions and big plans, and then by the end of January, things haven’t always gone as we hoped.

To see the full piece of writing from Rhiannon, see the link in our bio.

#RecoveryPartners #recovery #mentalillness #mentalhealth #peersupport

A brightly colour poster for an event hosted by the group for Muslim Women called 'We Are The Tree'. Text on the poster reads as follows: 'We Are The Tree Muslim Women In Peacehaven & New Haven Are Invite you to Community Engagement Event Free Food Children Corner Art Exhibition Tel: 07979603999 Saturday 31st January 2026 from 12-3pm Meridian Centre Open by Peacehaven Mayor CLLR Deborah Donovan'

We Are The Tree welcome you to an exciting community event at the Meridian Centre January 31st 12-3pm.

#RecoveryPartners #peersupport #art #exhibition #artwork #NewHaven #westsussex #community #peacehaven #newhaven #livedexperiencematters #livedexperience #Gallery #mentalillnessawareness

OutSavvy - Zine Launch: A room with enough room for us - Wednesday 28th January 2026 at The Hill Station Cafe. Find event and ticket information here - www.outsavvy.com/event/32533/...

A graphic with a background photo of pink flowers and a title of ‘Setting goals’

A pink background with a large pale flower shape. Text on the image reads, ‘What goals are you setting for 2026? Improve a skill. Spend more time with friends. Learn to drive. Defeat a fear. Eat more vegetables. Visit a new city. Travel. Meditate.

A pink background with a large pale flower shape. Text on the image reads, ‘Setting goals is a great way to organize yourself and build confidence. They can be as big or small as you like. Big. Medium. Small.

When we set ourselves goals, big or small, we give ourselves direction and something to reach for. Breaking a big goal into smaller tasks can help make it less overwhelming and more manageable.

#peersupport #mentalhealth #mentalillness #recovery #RecoveryPartners #mentalhealthawareness

Graphic of people celebrating beneath a title that reads, ‘Happy New Year!’

Happy New Year from everyone here at Recovery Partners.

The New Year is a great opportunity for setting yourself new achievable goals and fresh starts. As we step into 2026, take a moment to remember growth happens one step at a time.

Wishing you a year of hope, healing, and happiness!

A graphic of a winter star design on a postage stamp with a border of snowflakes. Text at the bottom of the graphic reads, ‘Happy Holidays’.

Whatever your plans are this holiday season, we hope you find time to do the things you love. Whether that means celebrating with friends and family or taking some well-deserved quiet time to rest and recharge. We hope the season brings you comfort and joy.

#RecoveryPartners #mentalillness

Infographic with beige background patterned with snowflakes. There is a small image in each corner of different cartoon figures looking happy whilst dressed for cold weather. The text on the graphic is as follows, ‘HELP OVER THE HOLIDAYS. Whether you are celebrating or not this time of year, we have gathered some resources should you need some support this holiday season. NHS 111: select the mental health option (Free, open 24/7) Samaritans: 0116 123 (Free and lines open 24/7) Samaritans email: jo@samaritans.org (more info on their website) SANEline: 0300 304 7000 (Free, open 4:30-10pm daily) National Suicide Prevention Helpline: 0800 587 0800 (Free, open 6pm to midnight daily) CALM: 0800 58 58 58 (Free, 5pm-midnight daily, also have a webchat service on their website) SHOUT: text 85258 (Free, 24/7 text service) Papyrus HOPELINEULK: (for under 35s) 0800 068 4141 (Free, open 24/7) Switchboard LGBTQIA+ helpline: 0300 330 0630 (Free, 10am-10pm every day) Rethink Mental Illness: 0808 801 0525 (Free, open Monday-Friday 9:30am-4pm excluding Bank Holidays)’

Whatever you are doing this holiday season you don’t have to do it alone. It can be a challenging time of year for many so here is a list of some of the support services that are available all year round. There is no shame in asking for help!

#recoverypartners #recovery #mentalillness

Hey! You’ve made it through the year.

If you’re reading this, we’re proud of you. This year may have brought emotions, challenges, and tough days, but even if things haven’t felt perfect, making it this far is something to acknowledge.

