Recovery stories

We would like your help in our work to promote recovery. Recovery stories are a really powerful way of sharing experience, inspiring others and helping us to improve. Attached right are a leaflet and poster that explains about recovery stories in more detail. You can also view our current recovery stories here.

At the moment, we are just using stories on this website and for staff training to improve how people with mental health problems are treated in daily life, and in their health care. You will always have the chance to change your mind about where and how we use your story. When you send us your story we will always ask you every time we plan to use it, but of course if your story is in a leaflet or DVD then that does have a life of its own.

What is recovery?

Recovery is about seeing people and people seeing themselves as capable of recovery rather than passive recipients of professional treatments. It is about working out strategies and taking control of our own lives
(Piers Allot, 2006)

Further information

In the leaflet opposite there are some questions and ideas to help you to get started with your story. If you decide that you no longer wish for your story to be used by us, simply let us know. Before you send us your piece, set it aside for a few days. Then, look at it again to make sure you are happy with it. You might want to discuss your story with someone you trust – before sending it in.

How to give us your story

Once you are happy with your story send it to us including a completed consent form (you can download this from the right-hand column) We will let you know when we receive anything you have sent, but we cannot guarantee to use it. If we are about to use your work we will contact you to confirm you are still happy for us to go ahead.

Questions, queries and comments

Diana Jakubowska
Head of Communications
CPFT, Elizabeth House, Fulbourn Hospital, Cambridge CB21 5EF
T 01223 726760
E diana.jakubowska@cpft.nhs.uk

To see recovery stories click here