Walking group helps on road of recovery

Posted by Devon Partnership Trust in News, Recovery and wellbeing on 20th December, 2023

Many people who have experienced psychosis are supported in their recovery and rehabilitation by our specialist services. The teams help with all aspects of a person’s recovery, including life skills, physical health and vocational rehabilitation.

This support doesn’t just come to an end when someone leaves the ward and returns to the community. Sam has now been back in the community for a year. He is supported by the Exeter, East and Mid Devon Rehabilitation and Recovery service. Sam wanted to share his experience of setting-up a walking group.

“The walking group was forged late last year after I moved from the Russel Clinic, to my accommodation in Exeter. George, the team leader, and I explored different options early on, in different locations, from being on the moors at Fingle Bridge and Okehampton, as well as exploring local options, such as Ludwell Valley down to the quay, Exmouth and Topsham.

“The first walkers were George, myself and two others. We were to become regulars of the group. Being a small group, we decided to keep it safe and go to Topsham and do a walk past the bird sanctuary towards Darts Farm and back.

“For the second walk there were more members and we made it to Fingle Berry Bridge and did a walk down the river in overcast, but dry, conditions.

“There was also a walk in Exmouth, down to the front and back up past Foxholes. As far as team spirit and camaraderie were concerned, we allocated a person each week to supply biscuits, to go along with the coffee breaks. George made good conversation and used his leadership skills in his communication and inclusion with members of the group, both old and new. I tended to spend much of my time quietly, preferring to listen and to communicate only when it felt pertinent to do so.

“The group has had a hiatus recently due to weather, annual leave, and illness. With winter to come, it will be interesting to see how this change in circumstances affects the group. George and I will do our best in finding and exploring local options for future potential walks.”

Well done to Sam and to the team for their commitment and for creating this wonderful group together. Recovery and rehabilitation really does make an important difference to the lives of those involved.

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Walking group helps on road of recovery

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