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 [email protected]

'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

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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 [email protected]
Devon Rape Crisis - Devon-based support for survivors of rape (of any gender)
SAND Survivors' Alliance North Devon http://survivorsalliance.org.uk/ - Devon-based support for survivors of sexual abuse
Survivors UK https://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.

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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

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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 [email protected]

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

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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.

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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.

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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

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