Sussex Recovery College Prospectus 2021-2022 Contents Welcome to your Sussex Recovery College Prospectus 2021-2022 3 Index of courses 4 - 5 Open Days, Term Dates and Graduation 6 Views of peer trainers (Peer Trainer 1) 7 Course Listings: Understanding and Managing Health Conditions 8 - 20 Course Listings: Creative, Wellbeing & Vocational 21 - 38 Views of peer trainers (Peer Trainer 2) 39 Supporting your learning journey with Recovery College 40 Our Charter and Student Code of Conduct 42 Our partner organisations 44 Other sources of information, advice and guidance / support 46 Reading Well: ‘Books on Prescription ‘list 47 Our campuses 49 Acknowledgements 50
www.sussexrecoverycollege.org.uk Welcome to your Sussex Recovery College Prospectus for 2021-2022
In these pages you will find a range of courses professionals and peer trainers – people with that focus on mental health education, wellbeing lived experience of the subject and recovery. Our courses are co-designed and co-delivered by specialist clinical practitioners Providing hope and empowerment We pride and Peer Trainers - people with lived experience ourselves on enabling our students to become of mental health challenges. We work closely in experts in self-management partnership with local providers of mental health Offering a supportive environment Our services. courses and services challenge stigma and This prospectus covers courses available over discrimination often associated with mental three terms in the 2021/22 academic year. More health detailed timetables for each term are published separately and are launched at our Open Day Respecting your views and opinions We listen events (see page 6). to student feedback and use this to improve our services We offer a broad curriculum specific to both Understanding and Managing Health Conditions Booking onto a course and Creative, Wellbeing & Vocational. Course durations range from one-off workshops to You may select up to three courses by registering weekly sessions lasting up to 6 weeks an expression of interest. What’s new this year Online: go to www.sussexrecoverycollege.org.uk For the first time, we are offering both online and and follow links to our registration pages. A link in-person courses across the whole of Sussex, to our online booking request service can also be included in one prospectus. Some of our courses accessed via the QR code at the foot of this page. are available online in addition to being available On paper: paper application forms are available face to face, some are only available face to face on request from our Recovery College central and some are only available online. office (see contact details below). As a Recovery College, we are committed to Open Days: these are held in both campuses running courses to help people with learning differences achieve social inclusion. Please three times a year – see page 6 for details. contact us for any additional support you may need. Contact us All courses are referenced in our index on pages Sussex Recovery College 4 & 5. You are welcome to apply for a place on Aldrington House any course in any location. (Please note, not all 35 New Church Road courses are provided in all locations.) Hove BN3 4AG Our principles www.sussexrecoverycollege.org.uk Delivering education Our focus is on [email protected] education: we’re a college, not a clinic – we work with students, not patients @SusRecColl Building partnerships The courses and 0300 303 8086 services we provide are only possible because (Office hours are of our partnership working Monday - Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm, Valuing co-production Our courses are co- excluding Bank and designed and co-delivered by mental health Public holidays) 0300 303 8086 [email protected] 3 Index of All Courses
COURSE LISTINGS Page COURSE LISTINGS Page
ADHD/ADD: Understanding 9 EMPATHY and LISTENING: Make the 25 and Managing Adult ADHD/ADD Most of Your Empathy and listening Skills
ANGER Management Workshop 9 EUPD: An Introduction to Understanding 12 (ONLINE only) and Living with Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder ANGER: Resolving the Red Mist: 10 EUPD: Living Well with a Diagnosis 13 Managing Your Anger of Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder ANXIETY: Understanding and 10 EXPLORING Recovery Stories 25 Coping with Anxiety (Also ONLINE)
ART in the Wild Wood 22 FOOD and MOOD 26
BIPOLAR: Living with Bipolar 11 FOOD and MOOD Introduction to Food 26 (Also ONLINE) and Mood Workshop (ONLINE only)
COPING SKILLS for Wellness and 22 GRIEF AND LOSS: Introduction to 27 Recovery Grief and Loss
CREATIVITY for Wellbeing 23 HAPPINESS: Finding Happiness 27
CREATIVITY: Mapping Your Journey: A 23 LEARNING DISABILITIES: Coping with 14, Creative Approach to joining up the dots my ups and downs 20
CREATIVITY: When Words Are Not 24 MEDICATION: Understanding 14 Enough Medication
DECLUTTERING 24 MEDICATION: Understanding Medication 15 for Depression (ONLINE only)
DEMENTIA: Understanding and Living 11, MUSIC: Creative Music Making for 28 with Dementia (Also ONLINE) 19 Wellbeing
DEPRESSION: Understanding and 12 OCD: Understanding and Living with 15 Coping with Depression (Also ONLINE) Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
4 Sussex Recovery College – 2021-22 Prospectus PAINTING for Wellbeing 28 SLEEP: Improve Your Sleep 33
PHOTOGRAPHY for Wellbeing 29 STRESSBUSTERS Workshop 17 (ONLINE only)
PRINTING: Experiments in Printing 30 SUICIDE: Coping with Suicidal Thoughts 18 and Feelings
PROBLEM-SOLVING: Become your own 30 SUICIDE: Understanding and Supporting 18 A-Team (ONLINE only) People with Suicidal Thoughts and Feelings PSYCHOSIS: Understanding Psychosis 16 TEXTILES: Experiments in Textiles 34
PTSD: Post-Traumatic Stress: Life after 16 VOCATIONAL: Co-production: 34 Trauma Understanding the Benefits
PTSD: Trauma in the Current Climate 17 VOCATIONAL: Expert by Experience: 35 (ONLINE only) Participation Workshops
RESILIENCE: Building Resilience for 31 VOCATIONAL: Work for Wellbeing 35 Wellness and Recovery (Also ONLINE)
RESILIENCE in a Nutshell Workshop 31 WALK for Wellbeing 36 (ONLINE only)
RUNNING: One Step at a Time: A 32 WELLBEING in the Garden 36 Running Journey to Recovery
