New Recovery College now open for residents of Herefordshire and Worcestershire
The aims of the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Wellbeing and Recovery College is to give people the tools, skills and understanding that they need to support their own wellbeing and recovery journey, whilst breaking down stigmas relating to mental health.
The college offers a wide range of courses and workshops designed to take each individual on a journey, however short or long, to find not only new skills, but the knowledge and understanding of what health and wellbeing and recovery means to them.
The Herefordshire and Worcestershire Wellbeing and Recovery College is a partnership between Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust, Voluntary and Community Sector organisations (VCS), Public Sector partners and our Experts by Experience across our communities in Herefordshire and Worcestershire.
Vicky Hitch, Team Leader (Occupational Therapist) Vocational Services - Adult Mental Health New Opportunities Worcestershire for Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust: “It is estimated that around 1 in 4 people will experience some form of mental health difficulties at some point in their lives. Herefordshire and Worcestershire Wellbeing and Recovery College will give people the skills, knowledge and understanding to support their recovery, experience positive mental health and wellbeing and live a meaningful life.”
Worcestershire Community Foundation has been the main investor in the development of the college, investing £50,000 to date. With investment, Community First in Herefordshire and Worcestershire led a cross-sector group to develop the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Wellbeing and Recovery College, to be a single cross-sector vehicle providing learning opportunities for all residents of Herefordshire and Worcestershire. Mental health is one of Worcestershire Community Foundation’s key strategic priorities and they already have an established Mental Health Fund and with the college embedded in the community, will maintain a vested interest in the ongoing development of the college.
Mark Herriott, General Manager at Community First in Herefordshire and Worcestershire said: “We are delighted to be involved in bringing together such a broad range of partners offering learning opportunities across the two counties and driving forward this innovative approach to helping people live a more fulfilling life. We believe that we are all stronger by working together in a way which values each person’s individual experience as the expert on their own mental health and wellbeing.
The college is available to people living in Herefordshire or Worcestershire aged 18+, and you don’t have to be going through mental health challenges yourself. Anyone who is keen to learn about mental health, wellbeing or how to keep themselves well and support others is welcome to register for courses/ workshops – see the course details for more information on eligibility criteria
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