SOFT tulip and GGZ Noord-Holland-Noord launch first Active Recovery Triad exchange at Turya Remeta Boarding Institution

The SOFT tulip team recently held the first in-person Active Recovery Triad (ART) exchange session at the Turya Remeta Boarding Institution in Zakarpattia, Ukraine.

The Active Recovery Triad (ART) is one of the most significant innovations in Dutch long-term mental health care. Developed to move beyond symptom management, ART focuses on helping people rebuild meaningful lives through recovery, autonomy, and collaboration. Today, it is widely implemented across long-term mental health services in the Netherlands.

Together, GGZ Noord-Holland-Noord and SOFT tulip are creating a platform where Dutch and Ukrainian professionals can exchange experience and explore how recovery-oriented care can be adapted to different contexts. While Dutch specialists share their experience with the ART model, Ukrainian professionals contribute valuable insights from their daily work and the realities of providing care during a time of profound change.

“We want to be part of Europe, so we are very eager to learn from you,” said Ivan, Deputy Director of the institution.

René Keet (GGZ Noord-Holland-Noord) emphasised that the partnership is based on mutual learning:

“We are also here to learn from you.”

The exchange quickly became a two-way conversation. Ukrainian professionals shared inspiring examples of how recovery-oriented thinking is already influencing their everyday practice.

Sasha spoke about a client who, after spending a long period away from home, was able to visit their family during the holiday season. The story illustrated how focusing on personal goals and family connections can become an important part of the recovery journey.

Mariana described accompanying a client to a local shop. Although it may seem like a small everyday activity, it helped the person reconnect with community life, strengthening their confidence, independence, and sense of belonging.

Another colleague reflected on working with a bedridden client whose care had previously focused almost entirely on physical needs. After shifting the conversation to the client’s own wishes, the team discovered that his greatest desire was simply to spend time outdoors. Since then, they have regularly taken him outside in his wheelchair and have noticed clear improvements in his mood and overall wellbeing.

Across these stories, one common theme emerged: recovery begins by listening to the person behind the diagnosis. By asking different questions, involving clients more actively in decisions, and recognising their strengths, professionals are creating new opportunities for participation, dignity, and hope.

For SOFT tulip, this first ART exchange marks an important milestone and the beginning of an ongoing partnership with the Turya Remeta Boarding Institution—one built on collaboration, mutual learning, and a shared commitment to transforming mental health care.