and appreciative inquiry for two decades , and remarked on the similarities between LEROs and those approaches , such as : >> Honouring each person and their voice >> Openness and generosity >> A focus on giftedness >> Belief in personal agency and community abundance
PATH TO RECOVERY While working with us on the summit , Peter was struck by phrases like , ‘ we are experiential people ’ which reflect the potency of lived experience in all of life ’ s recovery and thriving . The way LEROs have been grassroots , each unique , and each owning their own approaches , has been community-driven and deeply democratic . He feels that this way of being offers a path to recovery from dissociation in all of its forms , and that people with lived experience and LEROs offer a beacon and leading light even beyond their own communities . It was an incredible bonus that they captured the event in the poem and sketch shown .
It was a positive and rewarding day for all , and one that clearly indicated the appetite and need for the Recovery Connectors ’ work and for the LERO initiative to form wider associations and more formal connections . A total of 168 people signed up for the event and throughout the day there were typically around 80-100 people actively participating . The whole event will be shared in the near future .
We have been overwhelmed with messages of support since and , crucially , by requests to be involved . A follow up 90-minute Big Conversation event is planned for 4 December to explore reflections from the initial launch and discuss current and future developments . You can book via https :// recovery collegesummitreconnect . eventbrite . ca
SO WHAT NOW FOR LEROS ? Our group will continue to meet on a weekly basis and we are meeting up in November to advance each of our aims around the LIVES agenda . We will start to work on a set of standards for LEROs that are not simply an adaptation of specialist treatment services but that recognise the unique demands and needs of LEROs . We will continue to
LERO POETIC HARVEST
A collection of phrases spoken by participants and presenters on the day
I am a recoverist , Supporting , representing , connecting
Small local organizations on the periphery LEROs Peer-led A collective voice No two the same Each utterly unique and different Co-designed
Experiential knowledge is a different kind of knowledge Traditional approaches to society have fallen short LEROs are an ideal lead
An ecosystem of LEROs The power of connection
We are experts by experience I don ’ t want to be fixed , I want to connect
The struggle is real
refine our values and our model for championing innovation and the evidence base .
We will continue to act as one of the working groups for the College of Lived Experience Recovery Organisations and will attempt to increase the profile , professionalism and connectedness for LEROs to influence strengthbased commissioning in local areas . We are also looking to continue to engage LEROs from across the UK in our Recovery Connectors Forum . We want you to be a part of this exciting work , to inform and advise us and to help create a unified and coherent voice for LEROs .
Co-producers of our own change
It is nice to not be flapping about in Brighton on my own
We are led by the people We are natural connectors We are experiential people We focus on assets
We are not fear led
What struck a chord , Walking backwards in life ….
Somebody believed in us One person can make such a massive difference
It ’ s not a tick box , We need maverick commissioners to Interact in an equitable way , View people as Citizens
I am struck by the power of storytelling Connectivity makes us a community of consequence
The opportunity is now
We want to unite LEROs , celebrate differences and create an opportunity for these groups to have a voice and remain equitable against more formal care structures in the local communities we serve . To be a part of the Recovery Connectors Forum , please contact LERO . connectors @ gmail . com
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