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Build On Belief have a great programme of events coming up this summer as well as support for the LGBTQIA community with alcohol and drugs.

#recoverypartners #mentalhealth #mentalillnessrecovery #peersupport #mentalillness #recovery #lgbt #buildonbelief #wellbeing
Online Social Support Group Peer Led LGBTQIA Drug and Alcohol Support Build On Belief registered charity 1148916. Smiley face logo QR code
April 25, 2025 at 8:01 AM
recoverypartners.bsky.social
Our lovely volunteer Rhiannon has shared some reflections with us on setting goals and looking to the future.

#RecoveryPartners #recovery #mentalillness #mentalhealth #peersupport #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthrecovery #mentalillnessawareness
An orange background with a graphic of two women sat chatting in the bottom right corner. Title text reads, '"Where do you see yourself in 5 years?"'. The main body of the text reads, 'My therapist asked this question with curiosity and enthusiasm, with which I didn't quite know how to respond. I had goals, but I'd never named them as something I actually planned to achieve. I was so unpredictable with mood swings that the next hour could have me spiralling downwards and nothing would stop me. I had it in my head that relapsing was just a part of my life that I would get used to. When I think about that judgment now, in this moment, it makes me sad. Not sad because it's basically been how my life has gone so far, but because I believed it would never change and I had lost the hope of recovering someday. I tried to bring myself back to the moment. I was getting stuck in my head, going around in circles.' An orange background with a graphic of a flower in the bottom right corner. Text that reads, '"5 years?" I sighed and shifted in my seat as I prepared to make up a whole story of being discharged from mental health services, living independently, managing bills and finances, being in a healthy relationship and having positive friendships. That moment passed through my head, and a tear trickled down my cheek. I hadn't answered yet, but the thoughts got me going deeper and deeper as we sat in silence. "I think I'd just like to be better than I am now. I'd like to feel like I'm giving my all in life, trying my hardest and building a strong foundation for my future. I guess I would like to see myself mentally stronger and stable without a cycle of relapsing. I want to break the cycle and maintain good mental health." That moment changed how I viewed my future. I didn't need things that money could buy. I just wanted to feel I was doing enough to support myself in my recovery journey. The cycle needed to change. A new direction. A new focus. A strong grip on the life I wanted and a determination and drive that I couldn't let go of. ' : An orange background with graphics of flowers and a butterfly in the top right corner and flowers in the bottom right corner. Title text reads, '*5 years later*'. The main body of text reads, 'I'm sitting in my one-bedroom house, aged 30. I feel loved, supported and stable. Not the kind of stable where I'm just surviving each day. No, I'm actually living my life. I'm thriving! I'm engaged to the love of my life. I have strong friendships and no longer seek validation for every decision I make in life. I actually achieved 5-years risk-free today too. And I am celebrating with a trip to London over the new year of 2031 to experience watching the fireworks as the year moves to the next and the clock strikes midnight. I am working now since I got my qualification in community mental health and psychiatry and my psychology diploma, but still also enjoy blogging and sharing my writing with charities that can reach so many people who relate to what I’ve gone through and just need that little bit of hope and proof that life can get better. "I’m ready!" I tell myself internally. I say it firmly as if I am commanding that there is no backing out of it... no other option. You’ve got this! Let’s see what 5 years bring!'
December 1, 2025 at 10:01 AM
recoverypartners.bsky.social
Our lovely volunteer Rhiannon has written a wonderful piece of writing for us about challenging negative thought patterns and reflecting on personal growth in recovery.
To read her writing in full visit gainyourglow.com/2025/11/30/t...

#RecoveryPartners #mentalillness #mentalhealth
Cartoon style graphic of a shower head running water. There are two text boxes on the graphic, the first in smaller text reads as follows, 'Shower while visualising your negative thoughts going down the drain'. The second more central text box reads in larger writing, 'You chose to try again!'
December 12, 2025 at 10:02 AM
recoverypartners.bsky.social
Are you feeling anxious or low? Talk silently and anonymously to a mental health professional by texting the word SUSSEX to 85258. We're pleased to be working with Shout to offer free, confidential support by text message, 24/7.