SELF-ESTEEM AND CONFIDENCE 32 WELLBEING in the Wild 37 (Also ONLINE)
SLEEP: How to Get a Good Night’s Sleep 33 WELLBEING: Five Ways to Wellbeing 37 Workshop (ONLINE only)
VIRTUAL CAFÉ – Drop in sessions (ONLINE only) 38
ZOOM: Training to take Online Courses - Getting to Grips with Zoom (ONLINE only) 38
0300 303 8086 [email protected] 5 Open Days, Term Dates and Graduation
Open Days Our Open Days give you the opportunity to find out about us, speak to our trainers and consider our courses. You can then book onto a course (see page 2). Open Days are held in September for the Autumn term 2021. More Open Days are planned for the Winter, Spring and Summer terms. There are also virtual open days. Please check our website for updates. If you are unable to attend an Open Day, please just contact us or register your details/apply for a course following instructions on page 2 of this prospectus. All courses are free for adults with mental health-related challenges, their supporters (relatives and carers) and staff of Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and our partner organisations. Graduation Days To celebrate the achievements of our students and the success of Sussex Recovery College we hold annual Graduation events. Students from across Sussex come along and receive a certificate to acknowledge all the work they have put into attending and completing their courses. As well as listening to key speakers, the event provides an opportunity for students to meet each other and share their experience. Recognition is also given to Dates for your diary our hardworking Peer Trainers, Term dates 2021-2022 partners and clinicians. Autumn term 2021 04 October – 17 December “A great course. Graduation East Sussex: The View Hotel, Eastbourne The trainers 14th July 2022 were excellent” West Sussex: Charis Centre, Crawley 19th July 2022
6 Sussex Recovery College – 2021-22 Prospectus Views of peer trainers said this student’s life had been Peer Trainer 1 transformed - they have a part time job now and are able to get more “My journey with Recovery College involved in social groups which started as a student following a hadn’t been possible before. challenging period with my mental health. I have now retrained as a They turned up at the first session peer trainer and have a range of very nervous - but the course has other roles with the Trust. given them confidence and helped with their sleep and their nutrition. I find it rewarding to see the journey It has been a real virtuous circle and that the students go on - it is a this makes me so happy.” privilege to be a small part of that. Why should someone do a Recovery For example, I had a student College course? who was in the early stages of their recovery journey and it was Because it will equip you with the wonderful to see them develop knowledge and empower you with during those 6 weeks. One of their the skills to enable your continued family thanked me personally, they recovery journey.
0300 303 8086 [email protected] 7 Course Listings: Understanding and Managing HealthUnderstanding Conditions and Managing Health Conditions
COURSE LISTINGS Page
ADHD/ADD: Understanding and Managing Adult ADHD/ADD 9
ANGER Management Workshop (ONLINE only) 9
ANGER: Resolving the Red Mist: Managing your Anger 10
ANXIETY: Understanding and Coping with Anxiety (Also ONLINE) 10
BIPOLAR: Living with Bipolar (Also ONLINE) 11
DEMENTIA: Understanding and Living with Dementia (Also ONLINE) 11,19
DEPRESSION: Understanding and Coping with Depression (Also ONLINE) 12 EUPD: An Introduction to Understanding and Living with Emotionally Unstable 12 Personality Disorder EUPD: Living Well with a Diagnosis of Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder 13
Learning Disabilities: Coping with my ups and downs 14,20
MEDICATION: Understanding Medication 14
MEDICATION: Understanding Medication for Depression (ONLINE only) 15
OCD: Understanding and Living with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder 15
PSYCHOSIS: Understanding Psychosis 16
PTSD: Post-Traumatic Stress: Life after Trauma 16
PTSD: Trauma in the Current Climate (ONLINE Only) 17
STRESSBUSTERS Workshop (ONLINE only) 17
SUICIDE: Coping with Suicidal Thoughts and Feelings 18
SUICIDE: Understanding and Supporting People with Suicidal Thoughts and Feelings 18
8 Sussex Recovery College – 2021-22 Prospectus Understanding and Managing Health Conditions
ADHD/ADD: Understanding had a diagnosis. Supporters and and Managing Adult ADHD/ carers are also welcome to apply. ADD ANGER Management Workshop: This workshop will identify Online Only symptoms of attention deficit This workshop will enable hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and participants to develop their the difficulties they can cause. understanding of anger and the We explore different treatment ways in which anger can manifest options, including medication. We in one’s thoughts/feelings/bodily will share some tried and tested symptoms and behaviour. It covers coping strategies and explore the the function of anger and its pros three key areas that affect people and cons. with ADHD. We focus on managing The workshop will identify strategies emotions, getting more organised to enable participants to confront and developing different ideas about and manage symptoms of anger. how you can manage the patterns of behaviour that may be unhelpful. It will give an opportunity to practise We also consider other support techniques to help participants resources available. contain anger. Learning Outcomes Learning Outcomes Students will: Students will: Identify symptoms and difficulties Gain a greater understanding of related to ADHD/ADD what anger is, why and how it is experienced physically and the Learn about the different difference between the thoughts medications that can be used and behaviours associated anger Develop at least three coping Increase their knowledge of a strategies for ADHD range of different strategies to Course structure help better cope with anger Weekly sessions of up to 2 weeks. Gain practical skills or techniques Aimed at in self-soothing or grounding Anyone who considers they may be Course structure affected by ADHD/ADD or who has One-off 90-minute online workshop.
