Devon Mental Health Alliance ‘Celebration and Planning’ day
On Thursday 1st May 2025 over 50 colleagues, from all 5 organisations in the Devon Mental Health Alliance, met for a ‘Celebration and Planning’ day in Exeter.
The event was a celebration of the first three years of the Alliance’s contract, reflecting on the amazing progress that has been achieved so far.
The day included presentations, case studies and feedback from various roles within the Alliance, including Recovery Practitioner work, Community Development and Co-production.
Group discussions were pivotal to the day and included: ‘What are you proud of?’ and ‘What does success look like to you?’
Colleagues were delighted to welcome a service user who explained how he had first-hand experience of the Alliance’s Recovery Practitioner intervention work and the impact that it had made on his life: “Having someone who genuinely cares and fights your corner”. His account was truly inspiring and a wonderful reflection of how the person-centred approach of the Devon Mental Health Alliance Recovery Practitioner intervention offer, and the relational way of working, can be fundamental in changing a person’s life.
In the afternoon, group activities included a review of next steps, with colleagues encouraged to contribute their thoughts on ‘What’s missing?’ and ‘What else could we be doing?’
Throughout the day there were many opportunities for colleagues to reflect on their individual roles and it was clearly apparent that everyone’s role is a critical jigsaw piece in the overall Alliance picture.
“The Devon Mental Health Alliance has been running for three years now, and it was amazing to have the opportunity to celebrate this with our team and some of our partners.
The highlight of my day was seeing our team’s commitment to working in a truly person-centred way and drive system change – it was inspiring to reflect on positive change we’ve achieved for individuals and the Devon system as a whole. ”
Just a few examples of Recovery Practitioner service user feedback that we regularly receive:
“Really recommend this service.
I have struggled for 5 years but this is the service that has helped me the most.”
“I felt I was valued and listened to as an individual.”
“The service I have received has had such an impact on me in a profound way.”
“I cannot fault my recovery practitioner. I am really appreciative of this service and I hope my recovery practitioner knows the positive impact she has on so many.”