The newly appointed lead for Recovery Devon, Linden Lynn, visited Dr Heather Straughan at the Old Free School on 26th October to find out more about how to set up and run a social enterprise, to transfer this knowledge to her establishment of Devon’s new social enterprise over the coming 3 years.

You may remember Linden as co-editor with Laurie Davidson of the beautiful book of recovery stories “Beyond the Storms” which was kindly gifted from Recovery Devon when The Recovery In-Sight Centre organised an exclusive seminar entitled “Users in the Lead” to celebrate its first birthday in 2010. All those who attended the seminar received a copy of this inspiring work. It is also available to download from our website (see Publications).

LInden and Heather spent the day discussing various forms of social enterprise that might be used to establish Recovery Devon as an entity in its own right, business planning, marketing and intellectual property, staffing issues, constitutions, organisational issues, and the 1001 things that Linden needs to do. Starting under the wing of Rethink, Linden has 3 years to, as Heather termed it “set up the apple cart whilst also selling the apples” so that Recovery Devon becomes a key player in shaping mental health services in the county. Recovery Devon will also offer new services whilst structuring into something that stands alone and has the support and involvement of all users, volunteers and Devon NHS Trust staff who have helped with the project to date. No mean feat!

The visit came at an opportune time as Business Link announced that it would be closing its services, referring all clients to their website for business advice. The exchange was all the more appreciated as Heather also has previous experience of setting up a user charity and leading this as first chair before creating Recovery In-Sight, as well as post-graduate qualifications in business development and many years of experience in project management.

There was much to talk about - not just that both Heather and Linden have a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, and the importance of managing the illness, whilst also directing the establishment and securing the growth and financial health of such an important socially-orientated project in the current economic climate.

The very best of luck for the future for Recovery Devon from the team at Recovery In-Sight … and all warm wishes to Linden in her new role!
See Gallery for photos of the day.

If you are considering setting up a social enterprise, and would like advice on the issues to make this a success, call Dr Straughan on 01923-297122 or contact@recoveryin-sight.com for further information and our tariff.

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