0300 303 8086 [email protected] 9 Understanding and Managing Health Conditions
Aimed at ANXIETY: Understanding and Anyone wanting to develop greater Coping with Anxiety understanding of anger issues and Also Online to develop more effective coping This course is designed to help strategies. understand the way anxiety affects us physically and how it also ANGER: Resolving the Red Mist: impacts on our thoughts, feelings Managing Your Anger and behaviours. This course will be of particular The sessions will look at ways of interest to those who have found challenging negative thoughts, that their anger and related exploring ways of working with aggressive behaviour has caused anxiety behaviour. It will also include them problems. We apply some simple relaxation techniques motivational approaches and a range and explore the role of creativity. of skills to manage angry emotions better, including problem-solving and Learning Outcomes communication approaches. Students will: Learning Outcomes Gain an understanding of the way Students will: anxiety affects us Learn about the triggers to their Learn how to challenge negative anger thoughts and cope with panic attacks Learn about managing or changing their relationship with Develop a personal wellbeing anger and aggression ‘toolkit’ to help manage anxiety Consider next steps in their Course structure recovery Weekly sessions for up to 4 weeks Course structure (online) or 6 weeks (In person). Weekly sessions for up to 6 weeks. Aimed at Aimed at Anyone wanting to develop greater understanding of anxiety and Anyone wanting to develop greater wishing to develop more effective understanding of anger issues and coping strategies. wishing to develop more effective coping strategies.
10 Sussex Recovery College – 2021-22 Prospectus Understanding and Managing Health Conditions
BIPOLAR: Living with Bipolar DEMENTIA: Understanding and Also Online living with Dementia As part of this course, students will ONLINE only be invited to develop a personal This workshop is designed to help Wellness Recovery Action Plan. To you understand what dementia is, facilitate this, a number of topics to find out how you can maximise will be explored including mood your quality of life whilst living with monitoring, medication, ideas to help dementia and to link you with a keep us as well as possible, sleep, range of opportunities in your local early warning signs and action to community. take if these signs are noticed. This Time will be spent looking at process enables us to manage this treatments and support available. mental health condition as to live a You will also learn how you can help full life with Bipolar. yourself (or support someone else) Learning Outcomes to live well with dementia including Students will be able to: tips for managing memory, thoughts, Describe 3 key features of Bipolar. mood and lifestyle. Identify 3 positive ways to help Learning Outcomes manage Bipolar. Students will: Detect and act on early warning Develop a greater understanding signs of changes in mental health of dementia and treatments Course structure available Weekly sessions for up to 4 weeks Discover strategies and (online) or 3 weeks (in person). approaches on how to live with dementia and improve quality of Aimed at life Anyone with a diagnosis of Bipolar. Have a greater awareness/ get Supporters and carers are also an overview of support systems welcome to apply. available in their local area Course structure “Everyone was One-off 2.5 hour workshop. very supportive”
0300 303 8086 [email protected] 11 Understanding and Managing Health Conditions
Aimed at Course structure People recently diagnosed with Weekly sessions for up to 6 weeks. dementia, their partners, relatives Aimed at and friends. Anyone living with depression. DEPRESSION: Understanding and Supporters and carers are also Coping with Depression welcome to apply. Also Online EUPD: An Introduction to Depression can happen to anyone. Understanding and Living It impacts on how we feel about with Emotionally Unstable ourselves and how we spend Personality Disorder our time. Enjoyment in life and Emotionally Unstable Personality motivation tends to decrease Disorder (EUPD) is a complex and we can be left with feelings emotional difficulty that can have a of hopelessness, guilt or simply significant impact on how you think, numbness. In this course we define feel, perceive or relate to others. what depression means to us, we Often this can be a negative impact identify the causes of depression and can be distressing, not only for and what we can do to help the person concerned, but also for ourselves. The interactive sessions family members and friends. This explore a wide range of positive introductory course explores ways coping strategies, techniques and of understanding the experience lifestyle choices to enable you to live of living with EUPD and practical well with depression. strategies to manage the challenges Learning Outcomes it can present. Students will: Learning Outcomes Identify the ways depression Students will: disrupts how we think, feel and act Gain an understanding of EUPD Discover and try out different and complex emotional difficulties tools to enable us to live well with Identify at least 3 ways in which depression EUPD can impact on daily life Understand how stress and sleep Explore strategies to manage the can affect mood challenges of living with EUPD 12 Sussex Recovery College – 2021-22 Prospectus Understanding and Managing Health Conditions
