I m sure you will make her very welcome.

From October 2017, the Boards of Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Black Country Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and Dudley and Walsall Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust will come together to create a new enlarged Trust with a new name. This is still under negotiation but we hope to inform you soon. This new partnership will bring the three existing organisations into one new organisation. This is a great opportunity to learn from each other and to bring together the best of our three organisations for the benefit of the communities we serve. Mick Morrow retired at the end of July prior to the new partnership being formed, but we are very happy to announce that the new college Principal is Kerry Wilkes. She comes to us with a wealth of experience, having previously been employed as the Recovery College Principal in Walsall. I m sure you will make her very welcome. Take a look inside for our college courses and if anything takes your interest or if you require further information please contact: Tel: 0121 543 4061 Email: recovery.college@bcpft.nhs.uk Trust website: www.therecoverycollege.co.uk

Contents Welcome Let s Talk about Recovery Code of Conduct Do you want to find out more? New sessions this term Entry Criteria Booking your place on a session Session Information Recovery Chat for service users, families or carers Introduction to C.H.I.M.E Creative Writing Drugs and Mental Health Am I employable? - Workshop Faith and Belief Seminar - Paganism Gardening and Mental Health Healthy Living Jewellery Making Journaling for Recovery Life Stories (Dementia) Developing Life Skills Mental Health First Aid Understanding Memory Problems Introduction to Mindfulness

Mindfulness Practice Mindfulness and Recovery Music and Mental Health Introduction to Social Media Twitter / Instagram / Facebook Introduction to Speaking with Confidence Speaking with Confidence Exploring Spirituality Steps Into Learning Voices Introduction to Volunteering Welfare Rights Wellness Recovery Action Plan Women s well-being and Mental Health How to find us

Welcome The Recovery College offers a range of sessions, which are open to people who use our services, their carers and families and staff. These sessions have been developed with and for people who have been affected by mental health issues. Our belief is that learning together makes us stronger and supports our recovery. You do not need any formal qualifications or experience to attend the college. We are great believers that co-production is the key to the college courses so all of our sessions are co-produced by individuals who have lived experience of challenges with their own mental health (experts by experience), healthcare professionals and carers. Most of the sessions will be run more than once over the term to enable you to select the date and time that works best for you. We hope we are able to support you on your recovery journey to living a full and satisfying life, in the presence or absence of symptoms.

Come and join us on Monday 4 th September for a full day s programme of events and discussion about recovery. There will be activities based around C.H.I.M.E., taster workshops on mindfulness, CHIME, journal making and even an opportunity for some physical activity with a walk along the canal. There will also be an opportunity to talk with community partners. The day will run from 10.30am 4.30pm at Quayside House Rounds Green Road Oldbury B69 2DG Enrolment on all college courses will take place on Monday 4 th September.

Code of Conduct Our mission statement is Recovery : A journey through learning together. The College will Join together as staff and students to challenge all behaviours that do not support the ethos of the college Always give you a warm and friendly welcome Commit to putting lived experience on an equal footing to professional expertise Aim to provide a wide range of sessions that are engaging and aim to meet a wide range of needs and interests Provide a safe and healthy environment for you to learn and share Students will Be respectful and considerate to other learners and staff Provide us with the information we need to know to keep you safe and help you to get the most out of your learning experience Be positive about differences in gender, ability, culture, ethnicity, religion, beliefs, sexual orientation, opinions and abilities Avoid swearing or making anyone feel uncomfortable or distressed Maintain the confidentiality of fellow students where required Find Out More If you would like to find out more about the Recovery College and meet some of our experts by experience, come along on Tuesday 5 th September to our Recovery Chat session. What s New This Term Healthy Living Journaling and Recovery Life Skills Mental Health First Aid Introduction to Social Media/Twitter/Instagram/Facebook

