Neurographic art is a therapeutic creative activity combining the words ‘neuron’ and ‘graphic’. The process is more important than the final product and there are many different neurographic and art therapy techniques out there.

#RecoveryPartners #recovery #mentalillness #mentalhealth

A bright coloured graphic of a mountain with a tiny flag at the top, in front of a cloudy sunset. Text at the top of the graphic reads as follows, 'So I'll make it to the finish line. I'll stop the thoughts on the conveyor belt. I will take charge. It's not easy, it never has been. But it can slowly get better.'

Many of us begin the year with ambitious resolutions and big plans, and then by the end of January, things haven’t always gone as we hoped.

To see the full piece of writing from Rhiannon, see the link in our bio.

#RecoveryPartners #recovery #mentalillness #mentalhealth #peersupport

A brightly colour poster for an event hosted by the group for Muslim Women called 'We Are The Tree'. Text on the poster reads as follows: 'We Are The Tree Muslim Women In Peacehaven & New Haven Are Invite you to Community Engagement Event Free Food Children Corner Art Exhibition Tel: 07979603999 Saturday 31st January 2026 from 12-3pm Meridian Centre Open by Peacehaven Mayor CLLR Deborah Donovan'

We Are The Tree welcome you to an exciting community event at the Meridian Centre January 31st 12-3pm.

#RecoveryPartners #peersupport #art #exhibition #artwork #NewHaven #westsussex #community #peacehaven #newhaven #livedexperiencematters #livedexperience #Gallery #mentalillnessawareness

A graphic with a background photo of pink flowers and a title of ‘Setting goals’

A pink background with a large pale flower shape. Text on the image reads, ‘What goals are you setting for 2026? Improve a skill. Spend more time with friends. Learn to drive. Defeat a fear. Eat more vegetables. Visit a new city. Travel. Meditate.

A pink background with a large pale flower shape. Text on the image reads, ‘Setting goals is a great way to organize yourself and build confidence. They can be as big or small as you like. Big. Medium. Small.

When we set ourselves goals, big or small, we give ourselves direction and something to reach for. Breaking a big goal into smaller tasks can help make it less overwhelming and more manageable.

#peersupport #mentalhealth #mentalillness #recovery #RecoveryPartners #mentalhealthawareness

A graphic of a winter star design on a postage stamp with a border of snowflakes. Text at the bottom of the graphic reads, ‘Happy Holidays’.

Whatever your plans are this holiday season, we hope you find time to do the things you love. Whether that means celebrating with friends and family or taking some well-deserved quiet time to rest and recharge. We hope the season brings you comfort and joy.

#RecoveryPartners #mentalillness

Infographic with beige background patterned with snowflakes. There is a small image in each corner of different cartoon figures looking happy whilst dressed for cold weather. The text on the graphic is as follows, ‘HELP OVER THE HOLIDAYS. Whether you are celebrating or not this time of year, we have gathered some resources should you need some support this holiday season. NHS 111: select the mental health option (Free, open 24/7) Samaritans: 0116 123 (Free and lines open 24/7) Samaritans email: jo@samaritans.org (more info on their website) SANEline: 0300 304 7000 (Free, open 4:30-10pm daily) National Suicide Prevention Helpline: 0800 587 0800 (Free, open 6pm to midnight daily) CALM: 0800 58 58 58 (Free, 5pm-midnight daily, also have a webchat service on their website) SHOUT: text 85258 (Free, 24/7 text service) Papyrus HOPELINEULK: (for under 35s) 0800 068 4141 (Free, open 24/7) Switchboard LGBTQIA+ helpline: 0300 330 0630 (Free, 10am-10pm every day) Rethink Mental Illness: 0808 801 0525 (Free, open Monday-Friday 9:30am-4pm excluding Bank Holidays)’

Whatever you are doing this holiday season you don’t have to do it alone. It can be a challenging time of year for many so here is a list of some of the support services that are available all year round. There is no shame in asking for help!

#recoverypartners #recovery #mentalillness

Two photos in portrait mounted on a white wall. The first photo is a portrait of frozen chips that have scattered on the floor. You can see the bottom of two feet in grey socks and black trousers at the bottom of the photo. The second is of a colourful foil balloon that has strted to deflate and sits on laminate flooring against a white wall.

A photo taken at an angle facing a comercial looking elevator. The floor is laminated and the walls are white.

A photo in portrait of the head of a single bed on a white ikea bedframe in a room with white walls. There are fairy lights that are switched off and deisgned to look like peonies, hanging in the top of the image. On the bed itself are two pillows, one in a pale pink case below another in a pale pink check pattern case. The sheets are pale pink and there appears to be extra, hot pink pillows on the bed and a clothing rack towards the left hand side of the picture.

John Hansard Gallery's logo on a white background, the logo consists of the words 'John Hansard Gallery', each word below the other and slightly to the right of the previous word.

Open until 28th February 2026 at John Hansard Gallery, ‘Out of Order’ by Juanrie Strydom explores the isolation and challenges often faced by disabled folk. Don't miss out on this intimate and thought provoking show!