Course structure Explore and try out strategies to Weekly sessions for up to 2 weeks. manage the challenges of living Aimed at with EUPD and develop a personal wellbeing ‘toolkit’ An introductory level course for anyone affected by a diagnosis Course structure of EUPD, especially those newly- Weekly sessions for up to 5 weeks. diagnosed, supporters and carers. Aimed at Anyone living with a diagnosis of EUPD: Living Well with a EUPD. Supporters and carers are Diagnosis of Emotionally also welcome to apply. Unstable Personality Disorder Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD) is a complex emotional difficulty that can have a significant impact on how you think, feel, perceive or relate to others. Often this can be a negative impact and can be distressing, not only for the person concerned, but also for family members and friends. This course explores ways of understanding the experience of living with EUPD and practical strategies to manage the challenges it can present. Learning Outcomes Students will: Increase their understanding of EUPD and complex emotional difficulties “The atmosphere was Identify at least 3 ways in which EUPD can impact on daily life calm & relaxing”
0300 303 8086 [email protected] 13 Understanding and Managing Health Conditions
LEARNING DISABILITIES: MEDICATION: Understanding Coping with my Ups and Downs Medication On this course people talk about These are interactive question- their thoughts and feelings and and-answer sessions in which we about how their mental health look at medical and physiological affects them. We provide a safe and causes, treatments available and welcoming environment for everyone self-help resources, and “What you to gain support from each other. always wanted to know about your We share our thoughts using words, medication”. We include areas such symbols and pictures, and each as how medication works, what student will complete an Easyread helps healthcare professionals recovery plan to meet their own decide on what to prescribe, side- needs. effects and management of side- Learning Outcomes effects, and how medicines can interact with other medications and Students will: illnesses. Learn how to cope better, through Learning Outcomes interaction with others on the course Students will: Identify their goals to improve Identify how medication works their mental health and wellbeing and the different treatments available Take away a recovery plan tailored to their specific needs Develop an understanding of how medication affects them Course structure personally and how to manage Weekly sessions for up to 7 weeks. any side-effects they may Aimed at experience Adults living with a learning disability Feel more confident about and mental health challenges. discussing medication with Supporters and carers are also healthcare professionals welcome to apply. Course structure One-off 2 hour workshop.
14 Sussex Recovery College – 2021-22 Prospectus Understanding and Managing Health Conditions
MEDICATION: Understanding OCD: Understanding and Living Medication for Depression with Obsessive Compulsive ONLINE only Disorder This workshop will give a brief Does Obsessive Compulsive overview of the commonly Disorder (OCD) rule your life? This prescribed medications for low interactive course will give the mood, how they work and what opportunity to understand more the side effects are. Students about the symptoms of OCD and will be encouraged to ask any share your personal experiences questions they have regarding in a supportive environment. We their medications and share their will explore and trial self-help experiences of taking medications. techniques, tackling negative Learning Outcomes thinking and compulsive checking. Students will: Learning Outcomes Name at least 1 main type of Students will: medication for managing low Identify at least 3 ways in which mood OCD affects their daily lives List 3 common side effects of Explore and trial at least 3 antidepressant medication strategies to cope with OCD Apply the information learned to Develop a personal wellbeing have empowered conversations ‘toolkit’ to cope with and reduce about medication OCD symptoms Course structure Course structure One-off 90-minute online Workshop. Weekly sessions for up to 5 weeks. Aimed at Aimed at Aimed at anyone who is interested in Anyone living with OCD. Supporters finding out more about medication and carers are also welcome to based treatments for depression. apply.
0300 303 8086 [email protected] 15 Understanding and Managing Health Conditions
PSYCHOSIS: Understanding PTSD: Post-Traumatic Stress: Life Psychosis after Trauma This course helps you to make Most people experience traumatic sense of and cope with psychotic events in their lives. Following symptoms, exploring the causes these, some people may experience of psychosis and what can help symptoms of Post Traumatic towards recovery. A range of Stress Disorder (PTSD) such as resources will be made available, intrusive memories, flashbacks and including handouts and information nightmares. This course explores to take home to aid in development the impact of trauma and what help of coping skills. is available. We share tools to help alleviate symptoms and help you Learning Outcomes reclaim your life. We give carers Students will: and staff an insight into PTSD and Better understand their diagnosis what helps someone to recover from and formulation, including traumatic events. symptoms and causes Learning Outcomes Have an overview of medication, Students will: other treatments and support Understand what the causes and Become familiar with and effects of trauma can be practise coping skills and self- Learn how to look after management tools themselves and others, using Course structure trauma-specific as well as general Weekly sessions for up to 6 weeks. strategies Aimed at Understand what support might Anyone diagnosed with psychosis, be helpful schizophrenia or a schizo-affective Course structure disorder, or who hears voices, sees Weekly sessions for up to 3 weeks. visions or has beliefs that others Aimed at think are delusional. Supporters and carers are also welcome to apply. Anyone suffering from mental health issues associated with trauma, particularly PTSD. Supporters and carers are also welcome to apply.
