Recovery Devon Podcast: Recent Episodes

Recovery Devon

What does it mean to be fully human? How can recovery principles support mental health? Recovery Devon and guests open the mic to views on mental health recovery. Established in the mid-2000s, we became a community interest company in 2012. Based in the South West of England, we support recovery as both a personal vision and an underpinning value base to promote radical change in mental health attitudes and provision. Our community of goodwill includes people with lived experience of mental health issues, their supporters, and families, alongside mental health practitioners.

Welcome to July’s Recovery Devon Podcast with Julie and Sean, directors at Chronic Pain Coaching.

This will be part one of a two-part podcast. There was so much to cover.

During part 1 we get to know Julie and Sean personally. We explore their backgrounds, their favourite holiday destinations, whether they’d do a Skydive and more!

Julie then describes to us what happens in a typical pain café. We talk about the most rewarding experiences so far in running the café’s and how they have helped so many people to take big strides in managing chronic pain. Sean then tells us about how his experience speaking at the House of Lords.

We cover their own recovery journeys and explore what has driven Julie and Sean to start running the Chronic Pain Café’s in Plymouth and Cornwall. We discuss some challenges faced in the process of running the café’s and how these challenges have been overcome.

We talk about how Julie and Sean were able to come off long term pain medication by using holistic pain management techniques and ask the best advice they can give to people who might be struggling with chronic pain.

In part 2) we will be going into more depth into different types of pain management techniques Julie and Sean have learned from a pain management programme at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth.

So please stay tuned for the next part.

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The premiere episode of our joint venture with Stephen Ball from Wellraver marks the beginning of our new podcast series titled 'Podcast of Hope!'

In this first episode Steve is interviewing Tiffany from the D&C Directory.

'D&C Directory is an extensive directory of organisations, services, peer support groups, and other resources available in Devon & Cornwall, in addition to some UK listings. D&C Directory attempts to cover as wide a range of support as possible, ranging from activities to young adult support.

It's completely free, and is available and open to both professionals and service users, who are interested in finding a wide range of mental health & other support available in their area, whatever their needs.'Steve also chats to Tiffany about her own recovery journey, the things that have helped support her to continue and practical advice for those listening. A truly inspiring listen!

You can email Tiffany at: devonandcornwalldirectory@hotmail.com

Disclaimer: There is a moment in the podcast where Tiffany and Steve discuss other organisations that signpost to groups, support, services ect in your area. We would like to also draw listeners attention to the Adoddle Community Mapping project that also exists, and is a partner of ours.

Adoddle is Nationwide but began in Devon (Jaki was on a previous episode of our podcast) please also check them out as well as the D&C Directory at aDoddle – Community Mapping – Making it 'aDoddle' to Find Help, Give Help or Connect with Others Locally

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This Podcast was recorded during out Mental Health Awareness event at Exeter Library in May. The theme for this years MHAW was Anxiety, so we recorded some conversations with organisations and those that have a lived experiance of anxiety.

We were aware that we were facilitating a busy event that may not have been accessible to those that experience social anxiety. To make sure that we could offer something to everyone we recorded a podcast during the event.

This podcast is in 2 parts, this first part includes conversations with:

Heidi Slatter from Hope to Inspire - Heidi delivers education, advice and support from the perspective of someone living with an autism spectrum condition. Heidi talks about her own lived experience of autism and anxiety and what drives her passion for sharing her story to others.

Home | My Site (hopetoempower.com)

Sarah Berry from Transitions -Transitions is a project of local charity Exeter Community Initiatives, supporting adults in Exeter and surrounding districts to improve wellbeing and independence. Sarah talks about the courses that Transitions offer and the impact they can have on anxiety.

Transitions | Guided self-help | Exeter Community Initiatives (eci.org.uk)

Viv Goodings - Viv is a psychosynthesis therapist, practicing in Devon with a specialism in trauma & working with the links between our personal experiences of anxiety and distress and the social, environmental, political & global systems in which we live.

www.vivgoodings.com

You can also get in touch with our Community Development Worker, Sami, if you are interested in taking part in our Podcasts - sami@recoverydevon.co.uk

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Welcome back to the Recovery Devon Podcast.

