The South Eastern Trust’s Recovery College, which offers free educational courses about mental health issues, hosted a very successful Networking Event in Newtownards Town Hall (Arts Centre) on Thursday 23 June. The Recovery College promotes three themes: Hope, Opportunity and Control by using an educational approach to help students make use of and realise their talents and resources, whilst looking to the future and setting goals to strive for.
Delegates had the opportunity to meet the Recovery College team and find out more about the variety of courses and Peer Support services for students. Course Tutors gave a very informative overview of the most popular and challenging courses. They also talked about their own mental health difficulties and described their journey through the Recovery College, starting out as volunteers and then training so they can now use their valuable experience to lead courses themselves.
Current students spoke about their personal journeys, explaining how much they value the services that the Recovery College provides. Student Taylor Clark who has been attending courses for some time, explained the changes that this has made to her life, “The Recovery College has given me control over my life again; it gave me the tools to be able to educate myself and my family and has helped me to regulate my routines and understand my condition.
“Attending courses makes me feel like I am part of something and back in society again, it has reduced my feelings of isolation and given me the confidence to go on and live my life, this service is essential and so valuable and I would encourage more people to attend.”
Mayor of Ards and North Down Borough Council, Karen Douglas came to the event as did South Eastern Trust Chairman Jonathan Patton. Both took part in the focus group sessions, engaging with the delegates and discussing how the Recovery College can benefit individuals and their communities/organisations. Delegates from partner organisations were also given the opportunity to discuss their roles and how they can benefit others.
Chairman, Jonathan Patton said, “I am delighted to support the work of our Recovery College. All of us face times in our lives when we need to recover and often that recovery needs help and assistance from others.
“The Recovery College is a safe space to seek out that help and support from others who have journeyed through similar life experiences”.
“This networking event is so positive, as we can meet face to face and make contacts with other individuals and groups to expand and reach even more students.”
If you would like to find out more about the Recovery College please telephone (028) 9041 3872 or you can email: recovery.college@setrust.hscni.net