RECOVER: Rebuilding Educator Competences for Overcoming Vulnerabilities, Empowering Recovery

The aim of the RECOVER project was to respond to a gap in adult education when it comes to supporting people in recovery from addiction. We wanted to create a method set that would be practical, a...

The aim of the RECOVER project was to respond to a gap in adult education when it comes to supporting people in recovery from addiction. We wanted to create a method set that would be practical, adaptable, and grounded in the reality of educators and support staff. The main objectives were: 1. To develop a recovery coaching method set that is inclusive and relevant across different cultural and personal contexts; 2. To strengthen the skills of adult educators in key areas such as relapse prevention, motivation, emotional regulation, and social reintegration; 3. To provide concrete, easy-to-use methods and tools that can be used directly in adult education and mentoring settings; 4. To make these materials widely accessible and ensure that they remain useful beyond the life of the project. At its core, the project set out to support adult educators in doing work that is often complex and emotionally demanding, and to equip them with resources that reflect the needs of the people they work with.

The RECOVER project implemented five core activities. Project management ensured regular partner communication, shared task tracking, and quarterly reporting. Three transnational partner meetings (Spain, Germany, Lithuania) focused on project setup, content development, piloting, and sustainability. A needs assessment was carried out across five countries, identifying key gaps in recovery support, such as relapse prevention and mentoring skills. Based on this, partners co-developed a practical toolkit with 7 modules and 39 methods. The toolkit was piloted with 69 participants—more than twice the planned number—through workshops in each country and a joint session during the third TPM. Dissemination was ongoing: all partners shared updates on websites and social media, and materials were presented at conferences, stakeholder events, and a dedicated project website and virtual space. A strong visual identity was created to support outreach. All activities were completed as planned, with minor additions (e.g. piloting during TPM3) that enhanced project quality.

The RECOVER project delivered a 7-module Recovery Coaching Method Set with 39 practical tools for adult educators, based on a needs assessment conducted in 5 countries. Three transnational meetings (Spain, Germany, Lithuania) guided planning, development, piloting, and sustainability. The toolkit was piloted with 69 educators, recovery coaches, and individuals in recovery - over twice the planned number - via in-person and online workshops. Feedback led to revisions, ensuring clarity, relevance, and adaptability. A strong visual identity was created (logo, templates, posters), and dissemination took place across social media, partner websites, a virtual exhibition, and international events. Stakeholders from education, recovery, and social work sectors were reached through workshops, newsletters, and conferences. Project materials remain publicly available and are already in use beyond the consortium. The toolkit has proven useful across different contexts, including youth work, mental health support, and prison reintegration, confirming both its flexibility and relevance.