We are kicking off Season 3 on Time to Talk day, to encourage people to get talking and sharing. To support Time to Talk this year we are relaunching the wonderful Happy 2 Share cards.

We are joined by one of Recovery Devons Directors, Debbie Williams, who was at the very beginning of this project in 2016 alongside Caron Sprake. Caron Sprake came up with the idea of the Happy 2 Share cards in 2016 and her successful bid for a Recovery Devon Community Development Fund led to the first printing of the cards. This was so well received that the cards were reviewed and printed again, attracting national attention including a Points of Light award.

Tune in to this episode of our podcast to hear all about the idea behind the cards, how it impacts Community Cafes, and how such a simple idea is making such a big difference in Devon and beyond.

A huge thank you to Debbie Williams for taking part in this podcast, and to Caron Sprake for starting the Happy 2 Share movement.

If you are interested in finding out how you can be involved with this project or if you would like to order some free Happy to Share cards, please get in touch via happytoshare@recoverydevon.co.uk.

Trigger Warning- This episode does touch on the sensitive topic of Suicidal Ideation, so please take care when listening. If this is something that you are struggling with please reach out for support.

If you need support then the Samaritans are there to call 24/7
The Samaritans- 116 123

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In this podcast we talk about what we mean when we say community.

Two of our Community Development Workers, Sami and Jody, talk to Matt and Kerry from The Community Waffle House about what is a community, why is it so important and how being involved in a community can help our mental health.

We also chat about the fantastic work that the Waffle team are doing in Axminister and how to get involved.

The Community Waffle House is much more then a café that specializes in waffles, (although they are pretty darn tasty!), they are

'a small group of individuals with our hearts set on making a big difference in the community.

Through the power of waffle, we want to bring people closer together and to help the community.'

To get in touch you can visit their website : Waffle | Building Community through the Power of Waffle
Or visit their FB page: The Community Waffle House | Facebook

Support the show (https://recoverydevon.co.uk/involvement/donations/)

Sam O'Hara Childs is an actor, writer, and photographer who's always chasing the next adventure. Sam contacted us following our Cosplay podcast; he's best known for playing Union Jack in a web series inspired by the Marvel universe. We were delighted to hear he wanted to share his personal story with us, with "story" being the operative word.

Sam believes that owning the narrative of your life is a powerful tool for transformation and recovery. In a conversation with Em Flint he explains what it's meant to him and how it could help you. We talk about bipolar, OCD, rehabilitation, crisis, and transformation.

Thanks to Sam for writing an accompanying recovery story for our archives, "What Is A Hero?"

If you want to connect with or learn more about Sam, you can visit his production company channel Stonewall Toda.

Some follow-up articles you might enjoy after listening:
The 12 Jungian Archetypes
Understanding and Working With Dan Siegel's "Window of Tolerance"

Support the show (https://recoverydevon.co.uk/involvement/donations/)

Bereavement. It touches everyone's life at some point - and yet, too often we find ourselves navigating this strange land with few people prepared to talk plainly with us about it. Besides the shock and sadness, it can be laden with expectations and judgment; not to mention unfamiliar territories like healthcare, coroners, and paperwork when you least feel able to handle them. How can we look after ourselves through a bereavement, and how can we look out for those struggling with their process?

In this episode we gathered 4 people whose personal experiences of bereavement led them to provide services that make a difference. Rosie Dawson of Roots Community Enhancement leads Waves Bereavement Group in Dawlish. Bexs Rushton runs LOSS (Losing Our Sense of Self), a support and advice group based in Torbay. Sarah Bugler is in private practice as a Clinical Hypnotherapist and Counsellor, specialising in grief. Em Flint hosts and shares some of her experiences.

From complex or complicated grief, through sudden or violent bereavements, to more "straightforward" losses, we learn that whilst no two stories are the same, there are some common threads we can carry back to support those who grieve today.

A theme of our chat is the need to speak plainly about the more difficult aspects of death and dying. We've made every effort for this to be safe and supportive listening, but please take care of yourself as you do so.