16 Sussex Recovery College – 2021-22 Prospectus Understanding and Managing Health Conditions
PTSD: Trauma in the Current STRESSBUSTERS Workshop Climate ONLINE only ONLINE only We are living through stressful In this 90 minute online workshop times. Left untreated, chronic we explore the effects that Covid19 stress can lead to mental and is having on our relationship with physical issues such as depression, trauma. It is open to people who anxiety, insomnia and a suppressed already have a diagnosis of PTSD immune system. In this interactive but also to people who think that this workshop we’ll define what stress will help them with some difficult is, what causes it and how it affects experiences they have had due to our bodies, minds, emotions and the current challenging times. behaviour. Learning Outcomes We’ll share our own stressors By the end of the session, students and coping strategies as well as will be able to: looking at new techniques that can Describe the 5 key themes of help relieve stress and maintain trauma-related behaviours wellbeing. Create an understanding of what Learning Outcomes we can do to influence our coping Students will: responses to traumatic or difficult Recognise their own source of events (with a focus on Covid-19) stress Develop coping mechanisms Understand the impact of stress and tools that can help support on mind and body increased resilience and wellbeing List 3 ways to reduce stress when living through traumatic or Course structure difficult events One-off 90-minute online workshop. Course structure Aimed at One-off 90-minute online workshop. Aimed at anyone whose mental Aimed at health is impacted by stress - and Anyone who has experienced trauma, their supporters. including those with a diagnosis of PTSD and their supporters.
0300 303 8086 [email protected] 17 Understanding and Managing Health Conditions
SUICIDE: Coping with Suicidal SUICIDE: Understanding and Thoughts and Feelings Supporting People with Suicidal This course helps you to understand Thoughts and Feelings what can lead a person to want This course helps you to understand to take their own life. Through what can lead a person to discussion and group work we experience suicidal thoughts and explore interventions that grow your feelings and how you can support confidence, such as safety planning them. This will include identifying and resilience building. The course possible triggers and early warning includes an overview of services signs, and how to support that to support individuals experiencing person in developing a plan to keep suicidal thoughts. him/herself safe. Learning Outcomes Learning Outcomes Students will: Students will: Be able to identify early warning Be able to identify the triggers and signs that may lead to suicidal early warning signs that may lead thoughts and feelings to suicidal thoughts and feelings Learn at least 3 coping strategies Feel confident about how to help for dealing with suicidal thoughts someone experiencing suicidal and feelings thoughts and feelings Find out about services that can Find out about services that can support people experiencing support people with suicidal suicidal thoughts and feelings thoughts and feelings Course structure Course structure Weekly sessions for up to 4 weeks. One-off 3-hour workshop. Aimed at Aimed at Anyone who has experienced Anyone who is supporting a suicidal thoughts and / or has family member or friend who has attempted suicide. attempted suicide or experienced suicidal thoughts.
18 Sussex Recovery College – 2021-22 Prospectus Understanding and Managing Health Conditions Supporting Dementia at Recovery College
A diagnosis of dementia can Learning Outcomes lead to a range of thoughts Students Will: and feelings for both the Develop a greater understanding person with dementia and of dementia and explore how it those supporting them. It feels to receive a diagnosis may take time to adjust to the Discover strategies and news and raise questions and approaches around how to live worries about the future. with dementia and improve quality Understanding and Living with of life Dementia Gain a greater awareness/ overview of support systems Also Online available in their local area This 2½ hour workshop is designed Course structure to help you understand what dementia is, to explore feelings One-off workshop. associated with receiving a Aimed at diagnosis, and to find out how you People recently diagnosed with can maximise your quality of life dementia, their partners, relatives whilst living with the condition. and friends. We look at treatments and support, and at how you can help yourself (or support someone else) to live well with dementia. We include tips for managing memory, thoughts, mood and lifestyle. Please come and join us in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere where you can meet others in similar situations and share ideas, experiences and ways of managing. You can attend by yourself, or with someone else if you prefer.
0300 303 8086 [email protected] 19 Creativity,Learning Disabilities Wellbeing at and Recovery Lifestyle College
Learning Disabilities: Coping with my Ups and Downs At Recovery College we offer courses of benefit to people On this course people talk about living with the challenges of their thoughts and feelings and learning disabilities. about how their mental health affects them. We provide a safe and People with learning disabilities welcoming environment for everyone have an increased likelihood of to gain support from each other. developing mental ill health. With We share our thoughts using words, this in mind, and in providing symbols and pictures, and each courses that meet very specific student will complete an Easyread requirements, we aim to make recovery plan to meet their own our services as inclusive as needs. possible. By making reasonable adjustments in teaching Learning Outcomes approaches and in our course Students Will: materials, we focus on the needs Learn how to cope better, through of students with a sensory interaction with others on the impairment and communication course difficulties, as well as those on the autistic spectrum. Identify their goals to improve their mental health and wellbeing Our courses are open to all Take away a recovery plan tailored applicants, including families, to their specific needs supporters and carers. Course structure Weekly sessions for up to 7 weeks. Aimed at Adults living with a learning disability and mental health challenges. Supporters and carers are also welcome to apply.