The house and garden in winter at Sudbury Hall. An impressive redbrick mansion house with a façade covered in windows and multiple rectangular chimneys protruding from a snow-dusted roof sits regally in front of a picturesque garden. There is a large dark green tree on the left side of the house, and four round topiary hedges at the front, circling a gravel pathway with a small metallic statue of a cherub at its centre.

The alt text from the previous image, written out in full for all to read and admire the beautiful photo. Both images feature a festive green background with snowflakes. There's also a Christmas tree shaped logo which says: "Alt text advent" on it.

We asked our pals over at @nationaltrust.org.uk to send some festive pictures and alt text, and they absolutely delivered 👏

A great example of how brands should do it, to mark Alt Text Advent, day 19!

Image credit: National Trust Images/Robert Morris

A cartoon graphic of a wintery looking forest. There is text over the image that reads, ‘life was really just beginning’

Our lovely volunteer Rhiannon is back with some beautiful writing to share with us. In this piece of writing, she tells us the story of a girl finding inspiration and motivation by challenging her perspective.

The full text is below and to read more of Rhiannon’s writing, see the link in our bio!

Two photos in portrait mounted on a white wall. The first photo is a portrait of frozen chips that have scattered on the floor. You can see the bottom of two feet in grey socks and black trousers at the bottom of the photo. The second is of a colourful foil balloon that has strted to deflate and sits on laminate flooring against a white wall.

A photo taken at an angle facing a comercial looking elevator. The floor is laminated and the walls are white.

A photo in portrait of the head of a single bed on a white ikea bedframe in a room with white walls. There are fairy lights that are switched off and deisgned to look like peonies, hanging in the top of the image. On the bed itself are two pillows, one in a pale pink case below another in a pale pink check pattern case. The sheets are pale pink and there appears to be extra, hot pink pillows on the bed and a clothing rack towards the left hand side of the picture.

John Hansard Gallery's logo on a white background, the logo consists of the words 'John Hansard Gallery', each word below the other and slightly to the right of the previous word.

Open until 28th February 2026 at John Hansard Gallery, ‘Out of Order’ by Juanrie Strydom explores the isolation and challenges often faced by disabled folk. Don't miss out on this intimate and thought provoking show!

#RecoveryPartners #recovery #mentalillness #mentalhealth #peersupport

Cartoon style graphic of a shower head running water. There are two text boxes on the graphic, the first in smaller text reads as follows, 'Shower while visualising your negative thoughts going down the drain'. The second more central text box reads in larger writing, 'You chose to try again!'

Our lovely volunteer Rhiannon has written a wonderful piece of writing for us about challenging negative thought patterns and reflecting on personal growth in recovery.
To read her writing in full visit gainyourglow.com/2025/11/30/t...

#RecoveryPartners #mentalillness #mentalhealth

How Are You Really Feeling? Find out how to get help and support with your mental health and wellbeing in Sussex.

We are proud to work with partners to develop new signposting resources to help people in Sussex know when and where to get support for their mental health. #HowAreYouReallyFeeling? Help spread the word: www.how-are-you-really-feeling-sussex.nhs.uk.

#peersupport #mentalhealth #mentalillness

An orange background with a graphic of two women sat chatting in the bottom right corner. Title text reads, '"Where do you see yourself in 5 years?"'. The main body of the text reads, 'My therapist asked this question with curiosity and enthusiasm, with which I didn't quite know how to respond. I had goals, but I'd never named them as something I actually planned to achieve. I was so unpredictable with mood swings that the next hour could have me spiralling downwards and nothing would stop me. I had it in my head that relapsing was just a part of my life that I would get used to. When I think about that judgment now, in this moment, it makes me sad. Not sad because it's basically been how my life has gone so far, but because I believed it would never change and I had lost the hope of recovering someday. I tried to bring myself back to the moment. I was getting stuck in my head, going around in circles.'