Resources and ideas mentioned in the podcast:

LOSS Digital Self Help Guide
Recovery Devon "Grief Spiral" Video
WAVES Bereavement Group
Death Cafes
End Of Life Doulas
CRUSE Bereavement Care
RoadPeace

Support the show (https://recoverydevon.co.uk/involvement/donations/)

When Tom approached us a few months ago, he had a slightly unusual take on recovery in mind. Tom is a "cosplayer" - someone who roleplays in costume as a hobby - and it's a lot more popular than we realised. As word about Tom's idea got out, more and more people agreed that cosplay had helped them, and asked to join in. With a whopping seven people in the final Zoom room, it's been our best-attended podcast so far!

Our chat includes cosplayers Tom, Kev, and Erin, live-action roleplayer Anne, and specialist cosplay photographer Jo of Fab Fantasy UK (who was kind enough to photograph some of our cosplayers for our website - thank you Jo!). Hosted by Jody and Em from the Recovery Devon team, the gang explores why stepping into costume can be magical for mental health. It's a great way to connect with emotions, get creative, and find your tribe. The fun really shines through!

Links mentioned in the podcast:

Fab Fantasy UK
Article - "The Neuroscience of Game of Thrones"
Dumnonni Chronicles
UK Cosplay Community
AniMangaPop Club
London Super Comic Con And Beyond

Support the show (https://recoverydevon.co.uk/involvement/donations/)

Hayley McLean is a Devon mum of 3 children and author of the multi-award-winning blog, Sparkles & Stretchmarks. Hayley blogs about life as a home-schooling mum, gender stereotypes within society, as well as sharing open, honest and realistic accounts of her own lived mental health and life experiences.

Hayley is a huge advocate for the #BodyPositive movement and regularly writes about her experience, whilst also encouraging others to love and accept themselves. Hayley also talks to a lot of groups, charities and social media channels about her experience with Body Positivity.

This podcast is a recording of her talk at a Recovery Devon’s Phoenix Night. Hayley spoke to us about her lived experiences of body shaming and societal beauty standards, her journey toward body acceptance and shame-free living, and the Body Positivity movement itself as well as how we can all start to accept, respect and embrace the skin we live in.

Support the show (https://recoverydevon.co.uk/involvement/donations/)

It's a podcast to lift your spirits this time; we gathered some Devon musicians for a lively chat about finding solace in sound.

We've a wide range of experiences in the Zoom room, from not knowing where to start, to making a living out of music. How does music call to us? What difference can it make to our lives? And is there any such thing as a "proper musician?"

Joining us are Jak Lewis, off to a great start in his career with a recent SW England Prestige Award for "Local Performer Of The Year." Rachel Thame and Deborah Woollaston share their vision as Moor To Sea music collective of a society that values everybody's human need for music.

Recovery Devon director Mike Smith dons another of his many hats, speaking today as songwriter and open mic regular. North Devon favourite Jim "Smalltown" Jones brings a wealth of heart and experience. Finally, host Em Flint holds a space for the "musically terrified!"

We hope this podcast helps you connect with music as a powerful, accessible force for expression and connection. Put some tunes on, pick up an instrument, join a choir or band... the message we're sending is, with music you can't go wrong!

Support the show (https://recoverydevon.co.uk/involvement/donations/)

In this episode we are talking about perinatal mental health, for both mums and dads, and it goes live in support of Maternal Mental Health week. We explore the challenges of parenthood, what it's like to go through postnatal depression and intrusive thoughts, the pressures of social media on new parents, unrealistic expectations and also what help is out there for both parents.

We are joined by Selina Dare who works for Bluebell Care, a charity that supports families through depression and anxiety that's related to pregnancy and/or birth. Selina tells us all about Bluebell and what the Devon team can offer, including new support for dads!

We are also joined by Rachel and Phil, a couple who accessed Bluebells support after the birth of their daughter. Rachel and Phil talk open and honestly about their experience with postnatal depression, intrusive thoughts and how talking and sharing with other parents can help.

In this episode we talk about intrusive thoughts so please do take care when listening if this is something that may affect you. It's important to mention that if you are experiencing intrusive thoughts then you are not alone. We encourage that you to speak to your GP or support that is in your area. Intrusive thoughts can be overwhelming but it is something that can be supported and (as Selina talks about in the episode) has no indication on your moral compass.