Entry Criteria Recovery College sessions are open to: People who use Trust services Supporters (carers, friends and family) of the above Our Trust staff (including students working within the Trust) Our courses are free of charge and open to anyone with experience of mental health issues, aged 18 and over, living in Sandwell. We also offer spaces to carers, professionals, volunteers at the Black Country Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and our local partners. Booking your place on a session To book a place on any of the sessions, or for further information, please contact the Recovery College on: Telephone: 0121 543 4061 Email: recovery.college@bcpft.nhs.uk If you email or call us we will assume that you are happy for us to respond using these contact details. Website: recovery.college@bcpft.nhs.uk

Session Information Recovery Chat for new students (people who use our services) families and carers This is an opportunity for you to meet with some of our experts by experience who will be co-producing or volunteering on the various courses. You will have a chance to chat about what the Recovery College is all about, what you can expect by coming to one or more of the sessions and what happens next. This is a drop-in session for new students, and/or their families and carers. No appointment necessary. Tuesday 5 th September 10.30am 1.00pm Quayside House Monday 2 nd October 10.30am 1.00pm Quayside House Monday 6 th November 10.30am 1.00pm Quayside House Monday 4 th December 10.30am 1.00pm Quayside House

Introduction to C.H.I.M.E. (One off session) This is a one-off course. What is CHIME Connectedness, Hope, Identity, Meaning and Empowerment. This new course for the Recovery College will examine the different elements of CHIME, their meaning and how they relate to personal recovery. You will understand the meaning of CHIME Be inspired to link with your local community to contribute to your personal recovery. Monday 2 nd October 10.30am 1.00pm Quayside House

Creative Writing (Five week course) Having discovered the benefits of journaling, students are invited to attend the creative writing course over 5 weeks come and have a go at creative writing to lift your mood! There is much evidence that creative writing is of benefit to our mental health in many different ways. As we write, we can express difficult feelings, explore memories, distract from negative thoughts and stimulate our brains. During our sessions, there is opportunity to write on a variety of topics, share writing in a supportive environment, meet writers, connect with a writing group from the local community, and contribute a piece of your writing to a Recovery College book. You would be most welcome to join us! : To help people explore their identity and overcome difficult feelings, thoughts and memories To help people connect with each other by sharing and appreciating each other' s work To give people a tool to help distract from negative thoughts and low mood To help connect people in the local community through the love of writing To inspire hope To raise awareness about the benefits of creative writing to aid personal recovery Tuesday 10 th October 1.30pm 3.30pm Quayside House Tuesday 24 th October 1.30pm 3.30pm Quayside House Tuesday 7 th November 1.30pm 3.30pm Quayside House Tuesday 21 st November 1.30pm 3.30pm Quayside House Tuesday 5 th December 1.30pm 3.30pm Quayside House

Drugs and Mental Health (One off workshop) In this session, we will be thinking about the different risks associated with over using alcohol and drugs; and will focus on the effects that over use of alcohol and drugs can have on our mental health. You will learn the risks associated with over using alcohol and drugs You will also learn how the overuse of these substances can have an effect on your mental health Wednesday 6 th December 10.30am 1.00pm Quayside House

Am I Employable? (One off workshop) Have you tried volunteering and are now in a position to look at finding paid employment? Kiran Rajania, the Employment Training Advisor from Sandwell Council, delivers this one-off session to help you to decide the best course of action for you. You will learn What are the benefits of employment? Is recovery related to employment? Goals in relation to becoming employable. Mental Health..a declaration of Disability? Assertiveness & positive thinking Becoming employable Steps towards becoming employable Thursday 12 th October 10.30am 1.00pm Quayside House

Faith and Belief Seminar Paganism (One off session) The 7 th in our series of seminars exploring how peoples different faiths and beliefs might help them in their journey of recovery. This monthly seminar also offers an opportunity for people to value, respect and gain greater understanding of the diverse faiths and beliefs in our local communities. Come along to listen, learn and ask questions. You will understand the values and beliefs related to Paganism Friday 22 nd September 1.30pm 3.30pm Quayside House

