Ursula Till explores the recent interest in recovery in mental health care, which is now enshrined in government, professional and local policy. Here she examines and explains the values of recovery, and encourages reflection on current practice

There has been a seismic shift in mental health nursing since the introduction of care in the community in the 1970s and 1980s, and much to celebrate. The contribution of mental health nurses is greatly valued by service users (Healthcare Commission 2005a) and nurses are acknowledged as the ‘backbone of the statutory mental health services in England today’ (Department of Health (DH) 2006a). But as with all professions, mental health nurses as a group, and as individuals, need to reflect critically and regularly on their roles, values and focus of practice if they are to respond to service user and carer expectations, demographic changes, new policies, research and legislation (DH 2006a).