An example of how our Recovery Practitioners help with more than just mental health

Making a real impact — especially in our current financial climate — is Jannine, one of the Devon Mental Health Alliance’s team of Recovery Practitioners, covering the Exeter & East Devon area.

As part of her work linking with the wider community to ensure that people have access to effective local support, Jannine has been helping one of her clients with completing financial documentation to enable them to receive essential payments, thereby making a positive improvement to their livelihood.

Jannine explained: “This month, I have helped a client with their personal independence payment (PIP) forms. This can be a very overwhelming and challenging process for those we support. Together, at the client's pace, we completed the forms over two sessions. The client then got a decision within a few weeks and his claim was successful. This has positively impacted his daily living and allowed him to take better care of his finances, which were causing him great anxiety.”

Speaking about her role, Jannine continued: “I have been enjoying working with clients from all different backgrounds and their varied needs of support. I feel empowered working for the Devon Mental Health Alliance knowing that I am helping others and making a real difference to their lives, by listening without judgement and sharing ideas and resources.”

Ed, Locality Manager for the South and East/Mid Devon localities, added: “A person's mental health can be negatively affected due to many factors. The struggle people face when tackling social or environmental issues in their lives is often underestimated by those who don't face such challenges. Completing these complex forms independently can cause people to become extremely anxious, especially given the financial weight they carry. What is seemingly a simple comforting helping hand can go a long way to removing these pressures. Jannine's person-centred approach typifies the amazing work our Recovery Practitioners are out there doing. It is fantastic to see the positive impact our team are making on people's lives.”