Milestones Trust has today been honoured with one of the European Association of Service Providers for persons with Disabilities (EASPD)’s prestigious Innovation Awards for outstanding contributions to mental health rehabilitation and recovery at its Move on Project service. The award recognises Milestones Trust’s commitment to supporting people to achieve the best possible outcomes, focusing on people as individuals rather than on their diagnosis or disability.

The Move on Project: A beacon of hope

The Move-On Project, situated in Downend, Bristol, exemplifies Milestones Trust’s dedication to community-based mental health rehabilitation. This innovative service empowers individuals with enduring and complex mental health conditions to engage in a two-year programme of community-based rehabilitation that offers a person-centred approach to recovery. The project’s holistic approach promotes an innovative shift from medical to a human rights-based approach that fosters lasting recovery.

Celebrating the achievement

Receiving the award on behalf of Milestones Trust, Helen Aitchison, Senior Operational Manager for Milestones’ mental health services expressed her gratitude:

“We are immensely proud to receive an Innovation Award from the EASPD. The Move on Project demonstrates our unwavering commitment to transforming lives and promoting mental health recovery, and I’m so pleased to see this recognised today.”

Jess, who was supported at the Move-On Project, shared her perspective:

“The support I received from the amazing team at Milestones gave me everything I needed to take back control and rebuild my life. And it’s been great coming along to the conference and speaking to all of the delegates about my experience.”

The Award Ceremony

The award was presented at the EASPD Conference on ‘Guaranteeing Choice & Control: Transforming Mental Health and Psychosocial Disability Support’. The event brought together experts, practitioners, and advocates from across Europe to celebrate ground-breaking initiatives in mental health services. Milestones Trust’s achievement was met with enthusiastic applause from the audience.

Stronger together

The award underscores Milestones Trust’s belief that collaboration and innovation drive progress. Jeff Parry, Milestones’ Director of Operations commented:

“The team at the Move on Project absolutely deserve this award. They’ve shown that working in partnership with not only the people we support, but also their families, advocates, and other health care professionals, achieves the best possible outcomes. We are stronger together. This recognition inspires us to continue pushing boundaries, advocating for mental health, and creating a brighter future for all.”