An orange background with a graphic of a flower in the bottom right corner. Text that reads, '"5 years?" I sighed and shifted in my seat as I prepared to make up a whole story of being discharged from mental health services, living independently, managing bills and finances, being in a healthy relationship and having positive friendships. That moment passed through my head, and a tear trickled down my cheek. I hadn't answered yet, but the thoughts got me going deeper and deeper as we sat in silence. "I think I'd just like to be better than I am now. I'd like to feel like I'm giving my all in life, trying my hardest and building a strong foundation for my future. I guess I would like to see myself mentally stronger and stable without a cycle of relapsing. I want to break the cycle and maintain good mental health." That moment changed how I viewed my future. I didn't need things that money could buy. I just wanted to feel I was doing enough to support myself in my recovery journey. The cycle needed to change. A new direction. A new focus. A strong grip on the life I wanted and a determination and drive that I couldn't let go of. '

: An orange background with graphics of flowers and a butterfly in the top right corner and flowers in the bottom right corner. Title text reads, '*5 years later*'. The main body of text reads, 'I'm sitting in my one-bedroom house, aged 30. I feel loved, supported and stable. Not the kind of stable where I'm just surviving each day. No, I'm actually living my life. I'm thriving! I'm engaged to the love of my life. I have strong friendships and no longer seek validation for every decision I make in life. I actually achieved 5-years risk-free today too. And I am celebrating with a trip to London over the new year of 2031 to experience watching the fireworks as the year moves to the next and the clock strikes midnight. I am working now since I got my qualification in community mental health and psychiatry and my psychology diploma, but still also enjoy blogging and sharing my writing with charities that can reach so many people who relate to what I’ve gone through and just need that little bit of hope and proof that life can get better. "I’m ready!" I tell myself internally. I say it firmly as if I am commanding that there is no backing out of it... no other option. You’ve got this! Let’s see what 5 years bring!'

Our lovely volunteer Rhiannon has shared some reflections with us on setting goals and looking to the future.

#RecoveryPartners #recovery #mentalillness #mentalhealth #peersupport #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthrecovery #mentalillnessawareness

A background of a grey cloudy sky with text over the top that reads, 'It feels like a shadow that never leaves me, Talking behind my shoulder, in both whispers and screams. It silences my voice, While deafening me with its own. It doesn't seem crippling from the outside, But inside my head is a battle I'm losing most days. Using harmful behaviours to cope with loneliness, when I am surrounded by multiple support systems. BPD isn't overreacting, It isn't for attention, And it isn't fake or wanted. BPD is a severe emotional response to things like a change in routine, Grief, Loss of friendships due to growing up and moving on. My BPD didn't make me a very nice person. It made me react with anger, aggression, self-harm behaviours and suicidal thoughts. It had such a firm grip on my every move.'

A background of a partially blue and partially cloudy sky with sun trying to break through. Text over the top reads as follows, 'Things get better, Days always have a beginning and an end. I thought for a long time that waking up in the morning would be my last. Sometimes I wished it were the last one. But now I hold on to my life, every moment, with the same grip that my BPD had on me. It didn't just click. It doesn't turn on and off like a switch. It's a choice. A daily one at that. I still have bumps, Yet I survive. Because BPD isn't going to become who I am. I am more than that. I am more than its lies and obsessions, and impulses. I am becoming the girl who thought she wouldn't survive to see today. 1 week risk-free. A week ago, I didn't want to fight anymore. I didn't have any fight left in me. I needed to be protected from my own actions. 1 week. Things can change. Not suddenly, Not all at once.'

Background of a bright sun shining through some clouds with text over the top that reads as follows, 'But they can change and become moments you look back on and feel thankful for holding on, Proud to still be able to tell your story, Confident in your ability to progress, And lighter, Not in weight, but in the amount of pressure you carry. Let go of what is holding you back. I am proof that you can!'

Our volunteer Rhiannon has generously shared her work with us again to reflect on the harder days. Many of us, regardless of diagnoses, will face hard times.
Rhiannon shows us, it isn't permanent! The sun might not come out suddenly but it's always there behind the clouds waiting to shine through.

A pink background with title text that reads, 'Transgender Day of Remembrance'. Below the title is an image of three people, one crouching, one standing, one sat in a wheelchair, all holding up the transgender flag together. There’s a text box on the image that reads, ‘“Transgender Day of Remembrance seeks to highlight the losses we face due to anti-transgender bigotry and violence.” Transgender Day of Remembrance founder Gwendolyn Ann Smith’

Transgender Day of Remembrance was started in the 90s to memorialize the lives of Black Transwomen Rita Hester and Chanelle Pickett who were killed. This year, we remember the brave people who came before us and lived their truth despite the danger and made the world brighter just by being in it.

