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recoverypartners.bsky.social
@recoverypartners.bsky.social
90 followers 230 following 82 posts
We are a small user-led mental health charity working across East Sussex. All of our staff have lived experience of mental health challenges.
https://recovery-partners.org.uk/
@recovery-partners on Instagram
https://linktr.ee/recoverypartnersuk
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recoverypartners.bsky.social
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
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!'
December 12, 2025 at 10:02 AM
recoverypartners.bsky.social
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
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!'
December 1, 2025 at 10:01 AM
recoverypartners.bsky.social
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 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!'
November 25, 2025 at 10:01 AM
recoverypartners.bsky.social
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.
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’
November 20, 2025 at 9:01 AM
recoverypartners.bsky.social
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!
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!!'
November 14, 2025 at 9:01 AM
recoverypartners.bsky.social
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.
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!!'
November 10, 2025 at 9:00 AM
recoverypartners.bsky.social
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
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. '
November 7, 2025 at 10:00 AM
recoverypartners.bsky.social
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
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.'
November 4, 2025 at 9:00 AM
recoverypartners.bsky.social
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 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.'
October 28, 2025 at 10:02 AM
recoverypartners.bsky.social
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
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!'
October 23, 2025 at 8:02 AM
recoverypartners.bsky.social
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
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.'
October 22, 2025 at 8:00 AM
recoverypartners.bsky.social
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
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.'
October 21, 2025 at 8:01 AM
recoverypartners.bsky.social
We had such a good time at the opening of A Different View, we had to share more pictures. Thank you to everyone who came and supported our work and to those who took part in our printmaking workshops.

#peersupport #mentalhealth #recovery #recoverypartners #exhibition #art #artwork #printmaking
A series of experimental cyanotypes hung on a line A woman with short hair and glasses sits next to a bald man with short facial hair in front of some framed artworks. They both look super happy and I love them A bald man with a backpack stands by an exhibition window with three digital portraits hung by it. There are also framed artworks along the windowsill Three digital protraits hung in a gallery window. The first is of a smiling woman with short hair and glasses, the second is of a man with a neutral expression and short facial hair, the third is of a smiling woman with shoulder lenth hair and has 'Lulu' written at the top. Below there is a row of framed artworks
October 13, 2025 at 8:02 AM
recoverypartners.bsky.social
World Mental Health Day is a great opportunity to remind us to check in with ourselves and each other. If you are feeling overwhelmed you are not alone and we have resources in the link in our bio and @mentalhealthfoundation also have some resources.

#peersupport #mentalhealth #mentalillness
An image with a graphic of a smiling Earth and a brain with flowers growing out of it. The text in the image reads as follows, 'It's World Mental Health Day. World Mental Health Day is a reminder to take care of our mental wellbeing. Let’s break the stigma, support each other and build a community we can thrive in. If you are struggling, you are not alone. Most people will experience a period of poor mental health in their lifetime and there is help avaiable.'
October 10, 2025 at 8:01 AM
recoverypartners.bsky.social
World Mental Health Day is this Friday!!! Your mental health matters just as much as your physical health but we often forget to take care of it.

For more info check out @mentalhealthfoundation
Let’s make mental health a priority, not just this Friday, but every day.

#mentalhealth
A graphic of the Earth smiling, it is wrapped in a ribbon with text that reads, 'World Mental Health Day 10 Oct' and about is the Mental Health Foundation logo.
October 7, 2025 at 8:00 AM
recoverypartners.bsky.social
We are so excited for you to come and see our third 'A Different View' exhibitionwe are having a Celebratory evening showing too! Come to Newhaven Art Projects CIC on Thursday 25th September between 6pm-8pm.
We can't wait for you to see what we have been up to!
Poster for 'A Different View Celebratory Event' taking place on 25/9/25 from 6pm-8pm at Newhaven Art Projects CIC. Funded by People's Postcode Lottery
September 19, 2025 at 9:01 AM
recoverypartners.bsky.social
An important message from our Peer Associate Immy Mason following World Suicide Prevention Day

#mentalillnessawareness #mentalhealthrecovery #mentalhealthawareness #RecoveryPartners #recoverypartners #recovery #mentalillness #mentalhealth #peersupport #suicide #suicideprevention #suicideawarness
Text that reads, 'And so, i’m not going to do a long post on it or about my personal struggles around it but instead i want to remind people that you often can quite literally never tell when someone feels that low, the signs can vary hugely and the majority of people who feel suicidal much of the time are functioning, they’re not in hospital, they’re not in psych wards, they’re the ones serving you at cafes, the ones supporting you throughdifficult times, studying, working - whatever it may be, they’re getting up, they’re showering, they’re taking care o themselves, they’re showing up. It doesn’t mean they’re OK - hence why it’s so important to check in on ALL those around you, even those who seem the happiest or pretty chilled out.' Text that reads, 'And i just want this to be a reminder that if this is you, I see you And you’re not alone When you’re feeling that low it can feel scary, all consuming - as if there quite literally isn’t a way out but please trust me when i say there is. I know you might have felt like this for a while now, I know you’re exhausted. I know you don't feel you can live this way anymore but please know that a life outside of feeling this way really is possible. I have spent weeks, months, years of my life thinking this would be my forever, it wasn't. I can’t tell you how or why or what made it switch but it did, i still feel this way sometimes, but it’s not like it used to be.' Text that reads, ' Nothing I can say or do can make you stay but please know you are worth so much more than you believe. Breathe deep. Allow yourself to cry. Connect if you feel able to. You deserve so much love, regardless of what you’ve been told or the things you have been through This won't be your forever. Keep taking it day by day, hour by hour or minute by minute if you need to - these feelings will pass, if not completely, they will lessen. You are worth something here.'
September 16, 2025 at 9:01 AM
recoverypartners.bsky.social
Our lovely volunteer Rhiannon has written some reflections on change and the power we have to make differences in our lives.