Bluebell Care has groups in Bristol and Devon. The Devon team have support for both mums and dads. To get in touch please visit https://bluebellcare.org or email mel@bluebellcare.org
Or you can complete their self referral form here: https://bluebellcare.org/how-to-refer/referal-form-little-bluebell/

Support the show (https://recoverydevon.co.uk/involvement/donations/)

Recorded on Self Harm Awareness Day 2021, our courageous conversation reflects on the "prevention at all costs" model. We focus instead on why self-harm arises, how it manifests, and ask how lived experience can inform service delivery.

Em Flint is joined by Marie Ash and Courtney Sommer. Marie's many mental health and suicide prevention hats include Senior Peer Support Worker with Devon Partnership Trust, Chairman of Ask for Jake, and director of Recovery Devon. Courtney is a PhD student of Sociology of Medicine at the University of Exeter. An activist and trainer with Action to Prevent Suicide, she recently co-founded Make Space, a community capable of holding and supporting people who are self-harming.

This conversation includes wide references to self-harm and suicidality, so please take care as you listen.

Resources we mention:
Chill Project - Cold water swimming for wellbeing
National Survivor User Network
Devon Partnership Trust's guide to self harm and services
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)

Support the show (https://recoverydevon.co.uk/involvement/donations/)

How can moving your body make a difference to mental health recovery?

Often we treat mental health “from the neck up.” Creatively engaging with how our bodies feel, function, and move can help us better understand ourselves and our relationship to the world.

Today we’re talking to people who work therapeutically with the moving body. What can movement or dance offer that’s different than sitting with a therapist? What might we expect during a movement therapy session? How might we invite movement into our lives if it’s become unfamiliar, or even challenging for us?

This podcast was recorded over Zoom during a third U.K. lockdown, with lack of movement beginning to cause difficulties for many people, as well as lack of human touch. During this chat, we briefly discuss therapeutic contact. Whilst Devon Partnership Trust does not include touch or contact in its services (during lockdown or otherwise), we hear how other providers offer this safely and appropriately.

Karen Dudley is a Dance Movement Psychotherapist working within Devon Partnership Trust. Paul Beaumont is a Registered Somatic Movement Therapist with ISMETA (International Somatic Movement Education & Therapy Association). He’s also a teacher, supervisor, and practitioner with IBMT (Institute for Integrative Bodywork & Movement Therapy). They’re joined by our community development workers Em Flint (who is in her second year of IBMT training) and Sami Goulding, who also holds an MA in Dance Movement Psychotherapy.

Useful links for this episode:

https://www.dpt.nhs.uk/our-services/psychology-and-psychological-therapies

https://ibmt.co.uk/

https://www.paulbeaumont.net/

https://admp.org.uk/

Support the show (https://recoverydevon.co.uk/involvement/donations/)

North Devon Instagram sensation Harriet Knock joins us for a wide-ranging conversation to brighten a dark, lockdown night!

Harriet set up @making_ahouse_ahome as a way to share how cleaning helped her recovery with anxiety. From a simple account to help her focus, she's gone on to attract over 27,000 followers. Her down-to-earth stories of keeping her space bright and comfortable for herself and her young family have developed into sponsorships, vlogging, and even entering the world of book publication.

We talk about why our home environment can make such a difference to our recovery - and some of the challenges of holding yourself to too high a standard. Her #OneTaskADay philosophy helps! Harriet also explains how social media can either help or hinder our mental wellbeing, and how to keep the balance right. She also reads from her poetry anthology "Emerging from the Storms."

Content warning - a brief reference to self-harm (with a very positive message!)

Em also mentions a website she used 15 years ago and it's still running: http://www.flylady.net/. Thanks, FlyLady!

Find out more about Harriet on her Instagram page or her blog. You can order copies of "Emerging from the Storms" here. Harriet is generously donating copies for loan to the Devon Recovery Learning Community's drop-in libraries.

Support the show (https://recoverydevon.co.uk/involvement/donations/)

Season 2 begins! We kick off season 2 with a talk from Dr Tom Cant about Peer Supported Open Dialogue. This episode was recorded from a live audience Zoom event as part of our Phoenix Nights.