An image designed to look like a pink page in a binder with sketcy doodle scattered around and a drawing of a trail on a mountain. There is text that reads as follows, 'Recovery is a Journey - A journey, A process, No right or wrong way to feel, Highs and lows, Ups and downs, It's not a relapse because I have taken a step backwards, It's a chance to bounce back again, To build up courage, motivation and living in the present moment, It's not being able to understand or explain things sometimes, but still reflecting on the baby steps forward and positives, It's a path that is different for every individual, Every experience is personal, Doesn't follow a rule book or manual. IT'S YOURS!! YOU MAKE IT!!'

Everyone's experience with recovery is different and specific to them. Having agency in deciding what our recovery looks like makes for a far more meaningful and sustainable relationship with recovery.

To see more of Rhiannon's writing check out the link in our bio!

Text that reads, 'You didn't ask to become unwell, You didn't do it with intent or on purpose. I get that, I really do. You lost the glow in your eyes, The smile that made others do the same, You were so critical of yourself and how worthy you were to call this your life. You didn't feel important enough, Good enough, Pretty enough, Even well enough. You felt your life was purposeless, It didn't bring any good to anyone, Including you.'

Text that reads, 'This dark cloud continued for years and nothing changed. But having no change, Having to endure life without anything being different, That's what made you stronger. The one reason you couldn't find to keep going was the very thing that has kept you going. You wanted to experience a life free from depression, You wanted to be able to say 'I survived, now it's time to live', Even when it felt so out of reach.'

Text that reads, 'Yet here you are today, not just surviving but living with joy in everyday, Your smile beaming, The glow has returned and the sparkle in your eye is back. You aren't just surviving, You're recovering from something that tried to destroy you, Instead, you fought on. Continue, stay, LIVE!!'

Our lovely volunteer Rhiannon has shared some more of her writing with us reflecting on the hardship that can be battling with mental illness and celebrating the growth and joy that recovery leads to.

To see more of Rhiannon's writing check the link in our bio.

Image advertising Paid Peer Support training, text reads as follows, 'Recovery Partners is recruiting five adults living in the Sussex area, with lived experience of mental health challenges to complete a supported, six-week, mental health Peer Support Worker training course. These paid, ONLINE training roles offer successful candidates the opportunity to learn the required skills to start their journey towards becoming a Peer Support Worker. We are particularly keen to encourage people from Global Majority backgrounds to apply. '

Recovery Partners are recruiting 5 adults living in the Sussex area, with lived experience of mental health challenges to complete a six-week, mental health peer support worker training course
We are keen to hear from global majority and younger applicants (aged 18-30)

See the link in our bio

Graphic of people sitting talking with text that reads as follows 'Its Talk Money Week! (3rd-7th Nov) We have some resources in our bio from Money Helper and East Sussex COunty Council to help you start the conversation. Talking about money can often be uncomfortable but there are some very useful tips on how to have the conversation in a way that can reduce stress, boost confidence, and help build healthier money habits for life.'

This Talk Money Week we are encouraging each other to open up about money and build our confidence in discussing our finances. See the link in our bio for more support

#RecoveryPartners #recovery #mentalillness #mentalhealth #peersupport #mentalhealthrecovery #mentalhealthawareness

A British Sign Language tour in a brightly lit gallery space.

Join a BSL-interpreted tour of the ‘1880 THAT’ exhibition at Wellcome Collection.

When - 06 Nov
Where - London
Cost - Free

disabilityarts.online/events/bsl-i...

A image laid out to look like a page in a ringbound note book, sketches of a sun, birds, clouds and hearts are around the edge. Text reads as follows, ' Day by day, Moment by moment, One at a time; Breathe. Feel how you feel, But don't allow it any more time than necessary. You are more than the sadness that has been a part of your life these past few years. You are not sadness. You are you! Nothing can remove your identity from this world. You are unique. You choose the path to take from now on, Each choice is one that you will look back on in a year and remember with a smile on your face. The sunshine glowing warm on your skin,'

