Recovery is being able to live a meaningful and satisfying life, as defined by each person, in the presence or absence of symptoms. It is about having control over and input into one’s own life. Each individual’s recovery, like his or her experience of the mental health problems or illness, is a unique and deeply personal process. There is no right or wrong way to recover.

One of the most important parts of recovery is hope. Without the hope and belief that a better life is possible and can be attained, recovery is unlikely.

The Scottish Recovery Network (SRN) is part of the Scottish Executive’s National Programme for Improving Mental Health and Well-being

The national programme has four key aims:

1.raising awareness and promoting mental health and well-being

2. preventing suicide

3. eliminating stigma and discrimination

4.promoting and supporting recovery

SRN works to acheive the fourth key aim of the National programme. It works across Scotland to:

• raise awareness of recovery from long term mental health problems and illness,
• develop understanding about the things that help and hinder recovery
• support local action and highlight and encourage innovation in services.

More information can be found at the Scottish Recovery Network SRN website

The Lothian Recovery Network provide training and events to promote and support recovery locally.