#recovery #recoverypartners #mentalhealth #sussex #peersupport
Ad for text support service. Text reads, 'Feeling anxious or overwhelmed? We're here to help. Text SUSSEX to 85258 for free, confidential support, 24/7 in partnership with shout.'
April 30, 2025 at 8:02 AM
recoverypartners.bsky.social
Art can uplift and heal! Our Anna witnessed this fabulous creation by @davidhoyleuniversal, featuring the mesmerising muse @junodawson. Creative expression is not just visually striking but also one of our favourite ways to care for our mental health.

#recoverypartners #davidhoyle #junodawson #art
Two white women smiling and holding a brightly coloured and expressive protrait of the woman on the left.
May 19, 2025 at 8:02 AM
recoverypartners.bsky.social
Don’t miss Seaview’s Got Talent tomorrow!!!
There will be music, poetry, comedy and more🎵📝🤣

#recoverypartners #mentalhealth #mentalillness #wellbeing #peersupport #mentalhealthawareness #seaviewproject #hastings
Poster for Seaview’s Got Talent Wednesday 14:30-16:00 Seaview Project Wellbeing Centre TN37 6LB Free Event
April 22, 2025 at 11:24 AM
recoverypartners.bsky.social
Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Cat Young, our new Finance Officer to Recovery Partners! We're thrilled to have her on board and excited for all that’s ahead.

#recoverypartners #recovery #peersupport #peerwork #livedexperience #mentalhealth #mentalillness #wellbeing
Welcome. We're thrilled to welcome Cat Young to Recovery Partners as our new Finance Officer. We're excited to have her on board and look forward to the insight and expertise she brings. Welcome, Cat! We are so glad to have you with us.
August 18, 2025 at 8:02 AM
recoverypartners.bsky.social
This week as part of 'A Different View' we had a go at printing some collographs. A wonderful way to find beauty in the everday and have fun with shape and textures.

#recoverypartners #adifferentview #mentalhealth #recovery #mentalillness #peersupport #art #printing
A blue gloved hand rolling out yellow ink next to a collage with lots of textures a collage of different textured materials including a feather blue ink being rolled out next to a collage of textures and leaves a collaged made from different textured msterials next to a pair of scissors
June 20, 2025 at 8:01 AM
recoverypartners.bsky.social
An important message from our Peer Associate Immy Mason following World Suicide Prevention Day

#mentalillnessawareness #mentalhealthrecovery #mentalhealthawareness #RecoveryPartners #recoverypartners #recovery #mentalillness #mentalhealth #peersupport #suicide #suicideprevention #suicideawarness
Text that reads, 'And so, i’m not going to do a long post on it or about my personal struggles around it but instead i want to remind people that you often can quite literally never tell when someone feels that low, the signs can vary hugely and the majority of people who feel suicidal much of the time are functioning, they’re not in hospital, they’re not in psych wards, they’re the ones serving you at cafes, the ones supporting you throughdifficult times, studying, working - whatever it may be, they’re getting up, they’re showering, they’re taking care o themselves, they’re showing up. It doesn’t mean they’re OK - hence why it’s so important to check in on ALL those around you, even those who seem the happiest or pretty chilled out.' Text that reads, 'And i just want this to be a reminder that if this is you, I see you And you’re not alone When you’re feeling that low it can feel scary, all consuming - as if there quite literally isn’t a way out but please trust me when i say there is. I know you might have felt like this for a while now, I know you’re exhausted. I know you don't feel you can live this way anymore but please know that a life outside of feeling this way really is possible. I have spent weeks, months, years of my life thinking this would be my forever, it wasn't. I can’t tell you how or why or what made it switch but it did, i still feel this way sometimes, but it’s not like it used to be.' Text that reads, ' Nothing I can say or do can make you stay but please know you are worth so much more than you believe. Breathe deep. Allow yourself to cry. Connect if you feel able to. You deserve so much love, regardless of what you’ve been told or the things you have been through This won't be your forever. Keep taking it day by day, hour by hour or minute by minute if you need to - these feelings will pass, if not completely, they will lessen. You are worth something here.'
September 16, 2025 at 9:01 AM
recoverypartners.bsky.social
Our wonderful co-founder and finance officer, Howard Pearce is retiring. He helped build Recovery Partners from the very beginning and has helped us grow into who we are now.

