Wellness Recovery Action Planning

Wellness Recovery Action Planning (WRAP) is a 'self-management' tool used in many countries around the world to help individuals take more control over their own wellbeing and recovery. It emphasises that people are the experts in their own experience and is based on the premise there are no limits to recovery.

The tool was designed by Mary Ellen Copeland and others to offer a structured means by which people could maintain wellness and recovery while working to anticipate and reflect on crisis.

We believe that while WRAP and its underlying principles have value in a one-to-one setting, it is of greatest benefit when used within a group setting, where opportunities exist to share experiences and offer mutual support.

At the same time as training and supporting facilitators we have commissioned research to find out more about WRAP, self management and recovery.

What makes up a WRAP?

WRAP is underpinned by a number of core principles:

That recovery is possible (‘hope’)
That individuals should take personal responsibility for their own lives and well being (‘personal responsibility’)
That it is important to know yourself, to be self aware (‘education’)
That it is important to believe in and advocate for oneself (‘self advocacy’); and that the support of others is vital (‘support’).

People work within these principles to create their own WRAP. Each plan should include the following components:

Wellness toolbox
Daily maintenance plan
Identification of triggers and associated action plan
Identification of early warning signs and associated action plan
Identification of signs that things are breaking down and associated action plan
Crisis planning
Post crisis planning

Creating a WRAP can be a challenging process and the process is best supported by a trained facilitator in a group setting.

My WRAP is something that is a special reminder when life feels as if it is getting on top of me. I look into my toolbox and take out what keeps me well. Knowing that it's there and that it works for me is of great reassurance.

- Lorraine