Gardening and Mental Health (One off session) Research shows that gardening for people with mental health problems can improve communication with others, help with learning new practical skills/teamwork and planning. It also improves confidence and helps with concentration. This introduction to gardening is aimed at people who may be going through a difficult period in their lives or are experiencing stress, anxiety or depression. You will understand how your mental health can be improved by working with creation See your confidence grow as you plant and nurture seedlings You will get great physical exercise and will be out in the fresh air You can work at your own pace and get a sense of achievement from the results You will have an opportunity to express your creativity and have fun There will be an opportunity to form a volunteer group Tuesday 26 th September 10.30am 1.00pm Quayside House Opportunity to focus on something else

Healthy Living (Three week course) This three week taster course will cover why tackling inactivity and becoming more active matters; what Healthy Sandwell can offer you and how to achieve a healthy weight. Thursday 5 th October 10.30am 12.30pm Quayside House Wednesday 15 th November 10.30am 12.30pm Quayside House Monday 4 th December 10.30am 12.30pm Quayside House Monday 9 th October 1.30pm 3.30pm Quayside House Wednesday 1 st November 1.30pm 3.30pm Quayside House Wednesday 13 th December 10.30am 12.30pm Quayside House

Jewellery Making (Five week course) With a taster session in September the full course will look at the benefits of jewellery making. Over the course of 5 weeks you will learn what resources you will need to get started making your own jewellery; how to make bookmarks, keyrings and jewellery and finally how to make presentation cards and boxes to sell at a charity event in December. You will learn how to source materials to produce your own jewellery You will produce your own jewellery, bookmarks, and keyrings You will learn how to make presentation cards and boxes Wednesday 13 th September 10.30am 1.00pm Quayside House Wednesday 4 th October Wednesday 18 th October Wednesday 8 th November Wednesday 22 nd November 10.30am 1.00pm Quayside House 10.30am 1.00pm Quayside House 10.30am 1.00pm Quayside House 10.30am 1.00pm Quayside House

Journaling for Recovery (Three week course) This three week course will help you explore different techniques and art materials as a means of self-expression. Writing down or visually recording your thoughts and feelings helps you understand them more clearly. Keeping a journal can help you gain control of your emotions and improve your mental health. At the end of the sessions, you will have created a space where you can let loose and explore with colours, shapes, lines and words You will be able to use a variety of techniques and art materials for creative expression and will have made a start on creating your own unique and personal journal You will have an understanding of how journaling can be used to monitor and aid recovery Thursday 14 th September 10.30am 1.00pm Quayside House Thursday 21 st September 10.30am 1.00pm Quayside House Thursday 28 th September 10.30am 1.00pm Quayside House

Life Stories (Dementia) (One off session) This one off session follows on from the Understanding Memory Issues workshop in September. Engaging in life story work has been found to be very beneficial for people with dementia. It provides meaningful activity during the development of the life story materials, but also through using these materials, to aid conversation and connection with the person. The development of life story materials is also extremely helpful for others involved in a person with dementia s care as important information is recorded, which can be shared with staff/professionals to help them understand more about the person, their preferences and wishes. Life story work is an activity in which the person with dementia is supported by family, friends, and others involved in their care, to gather and review their past life events and build a personal biography. Information recorded includes significant or important events, photographs, likes and preferences, hobbies and interests, and routines. The session will explain about life story work and the benefits it can offer to people with dementia and those providing care/support We will also look at tools and resources available to help start developing life story materials, and look at a memory box This course is ideal for family/carers. Wednesday 18 th October 1.30pm 4.00pm Quayside House

Developing Life Skills (Four week course) Facilitated by Janet Mylchreest from the Citizens Advice Bureau, this course is designed to help you make the most of your money. Following an introduction on Friday 8 th September, this course is designed to help you choose the best bank account, deal with your bills, help you budget your money, learn which energy and shopping deals are available as well as helping you plan and save for the future. You will be able to recognise the best deals and be able to make informed decisions to make the most of your money Friday 8 th September 1.30pm 3.30pm Quayside House Friday 6 th October 1.30pm 3.30pm Quayside House Friday 13 th October 1.30pm 3.30pm Quayside House Friday 27 th October 1.30pm 3.30pm Quayside House

