Committing to recovery in different contexts

In the SafeSide Framework, the final step we take under the Connect core task is to Commit to a person’s recovery. The word “recovery” means something different to everyone, so it is important to incorporate what you know about the person’s wishes and goals when creating a plan and a path forward. 

Here are two factors to consider when committing to a person’s recovery:

• Your specific role. If you and your team will be supporting the person over time, you may find it natural to make a long-term commitment to the person’s recovery. But in other environments, such as a crisis setting, committing to someone’s recovery can feel difficult, almost disingenuous, because you may only have one interaction with them. However, what you can do is:
  • Commit to helping them in that moment and to doing everything you can to get them to the next step in their journey.
  • Commit to connecting them to resources that can walk with them in their next steps.
  • Commit that you or your service will offer the same empathetic support should they reach out again in the future.

Recovery will look different to each person you interact with. Some people may be working to rebuild a career, while others may be looking to build social connections or simply to stay out of the hospital. No matter what recovery means to the person you are working with, it is important to honour their wishes and ensure that the plan you develop meets their individual needs and aspirations.