Food for thought: A youth perspective on recovery-oriented practice

Recovery in mental health refers to living a satisfying, hopeful, and contributing life, even when a person may be experiencing ongoing symptoms of a mental health problem or illness. In a recovery-oriented system, service providers engage in shared decision-making, offering a range of services and supports to fully meet a person’s goals and needs. Recovery is different for each individual and is particularly unique when working with youth.

The video, Food for thought: A youth perspective on recovery-oriented practice attempts to break down what youth see as some of the core principles of recovery-oriented mental health and addiction services. The video uses the metaphor of a restaurant interaction to provide an out-of-the-box, light-hearted demonstration of the key concepts of recovery-oriented practice.  The video is not intended to have all the answers, but to provoke creative thought and start a discussion among service providers about how they could better support and work with youth in a recovery-oriented mental health and addiction setting. 

Use the associated discussion guide to help direct your self-reflection or to facilitate critical discussions with others.

Video Credits:

• Content developed by the Youth Council of the Mental Health Commission of Canada 2016-2017
• Video Production by Mike Hachey Productions Inc.
• Visuals inspired by Sam Bradd.