Dr Tom Cant talks to us about how Peer Supported Open Dialogue is working within Devon Partnership trust, how it begin and what makes it so needed and valuable within our Mental Health system. He talks openly about the theory behind Open Dialogue and how we can embrace this new way of working with people to really understand their social community and what it is they need to move forward.

This presentation also includes PowerPoint slides which you can find on our website, linked below.

https://recoverydevon.co.uk/2021/peer-supported-open-dialogue-podcast/

Tom Cant can be contacted via email at t.cant@nhs.net

More info on Open Dialogue can be found here; http://open-dialogue.net

Support the show (https://recoverydevon.co.uk/involvement/donations/)

What part does humour play in keeping your mental health on track? Can a lighthearted joke lift you in difficult times, or does dark humour give you some relief? Is "losing your sense of humour" a useful early earning sign? Or could you even be missing your vocation as a comedian?

In this lively episode, James and Em from the Recovery Devon team are joined by Dr Maggie Irving, comedy teacher and performer, Dan "Fitz" Fitzpatrick from the South West standup circuit, and Bryn Thomas, a student and friend of both, who is learning the craft.

Maggie offers all sorts of exciting courses to explore comedy in your life here:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/maggie-irving-6470711117
And blogs on the psychology of humour here:
https://drmaggieirving.blogspot.com/

You can follow Fitz's shows at his website here:
https://www.fitzofgiggles.com/

We hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed making this one. Let us know what you think!

Support the show (https://recoverydevon.co.uk/involvement/donations/)

We're joined this time by Max Cohen and Rea Pearson to talk about sexual orientation and gender identity. Are there some particular mental health challenges for different LGBTQ+ communities, and how can organisations like It's All About You Wellbeing offer tailored help?

Historical perspectives are considered alongside current affairs, and we share ideas and exercises around gender identity.

Max has provided a rich variety of resources to support this podcast, which can be found here: https://recoverydevon.co.uk/2020/itsallaboutyoupodcast/

Support the show (https://recoverydevon.co.uk/involvement/donations/)

In this episode Recovery Devon's Community Development worker, Sami Goulding, is joined by 3 of Andy's Man Club group facilitators. She talks to Craig, Anthony and Chris who all facilitate groups in Devon, more specifically Exeter, Torbay and Plymouth.

During the episode we talk about how Andy's Man Club began, how it has progressed and just why it is so important to be able to have groups like this available. We also talk about the pressure that males face to open up and just how important it is to spread the 'it's okay to talk' message.

Andy's Man Club has groups all around the UK, if you are listening and would like to get involved, join a group in your area or join their new online group then email **info@andysmanclub.co.uk

'**On average one man every 2 hours takes his life in the UK. It’s often said a factor is that men don’t talk. Thats why we were born to break down these stigmas. At ANDYSMANCLUB you don’t have to be suicidal or have a mental health problem, we just want to get men talking.

That change starts with you…'

If you need support then the Samaritans are there to call 24/7
The Samaritans- 116 123

Support the show (https://recoverydevon.co.uk/involvement/donations/)

This episode’s conversation highlights the under-represented topic of men’s recovery after sexual abuse.We’re joined by Ian, who courageously shares his lived experience of sexual abuse in adulthood, and John Slater, founder of MoMENtum, a Devon-based CIC supporting adult male survivors of sexual abuse. Joined by Sami Goulding and Em Flint from Recovery Devon, the group uncover why it takes time to process or even acknowledge what has happened, and how society helps, or hinders. Different recovery approaches are considered, with a call for change in understanding and support. **We’ve made every effort to make this podcast safe to listen to; nonetheless, please listen with care, especially if this is a subject that affects you.

Resources to support you after listening:

MoMENtum Devon - call or text 0777 3151080, or email momentumdevon@gmail.comDevon Rape Crisis- Devon-based support for survivors of rape (of any gender)SANDSurvivors' Alliance North Devonhttp://survivorsalliance.org.uk/ - Devon-based support for survivors of sexual abuseSurvivors UKhttps://www.survivorsuk.org/ - National (UK) support for sexually abused men
Andy's Man Club** https://andysmanclub.co.uk/ - National network of local talking groups for men. Devon's branches are Exeter, Newton Abbot, Torbay, and Plymouth.