#recoverypartners #recovery #peersupport #livedexperience #mentalhealth #mentalillness #wellbeing
Thank you We would like to say a huge thank you to Howard Pearve as he starts his retirement. He has been there from the very beginning and helped build Recovery Partners into what it is today. As our co-founder and finance officer, your steady leadership and financial know-how have been at the heart of our growth. We're so grateful for everything you have done and wish you a well-deserved rest, new adventures and plenty of happiness!
August 13, 2025 at 8:01 AM
recoverypartners.bsky.social
We continued looking at differeny photography processes for our A Different View project recently and had a go at some double exposure.

#recoverypartners #recovery #peersupport #peerwork #livedexperience #mentalhealth #mentalillness #wellbeing #art #photography #doubleexposure
A blue and white photo of a young women with an image of her holding a phone double exposed onto the image A cyanotype (blue photo) being developed in a grey tub A blue and white photo showing four women A negative photo of a young woman with the word love on it
August 15, 2025 at 8:02 AM
recoverypartners.bsky.social
This Talk Money Week we are encouraging each other to open up about money and build our confidence in discussing our finances. See the link in our bio for more support

#RecoveryPartners #recovery #mentalillness #mentalhealth #peersupport #mentalhealthrecovery #mentalhealthawareness
Graphic of people sitting talking with text that reads as follows 'Its Talk Money Week! (3rd-7th Nov) We have some resources in our bio from Money Helper and East Sussex COunty Council to help you start the conversation. Talking about money can often be uncomfortable but there are some very useful tips on how to have the conversation in a way that can reduce stress, boost confidence, and help build healthier money habits for life.'
November 4, 2025 at 9:00 AM
recoverypartners.bsky.social
Open until 28th February 2026 at John Hansard Gallery, ‘Out of Order’ by Juanrie Strydom explores the isolation and challenges often faced by disabled folk. Don't miss out on this intimate and thought provoking show!

#RecoveryPartners #recovery #mentalillness #mentalhealth #peersupport
Two photos in portrait mounted on a white wall. The first photo is a portrait of frozen chips that have scattered on the floor. You can see the bottom of two feet in grey socks and black trousers at the bottom of the photo. The second is of a colourful foil balloon that has strted to deflate and sits on laminate flooring against a white wall. A photo taken at an angle facing a comercial looking elevator. The floor is laminated and the walls are white. A photo in portrait of the head of a single bed on a white ikea bedframe in a room with white walls. There are fairy lights that are switched off and deisgned to look like peonies, hanging in the top of the image. On the bed itself are two pillows, one in a pale pink case below another in a pale pink check pattern case. The sheets are pale pink and there appears to be extra, hot pink pillows on the bed and a clothing rack towards the left hand side of the picture. John Hansard Gallery's logo on a white background, the logo consists of the words 'John Hansard Gallery', each word below the other and slightly to the right of the previous word.
December 15, 2025 at 10:00 AM
recoverypartners.bsky.social
We had a great time recently with the folks at Socialball Walking Football.
Such a fun and accessible way to connect with people and make movement fun for people with varying degrees of mobility ⚽️⚽️

#recoverypartners #peersupport #socialball #brighton #sussex #mentalhealth #wellbeing
people walking on a beach the back of someone’s coat with text printed in it that reads ‘do what makes you happy’ legs in football sock and boots
April 7, 2025 at 1:02 PM
recoverypartners.bsky.social
We had such a good time at the opening of A Different View, we had to share more pictures. Thank you to everyone who came and supported our work and to those who took part in our printmaking workshops.