Mental Health First Aid Course (Four half day sessions) Mental Health First Aid is an educational course which teaches people how to identify, understand and help a person who may be developing a mental health issue. In the same way as we learn physical first aid, Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to recognise those crucial warning signs of mental ill health. The course is run over 4 half days and it is recommended that students commit to all 4 sessions. 1. You will be able to define mental health and some common mental health issues 2. Identify stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health issues 3. Relate to people s experiences and support people in distress 4. Discover ways to look after your own mental health Wednesday 6 th September 10.30am 1.00pm Quayside House Thursday 7 th September 10.30am 1.00pm Quayside House Monday 11 th September 10.30am 1.00pm Quayside House Tuesday 12 th September 10.30am 1.00pm Quayside House Monday 6 th November 10.30am 1.00pm Quayside House Tuesday 7 th November 10.30am 1.00pm Quayside House Monday 13 th November 10.30am 1.00pm Quayside House Tuesday 14 th November 10.30am 1.00pm Quayside House

Understanding Memory Problems (One off session) Memory problems are a part of everyday life, but what causes them? Many people have concerns about their memory and worry about developing dementia related illnesses. However, memory problems are often reported for people experiencing mental health difficulties and are usually not related to dementia. This course will look at how memory problems can be influenced by a variety of factors such as stress, physical pain and boredom, rather than focusing particularly on dementia related memory conditions. This course will help you to understand memory problems by looking at how memory functions by looking at some simple cognitive models of memory We will also look at using memory strategies which can help to strengthen different aspects of cognition Wednesday 20 th September 1.30pm 3.30pm Quayside House

Introduction to Mindfulness (Bi-Monthly) Mindfulness exercises are ways of paying attention to the present moment. Mindfulness training helps people to become more aware of their thoughts, feelings, and body sensations, so that instead of being overwhelmed by them, they are better able to manage them. Mindfulness can be practiced by anyone. You do not need to be religious or spiritual to practice mindfulness. It has the potential to help anyone. This is a taster session to experience some simple mindfulness exercises and see if it is something you want to explore further. This taster session could be followed up by the Mindfulness and Recovery Course Practising mindfulness can give more insight into emotions, boost attention and concentration, and improve relationships. Friday 8 th September 10.30am 12.30pm Quayside House Friday 20 th October 10.30am 12.30pm Quayside House

Mindfulness Practice (Monthly session) This is an ongoing monthly opportunity for those who have attended a Recovery College Mindfulness course (either the Introduction to Mindfulness or the Mindfulness & Recovery) to practise the exercises that they learned and reflect together on their mindfulness journey. You don t have to attend every month. Come when you can. Friday 8 th September 12.30pm 1.30pm Quayside House Friday 6 th October 12.30pm 1.30pm Quayside House Friday 3 rd November 12.30pm 1.30pm Quayside House Friday 1 st December 12.30pm 1.30pm Quayside House

Mindfulness and Recovery (Bi-Monthly) Mindfulness exercises are ways of paying attention to the present moment. Mindfulness training helps people to become more aware of their thoughts, feelings, and body sensations so that instead of being overwhelmed by them, they are better able to manage them. Practising mindfulness can give more insight into emotions, boost attention and concentration, and improve relationships. Mindfulness can be practiced by anyone. You do not need to be religious or spiritual to practice mindfulness. It has the potential to help anyone. This is a 3 week course which follows on from the introduction to mindfulness. You will understand how mindfulness can help with recovery, your mental health and wellbeing You will learn and experience a variety of mindfulness exercises and practices Friday 15 th September 10.30am 1.00pm Quayside House Friday 22 nd September 10.30am 1.00pm Quayside House Friday 29 th September 10.30am 1.00pm Quayside House Friday 17 th November 10.30am 1.00pm Quayside House Friday 24 th November 10.30am 1.00pm Quayside House Friday 1 st December 10.30am 1.00pm Quayside House