To see more of Rhiannon's reflections check the link in our bio to her blog

#mentalillnessawareness #mentalhealthrecovery #mentalhealthawareness #RecoveryPartners
Floral background with text overlaid that reads as follows, 'Would you change? Remembering the life we've had, The life that can't be undone, The people who are no longer here in person, The opportunities missed, We can't change what's happened to us, What we've been through, What we've battled and fought. But right now, We have the control to do something different, To change how our story goes from now.' Floral background with text overlaid that reads as follows, 'Maybe we haven't accepted support in the past. Maybe we have made choices we aren't proud of. If we could change something, what would it be? Our friendships? A destructive relationship? A first encounter? Or a last one that we didn't know was coming? Would we change our attitudes? Our perspectives? Our judgements?' Floral background with text overlaid that reads as follows, 'We cant choose what happens in 10 years. It hasnt happened yet. We've no control of the future, Of inevitable things. We lack the capacity to change these things. So why spend our time wishing? Expecting change, while not thinking or doing anything differently? The choices we make right now, determine the choices we have to make in the next moment. What is for us, won't pass us. What is meant to be will be.'
September 10, 2025 at 8:00 AM
recoverypartners.bsky.social
Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Cat Young, our new Finance Officer to Recovery Partners! We're thrilled to have her on board and excited for all that’s ahead.

#recoverypartners #recovery #peersupport #peerwork #livedexperience #mentalhealth #mentalillness #wellbeing
Welcome. We're thrilled to welcome Cat Young to Recovery Partners as our new Finance Officer. We're excited to have her on board and look forward to the insight and expertise she brings. Welcome, Cat! We are so glad to have you with us.
August 18, 2025 at 8:02 AM
recoverypartners.bsky.social
We continued looking at differeny photography processes for our A Different View project recently and had a go at some double exposure.

#recoverypartners #recovery #peersupport #peerwork #livedexperience #mentalhealth #mentalillness #wellbeing #art #photography #doubleexposure
A blue and white photo of a young women with an image of her holding a phone double exposed onto the image A cyanotype (blue photo) being developed in a grey tub A blue and white photo showing four women A negative photo of a young woman with the word love on it
August 15, 2025 at 8:02 AM
recoverypartners.bsky.social
Our wonderful co-founder and finance officer, Howard Pearce is retiring. He helped build Recovery Partners from the very beginning and has helped us grow into who we are now.

#recoverypartners #recovery #peersupport #livedexperience #mentalhealth #mentalillness #wellbeing
Thank you We would like to say a huge thank you to Howard Pearve as he starts his retirement. He has been there from the very beginning and helped build Recovery Partners into what it is today. As our co-founder and finance officer, your steady leadership and financial know-how have been at the heart of our growth. We're so grateful for everything you have done and wish you a well-deserved rest, new adventures and plenty of happiness!
August 13, 2025 at 8:01 AM
recoverypartners.bsky.social
Our A Different View project has been running creative sessions focused on drawing, printmaking, journalling, and collage for a good few weeks now and the creativity shows no signs of slowing down.

#mentalhealth #recovery #peersupport #art
August 11, 2025 at 8:01 AM
recoverypartners.bsky.social
Our lovely volunteer Rhiannonshared some thoughtful reflections on her recovery journey and living with BPD.

Recovery is often complex and rarely a straightforward process. It can be frustrating at times, but it's important to remember how far you've already come and that you're worth fighting for.
August 8, 2025 at 8:01 AM
recoverypartners.bsky.social
This week for our A Different View project we dove into the world cyanotypes, an early photographic printing process that turns sunlight and simple materials into these dreamy blue shadow portraits.
A finished cyanotype of some plants
August 4, 2025 at 8:01 AM
recoverypartners.bsky.social
Our 'A Different View' project is ever evolving as we start preparing to make some moving image using the printing, writing and drawing skills we have been working on.
Everyone has a story to tell and unique and interesting way of telling it.
Black and white drawing of a woman's face with large text in all capitals scrawled over the top that reads, 'DONT EVEN TRY' Blue biro on lined paper that reads, 'I can feel the pounding in my body. Asthe long, Autumn, short day passes. My anxiety feeds on my dark thoughts. One after another, darker as they race around my brain. Then noises make you feel on guard, like a guard dog on patrol. Breathing heavy and shallow as panick, fear sets in. why do i get myself in this state! Drawing in black charcoal of a spotted created with a pointed tail and red eyes
August 1, 2025 at 8:01 AM