#peersupport #mentalhealth #recovery #recoverypartners #exhibition #art #artwork #printmaking
A series of experimental cyanotypes hung on a line A woman with short hair and glasses sits next to a bald man with short facial hair in front of some framed artworks. They both look super happy and I love them A bald man with a backpack stands by an exhibition window with three digital portraits hung by it. There are also framed artworks along the windowsill Three digital protraits hung in a gallery window. The first is of a smiling woman with short hair and glasses, the second is of a man with a neutral expression and short facial hair, the third is of a smiling woman with shoulder lenth hair and has 'Lulu' written at the top. Below there is a row of framed artworks
October 13, 2025 at 8:02 AM
recoverypartners.bsky.social
Recovery isn’t a straight line and that’s okay.
Our amazing volunteer Rhiannon recently reached the 6 month mark in her recovery and has shared some powerful reflections on how our view of recovery can shift over time.

#peersupport #mentalhealth #recovery #RecoveryPartners
A beige background with dandelion border. Text that reads as follows, 'RECOVERY, I wish I knew. I wish I knew how hard it would be, How much I would have to fight the urges, I wish I knew when it would get worse, When I struggle most and have to manage the hardest of life events, Events that no one thinks they'll experience. I wish I knew how to cope with things going out of routine, Plans changing, People moving away, Loss and grief. But......' A beige background with dandelion border. Text that reads as follows, 'All of this, although I wish I knew, I've managed, I've coped, I've got through many bad days that I thought were the end, and everyone around me expected to be the last straw. I've proved to a lot of people, as well as to myself, that I am capable and have the ability to choose recovery every single day, even when I don't want to or feel able. I am stronger and braver than I thought I would ever be. I didn't think I'd survive the stumbles that turned into fearful falls. As I sit here typing, I know my struggles didn't consume me. And they no longer hold the power to rule over me.' A beige background with dandelion border. Text that reads as follows, 'They won't take away my happiness. They won't become who I am or what I'm known for. I'm proud of what I've overcome. I'm proud of who I've become. I'm proud of where I am on my journey, from where I've been already to where I'm headed. Different mindset, Different attitude. A whole new chapter to live!'
October 23, 2025 at 8:02 AM
recoverypartners.bsky.social
This Pride month we are diving into our history and thinking about those who came before us and fought for our right to live our lives as our authentic selves. 🏳️‍🌈 🏳️‍⚧️ 💖

#pride #recoverypartners #mentalhealth #mentalillness #lgbtqia #lgbt #peersupport #wellbeing
Pride: A Brief History Pride can be traced back to the Stonewall Uprising of June 28th, 1969. What started as a protest against racist and homophobic police raids became a turning point in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and ultimately evolved into an annual celebration of queer identity and resistance. But how did we get here?' Following the uprising, the first Pride events were held in 1970 in New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Meanwhile, in the UK, activism had already been gaining momentum. The Gay Liberation Front (GLF) had been organising workshops and ‘Kiss-Ins’—public displays of affection between same-sex couples to challenge discriminatory laws—even before Stonewall.' The following text over a photo of a rainbow, 'Aubrey Walter and Bob Mellor founded the British branch of the GLF after meeting at the Black Panthers’ Revolutionary People’s Convention in the U.S. Alongside the Campaign for Homosexual Equality, they organised the UK’s first Pride event on July 1st 1972. The march, held in Hyde Park, faced a heavy police presence. It marked the beginning of a week-long series of “Gay-Ins” that included music, fundraising, and community activities.' The following text over a photo of a rainbow, 'Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Pride events in the UK were held intermittently, often organised by different groups within the queer community. Over time, Pride has grown into a major annual event, with an increasing number of cities across the UK hosting their own celebrations.'
June 18, 2025 at 8:01 AM
recoverypartners.bsky.social
Our lovely volunteer Rhiannon has written some reflections on change and the power we have to make differences in our lives.

