prospectus 2015 / 2016
It opened my eyes to how vulnerable many people are and what to do in different situations. It makes you think and there was so much that I did not know. I attended with a service user and we both found it to be highly motivational and very enjoyable. Recovery is totally individual and doesn t necessarily mean absence of symptoms. That an incomplete recovery is still as acceptable, and a good recovery, because recovery never stops. Recovery is achievable. The presenter was genuinely inspiring and brought the material to life with brave disclosures about herself. I was genuinely moved and emotional by the end. I will definitely be promoting it to everybody I meet. Good for sharing ideas with each other - and listening to people s stories on their mental health. I have a clearer understanding about what recovery is and what it means to me and others. Finally realise there is such a thing as recovery. Contents Contents 2 Welcome 3 About the Recovery College 4 Student access 5 About the courses/workshops 5 Access to venues/facilities 5 FAQs 6 Student Charter 7 Code of Conduct 8 Confidentiality 9 Health and Safety 9 What students have said 10 Thank you 11 Contact details 12 Contact information For more information, or to download a copy of the prospectus or timetable please visit our website: www.recovery-college.org.uk Telephone: 01603 421169 Email:recovery.college@nsft.nhs.uk Website: www.recovery-college.org.uk Recovery College Office, Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, Hellesdon Hospital, Drayton High Road, Norwich, Norfolk NR6 5BE
Welcome to the NSFT Recovery College We are pleased to present the prospectus for our Recovery College. The college provides an innovative shared learning environment for service users, carers, supporters and Trust staff. The college is at the heart of our trust-wide commitment to recovery. Recovery means the process through which people find ways to live meaningful lives, with or without the ongoing symptoms of their condition. It is a personal journey of discovery that involves making sense of and finding meaning in what has happened, becoming an expert in your own self-care, building a new sense of self and purpose and discovering your own resourcefulness. The college courses and workshops are co-designed and co-delivered by people with lived experience of mental health challenges and mental health practitioners. Courses and workshops are open to people with lived experience and staff from all services and departments across the Trust in order for everyone to learn from each other. Students are treated as equals and play a role alongside staff running and leading sessions at the college. The college follows an adult education model and aims to deliver a responsive, peer-led education and training curriculum of recovery focused courses and workshops. We aim to promote opportunities for the recovery and social inclusion of people with lived experience of mental health challenges. The college offers a range of courses and workshops that we hope will help you discover and realise your potential, focus on the skills and strengths you have, and explore the choices you have. We want students to have a say in what works for them, have a voice, be heard, and realise the choices in their recovery journey. We are constantly developing a curriculum of recovery courses and workshops for the college and we hope you will find something that interests you. Recovery is the process of developing a new sense of self, meaning and purpose in life the journey of the individual and those close to them in rebuilding a satisfying, hopeful and contributing life with a diagnosis of mental health problems. (Deegan, 1989) Recovery College - Norfolk and Suffolk Foundation Trust 3
About the Recovery College The NSFT Recovery College is one of a small but growing number of colleges across the UK developed for and by people with lived experience of mental illness and NHS staff. Our Recovery College is organised using a hub and spoke model. The learning and development activities delivered on behalf of the college across Norfolk and Suffolk are known as the NSFT Recovery College spokes. The Recovery College is administered through a central hub comprising the core NSFT Recovery College team and admissions office. We aim to provide courses and workshops across Norfolk and Suffolk, with the number of courses and locations to access them growing over time. Feedback from students is essential to us; the college is here for you. We welcome your comments through completing individual course / workshop evaluations and face-to-face feedback. We will evaluate your feedback and we are committed to learning from it to ensure the college offers a service which is informed and shaped by our students. Courses and workshops can fill-up fast, so please take a look at the range of activities on offer, complete the registration form and send it to us as soon as possible. Registration forms can be found online or you can request for one to be posted. In the event that you are unable to attend a course or workshop for which you have registered, we would really appreciate it if you contact the admissions office and let us know, giving as much notice as possible. By doing so, you will enable us to offer your place to somebody else. It is a personal journey of discovery that involves making sense of and finding meaning in what has happened, becoming an expert in your own self-care, building a new sense of self and purpose and discovering your own resourcefulness. Implementing Recovery through Organisational Change (ImROC) 4 Recovery College - prospectus
