The latest findings of the effectiveness of the Recovery In-Sight training are available to download. Click here to download the 2 page report:  metaanalysis-9-cohorts-highlights-of-findings-detail

9 group training courses were run from September 2008 to July 2011 with 103 people accessing the training and 84 completing (81.5% retention rate). After analysis of all self-report recovery questionnaires (before and after the courses) and post-course quality questionnaires completed by all trainees, it is clear that the benefits from following the Recovery In-Sight course are huge for people in their development of personal skills to manage a mental health problem and also for carers in their understanding and increased coping strategies whilst looking after a family member affected by mental health problems. Retention rates were even higher for people who had a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, were carers for a family member with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, or for people with a diagnosis of depression.

People progressed by 40% in their knowledge and ability to cope after the course on average, in comparison to their scores before the course, in all 22 items used in the Recovery scale.

Half the 22 Recovery items demonstrated a better than average increase with people rating the following items as having progressed even more than the average score before the course started:

Their knowledge about recovery,

Their recognition of stressful situations and vulnerable times,

Their recognition of warning signs for both high and low moods,

Their knowledge of coping strategies for both high and low moods,

Their ability to ward off negative thoughts that accompany depression,

Their knowledge about bipolar disorder,

Their ability to put coping strategies into practice effectively,

Their practice of relaxation,

Their empowerment or control over situations.

In the post-course quality questionnaire, an average mark of 9.23 out of a maximum of 10 points was given by trainees for the:

quality of the course materials,

general organisation of the training,

experience of the user-trainers,

quality of the group learning

and the venue.

The element of the course materials that was appreciated the most by trainees was the large Behaviour-Thought-Mood chart which details the extremes of depression - across stable mood - to the extremes of high moods.

The meta-analysis of all pre and post focus group data is awaited. The findings of all focus group and self-report questionnaire data will be the subject of a peer-reviewed article to be published in 2011/12.

Please note:  There is a free Recovery In-Sight course to be held at the Old Free School in Watford, starting 7th January until 25th February 2012 - to be run on Saturdays, 10am until 5pm. Recruitment for this course is current. Residents must use mental health services and reside in the South East of England. If you are interested in taking this course, University-accredited (level 3, 20 pts) and proven to be effective in enabling recovery, then contact the RISE team on 01923-297122 to arrange to come in for a short interview.

Another free Recovery In-Sight Course will be starting in April 2012. This course is open to users and carers resident in Hertfordshire. Get in touch with the RISE team if you are interested in reserving a place.

All courses operate on a first come, first served basis and are limited to 12 people to maintain the quality of the outcomes for trainees, as given above. Once places are gone, they’re gone!

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