Stronger Together: Exploring Mental Health Recovery Through a Multi-Agency Exercise

3 minute read.

This September, 26 colleagues from across the NHS, local authorities, voluntary and community organisations, faith networks, academia and specialist psychosocial support services came together for the Mental Health Network's annual tabletop exercise. 

Developed and facilitated by Sarah Davidson (British Red Cross), Dr Idit Albert and Claire Ruiz (NHS England), the exercise followed the aftermath of a theoretical radioactive chemical spill, challenging participants to think about what individuals and communities might need not just in the immediate response, but over the weeks and months that follow. 

What made the discussion so valuable was the range of voices in the room. As the scenario unfolded, participants drew on their own experiences of supporting people through emergencies, bereavement, trauma and recovery. Although they worked in very different settings, a common theme quickly emerged: people recover through relationships. Trusted local organisations, faith groups, community leaders, neighbours and existing support networks all have an important role to play alongside formal services. 

The 2026 World Mental Health Day theme, "Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change", felt particularly relevant. Throughout the exercise, participants repeatedly highlighted the importance of listening to and learning from the experiences of affected individuals, families, communities and responders. Effective recovery is not something that can be designed in isolation. It depends on understanding what people need, what support they trust, and how different organisations can work together to respond in ways that reflect the realities of people's lives. 

Our exercise created space for something that is often difficult to achieve in day-to-day work: honest conversation between organisations that may, in all likelihood, need to work together under significant pressure. Participants explored different perspectives, challenged assumptions and gained a deeper understanding of the strengths and capabilities that exist across the wider system. 

We're pleased to share the exercise materials and debrief with the wider network. Whether you're interested in psychosocial support, community resilience, emergency preparedness or partnership working, we hope the resources provide useful prompts for discussion in your own organisation and partnerships. At a time when much of the conversation around mental health is focused on ensuring lived experience shapes policy and practice, we hope these materials offer a practical example of how bringing different voices together can deepen understanding and strengthen collective preparedness. Let us know if you make use of them. We'd love to hear what insights emerge from your own discussions - share them with us at info@vcsep.org.uk.