20 Sussex Recovery College – 2021-22 Prospectus Course Listings: Creative, Wellbeing Creativity, Wellbeing and Lifestyle & Vocational
COURSE LISTINGS Page ART in the Wild Wood 22 COPING SKILLS for Wellness and Recovery 22 CREATIVITY for Wellbeing 23 CREATIVITY: Mapping Your Journey: A Creative Approach to Joining Up the Dots 23 CREATIVITY: When Words Are Not Enough 24 DECLUTTERING 24 EMPATHY and LISTENING: Make the most of Your Empathy and Listening Skills 25 EXPLORING Recovery Stories 25 FOOD and MOOD 26 FOOD and MOOD Workshop: Introduction to Food and Mood (ONLINE only) 26 GRIEF and LOSS: Introduction to Grief and Loss 27 HAPPINESS: Finding Happiness 27 MUSIC: Creative Music Making for Wellbeing 28 PAINTING for Wellbeing 28 PHOTOGRAPHY for Wellbeing 29 PRINTING: Experiments in Printing 30 PROBLEM-SOLVING: Become Your Own A-Team (ONLINE only) 30 RESILIENCE: Building Resilience for Wellness and Recovery (Also ONLINE) 31 RESILIENCE in a Nutshell (ONLINE only) 31 RUNNING: One Step at a Time: A Running Journey to Recovery 32 SELF-ESTEEM and CONFIDENCE 32 SLEEP: How to Get a Good Night’s Sleep (Also ONLINE) 33 SLEEP: Improve Your Sleep 33 TEXTILES: Experiments in Textiles 34 VOCATIONAL: Co-Production: Understanding the Benefits 34 VOCATIONAL: Expert by Experience: Participation Workshops 35 VOCATIONAL: Work for Wellbeing 35 WALK for Wellbeing 36 WELLBEING in the Garden 36 WELLBEING in the Wild 37 WELLBEING: Five Ways to Wellbeing 37 0300 303 8086 [email protected] 21 Creativity, Wellbeing and Lifestyle
ART in the Wild Wood COPING SKILLS for Wellness This course offers students the and Recovery benefits of wellbeing through This course aims to help students creativity based in a safe woodland to develop their ability to overcome site (managed by the Woodland their mental health challenges. Trust and overseen/owned by Students will explore a range of Salehurst Parish Council) while helpful coping skills and strategies working with two professional artists promoting self-management and from BlackShed gallery. Students recovery. will explore woodland materials and Learning Outcomes skills through creative exploration. Students will: The course also offers the opportunity to observe and support Learn at least 3 strategies to help an art installation at the sponsoring recovery and wellbeing Black Shed Gallery. Develop personal life skills and Learning Outcomes employ at least 3 appropriate techniques to help manage Students will: unhelpful symptoms Try a variety of woodland skills Learn to recognise ‘triggers’ and and crafts early warning signs, developing Gain an understanding of appropriate coping strategies how creativity and the natural Course structure environment can help with mental wellbeing Weekly sessions for up to 6 weeks. Create their own journal that can Aimed at be continued for further creative Anyone in the early stages of practice beyond the course recovery or seeking to refresh/ Course structure reinforce their knowledge to help themselves maintain personal Weekly sessions for up to 6 weeks. wellbeing. Supporters and carers are Aimed at also welcome to apply. Anyone with mental health challenges – no special artistic skills “Its been needed. a huge help” 22 Sussex Recovery College – 2021-22 Prospectus Creativity, Wellbeing and Lifestyle
CREATIVITY for Wellbeing journey through practical creative This course introduces leisure exercises. We help you select both activities vital to wellbeing, and positive and challenging moments to here students will use a variety of share through pictures, movement, media and techniques to complete imagination and sounds. We personal and group projects. You will include relaxation and self-empathy learn to express your thoughts and approaches to help build a new way feelings as you explore what your of overcoming challenges. Moments recovery means to you. No drawing of joy, individually and within the or painting ability necessary – all group, become a pattern to be built levels welcome. on during the course. Learning Outcomes Learning Outcomes Students will: Students will: Understand the importance and Use a range of creative benefits of creativity to wellbeing imaginative exercises to develop Gain knowledge of and experience their marks and creative skills with new techniques and media Develop confidence in creativity, Create a portfolio of expressive communicating and working with works others Course structure Identify interesting and creative approaches that can be continued Weekly sessions for up to 6 weeks. with and sustained beyond the Aimed at course Anyone with long-standing, Course structure moderate or severe mental health Weekly sessions for up to 4 weeks. challenges. Supporters and carers are also welcome to apply. Aimed at Anyone with mental health CREATIVITY: Mapping Your challenges, all levels of experience Journey: A Creative Approach to and none. Supporters and carers are ‘joining up the dots’ also welcome to apply. In this course you will develop an understanding of your recovery
0300 303 8086 [email protected] 23 Creativity, Wellbeing and Lifestyle