Music and Mental Health (Six week course) Join our choir and experience how music can lift your mood. You will learn a number of songs You will be invited to perform on different occasions as a choir Wednesday 27 th September 1.30pm 4.00pm Quayside House Wednesday 11 th October 1.30pm 4.00pm Quayside House Wednesday 25 th October 1.30pm 4.00pm Quayside House Wednesday 8 th November 1.30pm 4.00pm Quayside House Wednesday 22 nd November 1.30pm 4.00pm Quayside House Wednesday 6 th December 1.30pm 4.00pm Quayside House Wednesday 13 th December Performance

Introduction to Social Media (Five week course) This course will help you to understand social media safety, how to set up and use a personal Twitter account, pros and cons of Instagram and safe use of Facebook. You will be given an introduction to popular and useful health and wellbeing accounts to follow. Students are encouraged to bring their own mobile devices to the session. Once you are armed with all the information you need to operate these apps, the final session in December will look at the best phone contracts to ensure you can afford to install them! : You will become familiar with how to access social media on your device You will be guided in how to set up social media accounts You will develop an awareness of internet and social media safety and how to protect yourself You will find out the best cost effective phone contracts to suit your needs Monday 18 th September 10.30am 12.30pm Quayside House Wednesday 27 th September 10.30am 12.30pm Quayside House Tuesday 17 th October 10.30am 12.30pm Quayside House Wednesday 15 th November 10.30am 12.30pm Quayside House Tuesday 5 th December 10.30am 12.30pm Quayside House

Introduction to Speaking with Confidence - (One off session) This introduction to Speaking with Confidence will outline some of the techniques everyone can use to improve their confidence when speaking to a group of people. If you are interested in improving your skills further, sign up for the six week course. After this session you will understand some of the techniques needed to improve your confidence when speaking to a group of people. Monday 18 th September 1.30pm 3.30pm Quayside House

Speaking with Confidence (Five week course) There are many times when we feel nervous about speaking up. It may be speaking at an interview, contributing to a group meeting or even giving a speech at a wedding. All these situations can make us nervous or feel anxious. This five week course will show you skills and techniques that, with practice, will help you build your confidence when speaking to others Students will be supported to develop at their own pace. After this course you will understand what you need to do to develop your confidence when speaking in a group through practice in a safe, non-judgemental environment Monday 2 nd October 1.30pm 3.30pm Quayside House Monday 16 th October 1.30pm 3.30pm Quayside House Monday 30 th October 1.30pm 3.30pm Quayside House Monday 13 th November 1.30pm 3.30pm Quayside House Monday 27 th November 1.30pm 3.30pm Quayside House

Exploring Spirituality (One off session) This is an opportunity to explore what spirituality is and what it might be about. This course is open to anyone, whether you see yourself as religious or not. It offers an opportunity for exploring and reflecting on how we might draw on our spiritual side to move forward on our journey of recovery and wellbeing. : You will have a clearer understanding of what spirituality might be You will have a chance to reflect on how exploring spirituality might help recovery and wellbeing Tuesday 19 th September 10.30am 1.00pm Quayside House

Step Into Learning (Four week course) Working in partnership with Sandwell Adult and Family Learning team we are very pleased to be offering 8 hours of guided learning in English. The course will cover both speaking and listening and reading and writing in English. Learners who complete all four sessions will have demonstrated their application to learning and will be able to access further community learning courses. Personal targets will be agreed with individual students. Learners will be able to:- Read ten sight words Use familiar words to write a sentence with a capital letter and a full stop Speak clearly to be understood when asking a question Speak clearly to be understood when giving an answer Thursday 2 nd November 1.00pm 3.00pm Quayside House Thursday 9 th November 1.00pm 3.00pm Quayside House Thursday 16 th November 1.00pm 3.00pm Quayside House Thursday 23 rd November 1.00pm 3.00pm Quayside House Assessments for eligibility to join the course will take place on Thursday 5 th, 12 th and 19 th October. It is important that learner s commit to attend all four sessions.