A image laid out to look like a page in a ringbound note book, sketches of a sun, birds, clouds and hearts are around the edge. Text reads as follows, 'The flowers blooming, The smile that your best friend has when she sees you coming, arms open, ready to embrace you in a hug. All of these require a process, A starting point, To get to the final destination and then start over until the next time. The sun has to rise and set at the start and end of each long day. The progress of a flower that blooms is not a quick one. It takes in every little bit of life, while existing happily as it is. And then there is the smile from your best friend. This can be a personal one, as everything is in life. The smile; a unique, personal way of expressing emotions of happiness. That of a friend though, not quite your own, but feels sometimes as if you helped form their smile with your company, your presence. '

A image laid out to look like a page in a ringbound note book, sketches of a sun, birds, clouds and hearts are around the edge. Text reads as follows, 'It's a funny one! Each moment can't be taken back to change... So why do we so often want to look back on the past and wish we had used different words, different actions? Why do we believe that our past defines and becomes our future? Each moment, each second that ticks by, we cannot re-live. We can only learn from. Living in the past stops us from creating the life we can only dream of in the moment. But every moment we live as it happens, is a moment closer to dreams becoming reality; not all at once, but slowly and steadily. Progress isn't sudden. It happens over time, Consistently. Moment by moment, Day by day, Happiness will find a way.'

Our volunteer Rhiannon shared piece of her writing with us reflecting on finding joy in nature and the everyday as part of recovery.

#RecoveryPartners #recovery #mentalillness #mentalhealth #peersupport #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthrecovery #mentalillnessawareness #livedexperience

A beige background with dandelion border. Text that reads as follows, 'RECOVERY, I wish I knew. I wish I knew how hard it would be, How much I would have to fight the urges, I wish I knew when it would get worse, When I struggle most and have to manage the hardest of life events, Events that no one thinks they'll experience. I wish I knew how to cope with things going out of routine, Plans changing, People moving away, Loss and grief. But......'

A beige background with dandelion border. Text that reads as follows, 'All of this, although I wish I knew, I've managed, I've coped, I've got through many bad days that I thought were the end, and everyone around me expected to be the last straw. I've proved to a lot of people, as well as to myself, that I am capable and have the ability to choose recovery every single day, even when I don't want to or feel able. I am stronger and braver than I thought I would ever be. I didn't think I'd survive the stumbles that turned into fearful falls. As I sit here typing, I know my struggles didn't consume me. And they no longer hold the power to rule over me.'

A beige background with dandelion border. Text that reads as follows, 'They won't take away my happiness. They won't become who I am or what I'm known for. I'm proud of what I've overcome. I'm proud of who I've become. I'm proud of where I am on my journey, from where I've been already to where I'm headed. Different mindset, Different attitude. A whole new chapter to live!'

Recovery isn’t a straight line and that’s okay.
Our amazing volunteer Rhiannon recently reached the 6 month mark in her recovery and has shared some powerful reflections on how our view of recovery can shift over time.

#peersupport #mentalhealth #recovery #RecoveryPartners

Grey background with text that reads as follows, ' Capital funding cut by 80% Under the new £5 million Mental Health Support Services, Capital has been allocated just 1% after years of helping hundreds of people and saving the NHS money.'

Capital have been providing highly valuable support to hundreds for years now and have been a vital part of the lived-experience and peer support field.

See their website to find out how you can help this organization
www.capitalcharity.org/back-lived-e...

#capital #NHS #mentalillness

A pale yellow background with a cartoon image of many people at the bottom. Text on the image reads as follows, ' INVISIBLE DISABILITIES WEEK 19-25 OCT 2025, Disability will affect many of us at some point in life and it can take many forms that don’t always show up visually. This week is a valuable opportunity to learn more about the diverse experiences of disabled people and to remember that not all disabilities are visible.'

Did you know that around 70–80% of disabilities are invisible.
Not all disabilities are immediately noticeable, they can include conditions like neurodivergence, mental illnesses, chronic pain, hearing or vision impairments, and more.

This week is an impotant reminder to challenge assumptions

Nominate a charity - Movement for Good Nominate a charity for a Movement for Good award now.

Help Recovery Partners win big!!!
Your nomination could help us secure a vital £5,000 grant to helps us provide vital and empowering support to people with lived experience of mental illness.
Follow the link to nominate us today and be part of something awesome!!!
culture.movementforgood.com.