CREATIVITY: When Words Are DECLUTTERING Not Enough This course defines the problem of Sometimes it can be difficult clutter and offers suggestions on to express how we are feeling how to combat it, having considered with words. This course gives why people clutter in the first place. learners the opportunity to express It will include storage suggestions themselves through different art and what to do with things no longer mediums. Each week focuses on wanted or needed. We look at how a different mini-project such as to declutter and how to organise, using charcoal and pastels for plan and get started. There will be mark making, creating an image of opportunities to share tips, tools and an emotion through collage, and experiences. designing and decorating small Learning Outcomes boxes. Students will: Learning Outcomes Be able to assess how cluttered Students will: they are Learn how creative activity can aid Understand the barriers to and wellbeing benefits of decluttering Learn how to express themselves Know how to start to declutter in a range of different media and what to do with what they Take experimental pieces away don’t need or want with them and explore paths of Course structure creativity and inspiration Weekly sessions for 2 weeks. Course structure Aimed at Weekly sessions for up to 4 weeks. Anyone who finds it hard to get rid of Aimed at items they don’t use and who wants Anyone who feels they could benefit to, but is struggling to, declutter their from this course. No special creative space. skills needed, just enthusiasm and an interest in exploring creative “It was an excellent ideas. session”
24 Sussex Recovery College – 2021-22 Prospectus Creativity, Wellbeing and Lifestyle
EMPATHY and LISTENING: Make EXPLORING Recovery Stories the Most of Your Empathy and In this course we explore people’s Listening Skills recovery journeys and what helps Empathic tools can help people get us get through difficulties. We offer through tough times successfully. the opportunity to look at recovery This course introduces self- from different perspectives, from awareness, self-empathy tools our own sense of identity, and to and improved communication with develop self-awareness of how we others, drawing on research, practice describe ourselves to other people. and lived experience. It will aim to We use a range of creative methods overcome challenges by building on to explore recovery, and assess our inner strengths and on the world what is working well in our lives. around. Approaches will be offered for future Learning Outcomes goal planning and building resilience. Students will: Learning Outcomes Create their own ‘toolkit’ of Students will be able to: listening and empathy skills Explain the concept of recovery Use their own personal toolkit to as it applies to mental health and improve their listening skills and other long- term conditions relationships with others Explore the impact of a mental Use their own personal toolkit to health diagnosis through a range communicate more clearly with of recovery stories, and look at health professionals what brings hope into our lives Course structure Reflect on their personal recovery Weekly sessions for up to 4 weeks. journey, identifying at least three things that help with recovery Aimed at Course structure Anyone with mental health challenges. Supporters and carers Weekly sessions for up to 5 weeks. are also welcome to apply. Aimed at Anyone with mental health challenges. Supporters and carers are also welcome to apply.
0300 303 8086 [email protected] 25 Creativity, Wellbeing and Lifestyle
FOOD and MOOD FOOD and MOOD Workshop: The course starts with some Introduction to Food and Mood basic information on nutrition. We ONLINE only establish which foods are necessary Evidence suggests that certain to increase health, and we discuss foods can affect your mood. This healthy eating for improved mental workshop gets you looking at health. The course includes practical healthy eating for improved mental exercises, discussions, healthy health with an emphasis on low snacks and lots of handouts – mood and anxiety. including easy recipes to cook at Learning Outcomes home. Students will: Learning Outcomes Be able to identify food/drink that Students will: support wellbeing Be able to choose foods that Be able to identify food/drink that contain the nutrients needed for hinder wellbeing good health Describe how you plan to include Know about the research and food/drink that supports wellbeing evidence base that indicates which foods and nutrients Course structure particularly support mental health One-off 90-minute online workshop. Be better able to interpret food Aimed at labels Anyone who experiences low mood Course structure and is interested in learning about Weekly sessions for up to 7 weeks. how nutrition maybe able to support their wellbeing. Aimed at Anyone who would like to be more informed about nutrition and healthy “The trainers were eating for improved mental health. brilliant, helpful, knowledgeable, welcoming and kind”
26 Sussex Recovery College – 2021-22 Prospectus Creativity, Wellbeing and Lifestyle
GRIEF and LOSS: Introduction HAPPINESS: Finding Happiness to Grief and Loss This course is for everyone who may Grief is a completely normal process feel that their lives could be happier. that we all encounter at some point This is a fun, interactive course in our lives. In this workshop, that where you will try out different provides a safe, supportive and activities to find out what can non-judgemental space, we begin improve your happiness levels. to explore the impact that grief and Learning Outcomes loss can have on us. We learn to Students will: recognise some theories such as the Five Stages of Bereavement, and we Learn at least 3 happiness facts explore and practise some coping and describe what happiness strategies. means to them personally Learning Outcomes Understand the ‘10 Keys to Happier Living’ and identify their Students will: goals to increase personal levels Develop an understanding around of wellbeing the impact of grief and loss Practise at least 3 ‘keys’ to Gain some knowledge of the happier living processes of bereavement Course structure Become familiar with coping Weekly sessions for up to 5 weeks. strategies, including the creation of a memory bracelet Aimed at Course structure Anyone with mental health challenges. Supporters and carers One-off workshop. are also welcome to apply. Aimed at Anyone who feels they could benefit from these approaches, including supporters and carers.
