Refocus on Recovery 2017

Conference Themes

The conference will have four themes.

Theme 1: Recovery for different groups

The meaning of, and support for, recovery in long-term conditions (physical and mental). Recovery in marginalised groups, e.g. culturally-sensitive services. Understanding and supporting recovery in mental health systems, e.g. Open Dialogue, REFOCUS, Individual Placement and Support. Organisational and individual influences on Peer Support Workers, including the meaning of ‘peer’.

Theme 2: Re-situating recovery

Engaging with culture and community to make recovery a reality. Mainstreaming recovery, and links with other community initiatives, e.g. dementia-friendly communities. The role of family and supporters – what is a family in recovery? Improving access, e.g. digital interventions. Recovery Colleges as a bridge between mental health system and community. Insights from Mad Studies about recovery.

Theme 3: Prevention of mental ill-health

Supporting the development of resilience in individuals and communities. Creating inclusive communities. Inter-sectoral understandings of stigma and discrimination. National and local anti-stigma campaigns. Supporting self-management, including peer-led approaches. The role of inter-dependence. The impact of language and embedded assumptions. Developing new narratives, e.g. Mad lit, Photovoice.

Theme 4: Allocating resources

How money is spent, and with what effect. Service models and structures which foster or hinder recovery. Co-production and co-development approaches. The role of volunteers. Providing services in resource-poor settings. The contribution of health and social policy to recovery. The impact of legislation and commissioning arrangements.

page updated 5 October 2016