Support the show (https://recoverydevon.co.uk/involvement/donations/)

Episode 6- In this episode James, Recovery Devon's Managing Director, and Ashley, a Recovery Devon Board Member and Bridge Collective staff, have an explorative conversation about living with, and experiencing, psychosis. This conversation looks into what helps and what hinders when in the midst of experiencing psychosis. James and Ashley also find the positives of seeing psychosis as part of a natural and normal human experience and embracing the process.

James also mentions the film Crazywise- The documentary CRAZYWISE explores what can be learned from people around the world who have turned their psychological crisis into a positive transformative experience. To watch the film please visit this link https://crazywisefilm.com

Support the show (https://recoverydevon.co.uk/involvement/donations/)

In this episode we talk about the resilience of women and how one Exeter based group offers women the space to focus on their strengths and connection with each other.

We talk to Jeanie Lynch, who runs the Resilient Woman's group at CoLab, and Babs, who has been a member of the group for over 2 years. Together we discuss what makes this group so inspiring and how it provides a holistic approach to supporting women on their journey through difficult times. We also chat about crafts, decoupage, creative writing and the additional support that the group will be offering in the future. A big thank you to Jeanie and Babs for being part of the Recovery Devon Podcast, it was a joy to talk to you both.

If you listen to this episode and would like to enquire about joining the group then please contact Jeanie on jeanie.lynch@colabexeter.org.uk

You can also find out more about the group and other projects that CoLab are running on their website: https://www.colabexeter.org.uk/projects

Support the show (https://recoverydevon.co.uk/involvement/donations/)

This time we talk to devon based digital entrepreneur Jaki King, founder of ADoddle Community Mapping. Learn how Jaki’s lived experience sparked, in her words, "a big, hairy, audacious, plan!"
ADoddle’s maps connect communities in a number of ways; people can find what’s happening on their doorstep, services can reach out to those they’re designed to help, and local businesses can show their support in practical ways.
They’ve really done their research, and apply recovery values of hope, choice, and community. When you hear from Jaki, we know you’ll understand why we wanted to work with her to make ADoddle happen in Devon.

Visit www.adoddle.org to explore and get involved with your local map.

Support the show (https://recoverydevon.co.uk/involvement/donations/)

In this episode we have Mike Smith, a Recovery Devon board member and our tech wizard, talking about the positives of being 'out of our minds'.

Mike talks to us about how being out of our minds can help us engage more with the world around us and our own imagination. We hear Mikes thoughts on how the school, education and learning system may create concrete and inflexible minds as we neglect our imagination and focus more on facts and already established beliefs.

We also hear Mike question how we measure success, what is progress and why connection to others is so vital to our well being. All this and the bonus of a brilliantly explained musical metaphor. We hope you enjoy.

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Recovery Devon believes in the importance of giving people a platform to share what has been helpful in their personal recovery; rather than endorsing a particular approach, we offer varied perspectives so that people can discover what is helpful to them.

Support the show (https://recoverydevon.co.uk/involvement/donations/)

In this episode of the Recovery Devon Podcast we have David Hess talking about the role of dreams in mental health recovery. This audio was recorded live from Exeter Phoenix as part of our Phoenix Nights event.
Phoenix Nights was scheduled to be a series of interesting talks and open discussions on being human and mental health recovery but is now postponed due to Covid19. The event was grown out of a collaboration between Recovery Devon and the Department of Psychology in Devon Partnership Trust and will be rescheduled to resume when possible.

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Recovery Devon believes in the importance of giving people a platform to share what has been helpful in their personal recovery; rather than endorsing a particular approach, we offer varied perspectives so that people can discover what is helpful to them.

Support the show (https://recoverydevon.co.uk/involvement/donations/)

In this episode, the Recovery Devon 2020 staff team give a whistle-stop tour of current projects, and share how they each joined the community.

Along the way, they share stories of what recovery means to them personally, as well as some Recovery Devon history, daft jokes, and even an incredibly cheesy ad break.

Find out more about us at www.recoverydevon.co.uk

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Recovery Devon believes in the importance of giving people a platform to share what has been helpful in their personal recovery; rather than endorsing a particular approach, we offer varied perspectives so that people can discover what is helpful to them.

Support the show (https://recoverydevon.co.uk/involvement/donations/)