Recovery Programme

The recovery programme is a structured 12-day programme based on the Wellness and Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) approach designed by Mary Ellen Copeland of the Copeland Centre (1992). The WRAP approach focuses on assisting service users who have experienced mental health problems to regain hope, personal responsibility through education, self-advocacy, and support. The recovery model emphasises the centrality of the personal experience of the individual and the importance of mobilising the person’s own resources as part of treatment. It emphasises the development of individualised self-management plans rather than compliance with a standard treatment regime. The Recovery Programme at SPUH is delivered through the Wellness and Recovery Centre for day-patients.

The programme is aimed at service users who are either recently discharged and need structured and continued support to stay well or those that prefer structured day programme attendance.

The programme is group based and focuses on accessing good health care, managing medications, self-monitoring their mental health using their WRAP; using wellness tools and lifestyle; keeping a strong support system; participating in peer support; managing stigma and building self-esteem. The option of attending fortnightly meetings at the recovery-focused ‘Connections Cafe’ is available to all participants. The programme is delivered by four mental health nurses and two part-time social workers with sessional input from a pharmacist, a service user who is drawn from a panel of experts by experience, consumer council and carer representatives.