To see more of Rhiannon's reflections check the link in our bio to her blog

#mentalillnessawareness #mentalhealthrecovery #mentalhealthawareness #RecoveryPartners
Floral background with text overlaid that reads as follows, 'Would you change? Remembering the life we've had, The life that can't be undone, The people who are no longer here in person, The opportunities missed, We can't change what's happened to us, What we've been through, What we've battled and fought. But right now, We have the control to do something different, To change how our story goes from now.' Floral background with text overlaid that reads as follows, 'Maybe we haven't accepted support in the past. Maybe we have made choices we aren't proud of. If we could change something, what would it be? Our friendships? A destructive relationship? A first encounter? Or a last one that we didn't know was coming? Would we change our attitudes? Our perspectives? Our judgements?' Floral background with text overlaid that reads as follows, 'We cant choose what happens in 10 years. It hasnt happened yet. We've no control of the future, Of inevitable things. We lack the capacity to change these things. So why spend our time wishing? Expecting change, while not thinking or doing anything differently? The choices we make right now, determine the choices we have to make in the next moment. What is for us, won't pass us. What is meant to be will be.'
September 10, 2025 at 8:00 AM
recoverypartners.bsky.social
It is a tough time to be mentally ill and/or disabled right now so we wanted to offer some words of affirmation, support and recognition.

We have also made a page on our linktree of useful links and extra support.

💖 💖 💖 you are loved💖 💖 💖

#recoverypartners #pip #universalcredit #peersupport
April 28, 2025 at 8:01 AM
recoverypartners.bsky.social
Last week, we met for a training session on sharing our stories. We explored our boundaries, identities, and the strengths that brought us to where we are today and had a go at making zines.

#recoverypartners #mentalillness #mentalhealth #peersupport #zines #wellbeing #zinemaking
In the center of the image is an A6 piece of paper with text reading 'TOGETHER WE CAN REWRITE THE STORY'. Surrounded by this piece of paper are six smiling faces. A collection of 8 page zines with drawings and collage on them Five smiling people holding up hand made zines Three people sat at a circular table with craft supplies busy making zines
June 3, 2025 at 8:02 AM
recoverypartners.bsky.social
Our volunteer Rhiannon shared piece of her writing with us reflecting on finding joy in nature and the everyday as part of recovery.

#RecoveryPartners #recovery #mentalillness #mentalhealth #peersupport #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthrecovery #mentalillnessawareness #livedexperience
A image laid out to look like a page in a ringbound note book, sketches of a sun, birds, clouds and hearts are around the edge. Text reads as follows, ' Day by day, Moment by moment, One at a time; Breathe. Feel how you feel, But don't allow it any more time than necessary. You are more than the sadness that has been a part of your life these past few years. You are not sadness. You are you! Nothing can remove your identity from this world. You are unique. You choose the path to take from now on, Each choice is one that you will look back on in a year and remember with a smile on your face. The sunshine glowing warm on your skin,' A image laid out to look like a page in a ringbound note book, sketches of a sun, birds, clouds and hearts are around the edge. Text reads as follows, 'The flowers blooming, The smile that your best friend has when she sees you coming, arms open, ready to embrace you in a hug. All of these require a process, A starting point, To get to the final destination and then start over until the next time. The sun has to rise and set at the start and end of each long day. The progress of a flower that blooms is not a quick one. It takes in every little bit of life, while existing happily as it is. And then there is the smile from your best friend. This can be a personal one, as everything is in life. The smile; a unique, personal way of expressing emotions of happiness. That of a friend though, not quite your own, but feels sometimes as if you helped form their smile with your company, your presence. ' A image laid out to look like a page in a ringbound note book, sketches of a sun, birds, clouds and hearts are around the edge. Text reads as follows, 'It's a funny one! Each moment can't be taken back to change... So why do we so often want to look back on the past and wish we had used different words, different actions? Why do we believe that our past defines and becomes our future? Each moment, each second that ticks by, we cannot re-live. We can only learn from. Living in the past stops us from creating the life we can only dream of in the moment. But every moment we live as it happens, is a moment closer to dreams becoming reality; not all at once, but slowly and steadily. Progress isn't sudden. It happens over time, Consistently. Moment by moment, Day by day, Happiness will find a way.'
October 28, 2025 at 10:02 AM