Why Recovery Capital is Important

Recovery capital is the healthy life resources that people can use to begin to recover and maintain recovery. Peer reviewed academic research shows, when used adjunctively with specialist clinical support, diversionary activities increase recovery capital, help support and maintain commitment to services for treatment and having a positive lasting impact on individuals engaged in recovery in many areas, for example:

• Reduce feelings of isolation

• Combat loneliness

• Reduce stigma & self-stigma

• Sense of belonging in the company of like-minded non-judgemental others in a safe environment

• Social connection

• Develop healthy relationships

• Meet new people

• Encourage teamwork

• Sense of camaraderie

• Reduce boredom

• Build resilience

• Re-engage with community

• Learn new skills

• Increase self-worth, self-esteem & self-confidence

• Physical exercise

• Fresh air

• Meaningful reason to leave home/accommodation

• Engage in something different

• Gain practical experience

• Improve health & wellbeing

• Add structure to the day

• Enhance CV

• Reduce risk of lapse/relapse

• Reduce risk of criminality

• Reduce risk of re-offending

• Reduce risk of homelessness

• Enhance basic life skills

• Aid/maintain recovery journey

• Have fun

• Develop social skills

• Re-connect with society

• Feel valued by self & others

• Develop independence

• Sense of fulfilment, achievement, accomplishment

• Engagement in rewarding meaningful and therapeutic activities whilst bonding with others