#RecoveryPartners #recovery #mentalillness #mentalhealth #peersupport

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!'

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

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!'

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

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.'

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

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.'

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 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!'

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 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

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

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.'

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

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.'

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

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.

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

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

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

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!

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

A blue gloved hand rolling out yellow ink next to a collage with lots of textures

a collage of different textured materials including a feather

blue ink being rolled out next to a collage of textures and leaves

a collaged made from different textured msterials next to a pair of scissors

This week as part of 'A Different View' we had a go at printing some collographs. A wonderful way to find beauty in the everday and have fun with shape and textures.

#recoverypartners #adifferentview #mentalhealth #recovery #mentalillness #peersupport #art #printing

Pride: A Brief History Pride can be traced back to the Stonewall Uprising of June 28th, 1969. What started as a protest against racist and homophobic police raids became a turning point in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and ultimately evolved into an annual celebration of queer identity and resistance. But how did we get here?'

Following the uprising, the first Pride events were held in 1970 in New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Meanwhile, in the UK, activism had already been gaining momentum. The Gay Liberation Front (GLF) had been organising workshops and ‘Kiss-Ins’—public displays of affection between same-sex couples to challenge discriminatory laws—even before Stonewall.'

The following text over a photo of a rainbow, 'Aubrey Walter and Bob Mellor founded the British branch of the GLF after meeting at the Black Panthers’ Revolutionary People’s Convention in the U.S. Alongside the Campaign for Homosexual Equality, they organised the UK’s first Pride event on July 1st 1972. The march, held in Hyde Park, faced a heavy police presence. It marked the beginning of a week-long series of “Gay-Ins” that included music, fundraising, and community activities.'

The following text over a photo of a rainbow, 'Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Pride events in the UK were held intermittently, often organised by different groups within the queer community. Over time, Pride has grown into a major annual event, with an increasing number of cities across the UK hosting their own celebrations.'

This Pride month we are diving into our history and thinking about those who came before us and fought for our right to live our lives as our authentic selves. 🏳️‍🌈 🏳️‍⚧️ 💖

#pride #recoverypartners #mentalhealth #mentalillness #lgbtqia #lgbt #peersupport #wellbeing

In the center of the image is an A6 piece of paper with text reading 'TOGETHER WE CAN REWRITE THE STORY'. Surrounded by this piece of paper are six smiling faces.

A collection of 8 page zines with drawings and collage on them

Five smiling people holding up hand made zines

Three people sat at a circular table with craft supplies busy making zines

Last week, we met for a training session on sharing our stories. We explored our boundaries, identities, and the strengths that brought us to where we are today and had a go at making zines.

#recoverypartners #mentalillness #mentalhealth #peersupport #zines #wellbeing #zinemaking

Two white women smiling and holding a brightly coloured and expressive protrait of the woman on the left.

Art can uplift and heal! Our Anna witnessed this fabulous creation by @davidhoyleuniversal, featuring the mesmerising muse @junodawson. Creative expression is not just visually striking but also one of our favourite ways to care for our mental health.

#recoverypartners #davidhoyle #junodawson #art

Ad for text support service. Text reads, 'Feeling anxious or overwhelmed? We're here to help. Text SUSSEX to 85258 for free, confidential support, 24/7 in partnership with shout.'

Are you feeling anxious or low? Talk silently and anonymously to a mental health professional by texting the word SUSSEX to 85258. We're pleased to be working with Shout to offer free, confidential support by text message, 24/7.

#recovery #recoverypartners #mentalhealth #sussex #peersupport

It is a tough time to be mentally ill and/or disabled right now so we wanted to offer some words of affirmation, support and recognition.

We have also made a page on our linktree of useful links and extra support.

💖 💖 💖 you are loved💖 💖 💖

#recoverypartners #pip #universalcredit #peersupport

Online Social Support Group Peer Led LGBTQIA Drug and Alcohol Support

Build On Belief registered charity 1148916. Smiley face logo

QR code

Build On Belief have a great programme of events coming up this summer as well as support for the LGBTQIA community with alcohol and drugs.

#recoverypartners #mentalhealth #mentalillnessrecovery #peersupport #mentalillness #recovery #lgbt #buildonbelief #wellbeing

Poster for Seaview’s Got Talent Wednesday 14:30-16:00 Seaview Project Wellbeing Centre TN37 6LB Free Event

Don’t miss Seaview’s Got Talent tomorrow!!!
There will be music, poetry, comedy and more🎵📝🤣

#recoverypartners #mentalhealth #mentalillness #wellbeing #peersupport #mentalhealthawareness #seaviewproject #hastings

people walking on a beach

the back of someone’s coat with text printed in it that reads ‘do what makes you happy’

legs in football sock and boots

We had a great time recently with the folks at Socialball Walking Football.
Such a fun and accessible way to connect with people and make movement fun for people with varying degrees of mobility ⚽️⚽️

#recoverypartners #peersupport #socialball #brighton #sussex #mentalhealth #wellbeing