Student access Please note current courses and workshops are provided free of charge and are available to adults aged 18 and over, who are either: Currently engaged with mental health Supporters / carers of students services delivered by Norfolk and Suffolk NSFT staff* NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT) Have a discharge care plan not exceeding 12 months old * Please note courses and workshops are not currently open to students on clinical placements within the Trust unless supporting a service user to attend. About the courses and workshops All of the courses and workshops provided at the college are designed to contribute towards wellbeing and recovery. Courses and workshops are offered in the following areas: Recovery and mental health Wellbeing Life beyond illness Peer working The Recovery College s aims are underpinned by the following principles: Open access and inclusion All people accessing the Recovery College are treated as students rather than being defined by prior roles or identities Celebration of the lived experience of all and recognition that everyone has the ability to change and grow The Recovery College has no responsibility for care co-ordination, key working clinical risk assessment or management over and above the safeguarding responsibilities of a Further Education College Access to venues and facilities We aim to provide an accessible and inclusive learning environment for all students at the Recovery College. Please let us know in advance of attending your courses, whether you have additional needs and we will do our best to support you. When completing the registration form, please let us know your specific requirements. This will enable us to provide additional support to enhance your learning experience. Recovery College - Norfolk and Suffolk Foundation Trust 5
Frequently asked questions How do I find a course or workshop? All courses are advertised and can also be downloaded from our website www.recovery-college.org.uk Alternatively you can call or email the College Administrator and we can send details out to you. Contact details are on the back page of this prospectus. How do I register for a course or workshop? If you use NSFT services, or are a supporter (family or carer), please complete a registration form. Download it from our website or request for one to be posted. www.recovery-college.org.uk NSFT staff should register in the same way as they would for any other internal course, through the Trust s booking system. What do I do if I need further information about a course or workshop? We are always happy to talk to you regarding any information that you may need, either by phone or email. You can call or email the College Administrator. Contact details are on the back page of this prospectus. How do I check if there are still places on my chosen course or workshop? You can contact the College Administrator. Contact details and times are on the back page of this prospectus. How much do courses and workshops cost? Current courses and workshops are provided free of charge to eligible students. In the future we may be able to provide charged courses and workshops for students who do not use NSFT services or who are not employed by the Trust. When is the NSFT Recovery College open? The Recovery College office can be contacted Monday to Friday from 9.30am until 4.30pm. Courses and workshops run at different times and are of different lengths according to their content. Can carers attend with the person that they are supporting? Yes, all courses can accommodate this, provided the carer also books a place on the course or workshop. We ask that anyone accompanying a student will take an active part in the course or workshop. Any supporters who wish to accompany students are required to book onto the course in the same way as all participants. Can I access courses and worshops elsewhere? Yes, you may attend the course or workshop at a location of your choice where places are available. Is it possible to visit and look around? Yes, we occasionally run open days / evenings where we are available to answer queries and help with registration. Are there parking facilities? Some sites have free on-site parking. Other sites will have public car parks and meter parking in the surrounding areas that may charge. This is the responsibility of the vehicle owner. 6 Recovery College - prospectus
Student Charter Before you become a student at the Recovery College... You can expect us to: Deal with your enquiries in an efficient, professional and friendly manner Provide information, guidance and advice on courses and programmes of study We expect you to: Give us the relevant information that we need to register you During your time at the Recovery College... You can expect us to: Provide you with a warm and professional welcome at all times Provide information explaining what your course will offer Ensure courses and workshops are of a high quality and promote recovery principles Offer advice and guidance on learning and study skills, and the use of learning resources Provide support, which will help you monitor and review your progress if you want to Devise well planned timetables that, where possible, will take your needs into consideration Discuss your specific needs if you tell us about a disability or learning difficulty Discuss your next steps upon completion of your course, such as enrolling on another course or workshop, if you wish to do so Provide a safe and healthy study environment Provide an environment free from discrimination Respect your personal beliefs, life choices, religious and cultural practices and traditions Give you the opportunity to express your views of the college and its services without fear of recrimination We expect you to: Attend courses and workshops punctually; if you are running late or no longer able to attend please contact us Make the most of your student experience and your course or workshop Be considerate of all students, college staff and others working on a college site observing the NSFT Recovery College Code of Conduct Comply with the college s policies and procedures Respect the individual rights of all members of the college Ask us for any clarification if you are not sure about anything Recovery College - Norfolk and Suffolk Foundation Trust 7
