Working to Recovery have recently launched free personalised respite and recovery breaks for people who want to engage with their emotional, spiritual and mental health issues in a positive way.
Karen Taylor and Ron Coleman, have years of experience in helping people pursue their own recovery agendas and are funding this initiative through their own means (assisted by donations).
Based in Habost (the Port of Ness on the Isle of Lewis, in the Western Isles of Scotland) the aims of the services include:
- Supporting reflections on individual recovery including spiritual identity
- Building resilience in the face of personal and emotional difficulties
- Developing and cementing autonomy from services
- Extending friendship and peer support networks
- Engaging in meaningful activities and work
- Other agendas identified by individuals
They are able to accomodate up to two people in a cottage and converted barn in a traditional croft (small holding) where they keep pigs, chickens, ducks and geese. They also make it clear that whilst the surrounding are beautiful, this is not a holiday. Those coming for respite or recovery are expected to take part in the day to day care of the animals and generally help out. They are also expected to develop a recovery plan and work on it during their stay (which can last between 2 weeks and 3 months).
If you’d like to find out more about the service (or to donate some much needed funds to help support it) please see: www.workingtorecovery.co.uk/respite-recovery. You can also email Karen Taylor at: karen@workingtorecovery.co.uk
