Background and Development
Recovery is a journey for People in Recovery (PIR) in rediscovering themselves, building positive self-images and developing a meaningful life. PIR’s recovery and learning processes towards the obstacles incurred by the illness are emphasized. Recovery values the non-linear process of illness, focuses on PIR’s responsibilities and their participation. In the recovery journey, PIR is the centre of focus. With the respect and support of the medical team, family, peers and the public, PIR is encouraged to have holistic development with choices and pose a life beyond illness with hope.
Origin of "Recovery”
Recovery was first introduced by substance abuse self-help organization, and was adopted in mental health self-help organizations followed the consumer movement in the 70’s. In recent decades, recovery concepts have been refined and are widely adopted among the self-help organizations. They are as well incorporated into formal services of mental health rehabilitation and substance abuse sectors which become the policy and service framework in countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand etc.. Some of the organizations and hospitals in Hong Kong are now actively incorporating recovery concepts into the mental health services striving for a better future for PIR.
What is "Recovery”?
Recovery goes beyond the restoration to the original stage with emphasis on personal experiences, self-acceptance and growth. Localized recovery concepts comprise 12 elements, namely : i) individualized, ii) self-direction and choice, iii) responsibility, iv) user participation, v) family participation, vi) peer support, vii) strength-based, viii) respect, ix) holistic, x) non-linearity, xi) hope and xii) trauma-informed.
Alliance for Recovery and Care (ARC)
The Association formed the Alliance for Recovery and Care (ARC) in 2011 aiming to foster the recovery progress of PIR and to provide an inclusive atmosphere facilitating PIR’s recovery towards a brighter future. To achieve these goals and promote mental health, support and effort from different stakeholders such as PIR, carers, staff, general public and the mental health practitioners are essential.
The aims of ARC are as follows:
- To foster PIR’s recovery journey, self-direction and choice by emphasizing their personal experiences and strengths, as well encouraging participation and hope
- To provide an online resource platform with knowledge and practice of recovery for mental health professionals
- To promote recovery-oriented mental health services in Hong Kong, emphasizing evidence-based practice
- To enhance acceptance and to eliminate stigma of PIR and mental illness in the community