Voices (One off session) The experience of voice hearing is one that is often stigmatised in today s society and carries negative labels, with 4% of people being voice-hearers in the general population (same amount as asthma!), the experience is not uncommon. This one-off enlightening workshop delivered by Samina Allie (Chartered Psychologist) and Fauzia Khan (Assistant Psychologist) seeks to introduce people to the different models of voice hearing, the prevalence of the experience as well as the benefits and importance of engaging in voices groups. The seminar work of the Hearing Voices Network is drawn upon and the importance of opening up a dialogue and understanding the voice hearing experience will be discussed, as will the type of content voices groups cover and the things that people find useful. The aim of this workshop is to promote recovery and instil hope that there is life after voices and that voices are not the problem, but rather the relationship that the individual has with them Thursday 7 th September 1.30pm 3.30pm Quayside House

Introduction to Volunteering (One off session) Volunteering opportunities come in many shapes and sizes. Some volunteer a few hours regularly, others when called upon by an organisation. Do you want to make a difference in your local community? Join the Volunteering course and find out how, why and all the benefits associated with volunteering. This one off session will help you find out what is possible and how to begin volunteering. You will need a couple of things though a passion and time, sometimes very little time. You will know what skills you need to volunteer in the sector of your choice You will be able to work out how much time you want to (or are able to) give to volunteering We will help you identify organisations which operate in your area or for the cause you re interested in Wednesday 20 th September 10.30am 12.30pm Quayside House Opportunity to meet like-minded people and give something back

Welfare Rights (One off session) Karen Law is a Welfare Rights Advisor with Sandwell Council. The aim of this one-off course is to help people living on benefits learn how to improve their income and in doing so gain a better quality of life. You will understand the criteria required to claim PIP You will learn how to challenge a decision if you believe it to be incorrect Thursday 28 th September 1.30pm 3.30pm Quayside House

Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) (Two week course) This course will enhance your understanding of well-being and recovery through the group sharing knowledge, tips and experiences. The main focus will be on understanding about wellness recovery action plans (WRAP) and how these can help group members maintain good mental health and well-being, as well as identify how they can seek help if needed in a crisis. Group facilitators hope that group members will leave the course feeling more informed about managing their own mental health and well-being, and have suggestions for things that they might try to support their well-being. This course is facilitated over 2 sessions. Group members will be supported to understand more about wellness recovery action plans and be encouraged through group conversations and sharing, and with facilitator support, to develop their own personal WRAP plan WRAP plans will help group members identify their personal activities and coping strategies which enhance their well-being, as well as increase their understanding of factors which affect their mental health (e.g. early warning signs of distress and their potential triggers) Plans will include strategies for seeking help in a crisis Wednesday 6 th September 1.30pm 3.30pm Quayside House Wednesday 13 th September 1.30pm 3.30pm Quayside House

Women s Well-Being Workshop (Two week course) This fun and interactive workshop is for women to come together to connect, share and learn tools to take back into everyday life. There will be Mindfulness practice along with exploration of everyday challenges women face. This course is designed to empower women to utilise their potential to achieve personal growth. Exploration and understanding of the challenges women face today You will develop practical techniques to better equip you to handle life s inevitable twists and turns Friday 29 th September 1.30pm 3.30pm Quayside House Thursday 30 th November 1.30pm 3.30pm Quayside House

How to find us Recovery College Kerry Wilkes, Recovery College Principal Recovery College Administrator Address Quayside House, Rounds Green Road, Oldbury, B69 2DG Telephone: 0121 543 4061 Email: recovery.college@bcpft.nhs.uk Opening hours 10.00am - 3.00pm Directions Buses to Quayside Please click here for up to date information on bus routes Facebook: www.facebook.com/therecoverycollegebcpft Twitter: @SandwellRC