Could you help people with mental health challenges learn about staying well?

Could you help people with mental health challenges learn about staying well?

We are looking for people with lived experience of mental health challenges to help us set up a recovery college in Sandwell. You might have lived experience of a mental health condition yourself or you may care for someone who does. Either way, your expertise is vital. A recovery college offers term-time courses that support people to deal with the mental health challenges they experience and to pursue their personal goals. The courses work alongside a person s care plan to help them take control of their recovery. Students will have full student status including a Student Union card. SU/CARD 0845 146 1800 www.therecoverycollege.co.uk

Recovery college courses help people explore their personal strengths and develop skills for getting well and staying well. I give thanks to the Recovery College for all the hope, comfort, answers and support they have provided me with. I ve learnt so much more than I ever would have imagined. Emma, student I cannot emphasise enough the importance of the Recovery College in my recovery journey, my vastly improved life in general and a return to very meaningful work. Ang, Peer Trainer

Recovery colleges are built on the idea of co-production. This means that, as far as possible, everything that happens at the college is done by people with lived experience of mental health challenges working together with Trust staff. Possible courses... Understanding experiences of mental health Building students lives Physical health and wellbeing Developing life skills Co-production includes designing courses, delivering sessions and supporting students in their learning. To set up our recovery college in Sandwell, we need to develop peer learning advisors and peer trainers to help us design and deliver our courses. Courses can cover a range of topics including specific mental health conditions, life skills, physical health and developing your ambitions. 0845 146 1800 www.therecoverycollege.co.uk

Could you help us get things started? Perhaps you have ideas for courses, or could you advise on the best way to produce information for students? Or how to attract people to sign up? If you think you might want to get involved, come and find out more at our open day. For details, see the last page of this booklet. In return for your time and expertise, we will pay you an hourly rate of 10, as well as covering your travel expenses and providing refreshments. If you also wish to become a peer trainer, we ll support you to go on a City and Guilds Train the Trainer Skills course at a local college.

Edward Street Hospital, Edward Street, West Bromwich B70 8NL Tel: 0845 146 1800 Visit: www.therecoverycollege.co.uk If you d like to speak to someone about the recovery college and find out more about being a peer advisor or trainer, please contact Melvena Anderson on 0121 612 8607 or email melvena.anderson@bcpft.nhs.uk 0845 146 1800 www.therecoverycollege.co.uk

Invitation to open day FIND OUT MORE RECOVERY COLLEGE HELP US YOU COULD Come to an open day on Tuesday 22nd April 2014 at Sandwell Council House either in the morning from 11 am to 1pm or in the afternoon from 2pm to 4pm. Located at Annex 1 & 2 Sandwell Council House, Freeth Street, Oldbury B69 3DE. You can hear about recovery colleges and the difference they make to students. Peer workers from a recovery college in Liverpool will talk about their experiences of getting involved and answer any questions you have. Tea, coffee and light refreshments will be provided. Please reply using this form, giving us your details below. Let us know whether you want to attend the morning or afternoon session. Morning Session Afternoon Session Name: Contact phone: Email address (if applicable): Please detach this page along the perforated line, put in an envelope to keep your details confidential, and send to: Freepost RRRG BBTC UKSE, Black Country Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Delta House, Delta Point, Greets Green Road, West Bromwich, B70 9PL Alternatively, you can give this form to your care co-ordinator or a member of Trust staff. Please reply by Tuesday 15th April. Thank you for your interest in the recovery college!

The Recovery College Edward Street Hospital, Edward Street, West Bromwich B70 8NL Tel: 0845 146 1800 Visit: www.therecoverycollege.co.uk