Code of Conduct In order to create an environment conducive to learning we want to ensure we give you all the support and guidance you need to achieve success. The Code of Conduct is a guide to highlight what we expect from students at the college so that we can help you to achieve success in a supportive and non-threatening environment. As a student at the Recovery College we expect you to: 1. Treat all students and staff with compassion, dignity and respect 2. Avoid the use of offensive, racist, and sexist language at all time, and not to discriminate or harass other students or staff members 3. To dress appropriately for a learning environment, not to wear logos or slogans that could be offensive to others 4. To be respectful of other students rights, life choices, beliefs and opinions 5. To respect the wellbeing and property of the other members of the college, and report any health and safety concerns you may notice 6. To take an active part in your own learning and use the resources made available to you 7. To provide us with the information that we need to support your enrolment and ongoing learning 8. To refrain from using mobile phones during the courses and workshops 9. To attend courses and workshops punctually 10. To take responsibility for your own learning and come to the courses and workshops equipped to participate 11. To communicate your wishes as to how we can support your wellbeing whilst attending courses and workshops 12. To advise us of things that may be preventing you from getting the most out of your learning experience 13. To refrain from the use of alcohol and illicit substances while attending the recovery education centre Failure to adhere to the Student Code of Conduct may lead to exclusion from the Recovery College. Through this process of networking information, I have uncovered ideas and strategies that, while often very simple and very safe, have the capacity to create major life change. (Mary Ellen Copeland 2010) 8 Recovery College - prospectus
Confidentiality As part of registration and enrolment, students are asked to provide personal data and to agree to purposes for which it will be used. Some of this information will be passed to tutors including: Student s name Student s phone number in case of emergency Details of person to contact in an emergency Specific or support learning needs Copy of student s individual learning plan Recovery College tutors will not have access to students health records. However it will be recorded when you a attend a course or workshop. Information shared during courses, workshops and seminars will remain confidential unless tutors assess that someone s safety is at risk. In line with the Data Protection Act (1998), any student may request to view information held about them by the Recovery College. Students are asked to sign a register of attendance at each session and tutors are required to ensure the register is completed, noting all attendees. The Recovery College may contact students with details of new courses and Recovery College events, unless requested otherwise. Health and Safety Fire safety instructions will be given when attending a course or workshop You are responsible for the safety of your own belongings when attending the Recovery College - please keep any valuable items with you at all times as the Recovery College and NSFT cannot accept responsibility If you feel unsatisfied with any aspect of the Recovery College please talk to your tutor or the college administrator. Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust has a Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) and a complaints procedure Recovery College - Norfolk and Suffolk Foundation Trust 9
What students have said As a student, you can read lots of books and articles but actually hearing and understanding other people s lived experience is the best educational experience you can have. Gave me a new perspective on my own health and that it s in my power to help myself. Having a peer tutor is a very good idea, it enables a different conversation. That an incomplete recovery is still as acceptable, and a good recovery, because recovery never stops. It was far beyond any expectations; it was enjoyable and I learnt many things There is hope for me and therefore hopefully recovery upwards. Recovery is possible for all and we can all help each other. Really enjoyed it and would love to be more involved. Gave me a new perspective on my own health and that it s in my power to help myself. Reminded and refreshed me about recovery and that it's an opportunity to make lives better; not just control, manage, reduce symptoms. 10 Recovery College - prospectus
Thank you Thank you to all our volunteers, peer trainers, students, partners and everyone who has helped to develop NSFT Recovery College and support us on this exciting journey. We welcome your comments, suggestions, questions or stories about your experiences at the Recovery College. External partners include: Mental Health Providers Forum Norwich Mind West Norfolk Mind Great Yarmouth and Waveney Mind Suffolk Mind Voluntary Norfolk Voluntary and Statutory Partnerships (VASPs) for Suffolk Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust (CNWL) Implementing Recovery through Organisational Change (ImROC) Stonham HomeStay Julian Support Rethink The Matthew Project Suffolk Family Carers Suffolk User Forum Recovery is a personal journey of discovery. (Repper & Perkins, 2012) Recovery College - Norfolk and Suffolk Foundation Trust 11
Contact information For more information, or to download a copy of the prospectus or timetable please visit our website: www.recovery-college.org.uk Telephone: 01603 421169 Email: recovery.college@nsft.nhs.uk Website: www.recovery-college.org.uk Recovery College Office, Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, Hellesdon Hospital, Drayton High Road, Norwich, Norfolk NR6 5BE If you would like this booklet in large print, audio, Braille, alternative format or a different language, please contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) and we will do our best to help. Email: PALS@nsft.nhs.uk or call PALS Freephone 0800 279 7257 At Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust we are fully committed to fulfilling our duties under the Equality Act (2010). Leaflet code: 15/012 Printed: April 2015 Review date: August 2017 2015 NSFT www.nsft.nhs.uk GFX 3693