“I’m really happy that Recovery College managed to run some classes online. It’s been a life saver”
0300 303 8086 [email protected] 27 Creativity, Wellbeing and Lifestyle
MUSIC: Creative Music Making Aimed at for Wellbeing Anyone with mental health Explore the soothing and wellbeing challenges, all levels of experience effects of music making on this and none. Supporters and carers are collaborative course. In a welcoming also welcome to apply. and inclusive space, we will experiment with our voices and PAINTING for Wellbeing musical instruments to create brand Through a simple series of guided new music as a group together. exercises designed to eliminate the Everyone is welcome - you don’t fear of a blank canvas. The focus need to have previous experience of this course is on the enjoyment of music making although you are of using colour and relinquishing encouraged to bring a musical the performance fear of making instrument if you already play one. something look like something. It This is a group experience where we aims to recapture the childhood will work together supportively and pleasure of using colour for its own as a team to express our individual sake. creativity and to be inspired by Learning Outcomes the creativity of others. This is Students will: a Soundcastle music and health course supported by the Rayne Experience the pleasure of using Foundation. paint Learning Outcomes Build their confidence in the use of paint, brushes and canvas Students will: Recognise the uniqueness of Describe the wellbeing effects of self-expression within a group music making experience Demonstrate enhanced skills Course structure around listening, collaboration & One-off half day workshop. teamwork Aimed at Connect with others through music Anyone with mental health challenges, all levels of experience Course structure and none. Supporters and carers are Weekly sessions for up to 6 weeks. also welcome to apply.
28 Sussex Recovery College – 2021-22 Prospectus Creativity, Wellbeing and Lifestyle
PHOTOGRAPHY for Wellbeing Connecting with nature can help with mental wellbeing, and photography can be a very beneficial creative outlet. This course encourages students to focus their attention on photography projects and improve their photography skills. All you need to bring along is your own camera – or smartphone that can take photos. Your best photographs can be printed out as part of the project, for you to take away at the end of the sessions. Learning Outcomes Students will: Gain an appreciation of how photography can help with mental wellbeing Develop a critical eye in learning how to take better photographs Compile a portfolio of their best photos to keep when the sessions have been completed Course structure Weekly sessions for up to 4 weeks. Aimed at Anyone with mental health challenges – no special artistic or photography skills needed.
0300 303 8086 [email protected] 29 Creativity, Wellbeing and Lifestyle
PRINTING: Experiments in PROBLEM-SOLVING: Become Printing your Own A-Team: Skills to Cope Creativity can help reduce anxiety, with Life’s Difficulties depression and stress, so have fun ONLINE only and be creative! Basic printmaking The opening credits to the 80s TV techniques will be taught and show the A Team went something explored. Participants will go away like this: If you have a problem, if with a personal sketchbook full of no one else can help, and if you can their ideas, samples and finished find them... maybe you can hire The pieces, and create a basic monoprint A-Team. using tools and materials available. At Recovery College we believe we No experience needed, this course all have innate skills and abilities takes an experimental approach that can help us on our recovery to learning in a no-pressure journey. This online workshop is environment. about becoming your own A Team. Learning Outcomes We’ll introduce different problem- Students will: solving techniques and concepts, Learn how creative activity can aid look at where the difficulties wellbeing come from in our lives, how much Learn new techniques using influence or control we have over printmaking media them and practise some tools to try and make things better. Take ideas away with them and explore paths of creativity and Learning Outcomes inspiration Students will: Course structure Learn about different problem- Weekly sessions for up to 4 weeks. solving techniques Aimed at Practise a wellbeing technique (Colour Breathing) Anyone who feels they could benefit from this course. No special artistic Work on a specific difficulty using skills needed, just enthusiasm and a Problem Solving Tree exercise an interest in exploring creative Course structure ideas. One-off 90-minute online workshop.
30 Sussex Recovery College – 2021-22 Prospectus Creativity, Wellbeing and Lifestyle
Aimed at facing tough times in their lives. Aimed at anyone who wants to Supporters and carers are also learn about and use coping skills to welcome to apply. manage their wellbeing. RESILIENCE in a Nutshell RESILIENCE: Building Resilience ONLINE only for Wellness and Recovery In this 90 minute online workshop Also ONLINE you will get a brief overview of what This course introduces resilience, resilience is, why we need it and drawing on research, practice and how we build it. Resilience has been lived experience. It aims to help shown to help us get through tough people overcome challenges by times successfully and even grow building on strengths inside them from our experiences. and in the world around. Resilience Learning Outcomes can help people get through tough Students will: times successfully. There will be Describe what resilience is and opportunities to share resilience tips, what it is not tools and experiences. Be able to describe at least 3 Learning Outcomes different resilient moves Students will: Develop some resilience tools to Increase their understanding of take away what resilience is and what it is not Course structure Identify and try out at least 3 One-off 90-minute online workshop. resilient moves to help cope with the challenges in their lives Aimed at Create their own personal ‘toolkit’ Anyone with an interest in building by the end of the course their resilience through applying and nurturing resilience strategies. Course structure Weekly sessions for up to 6 weeks. Aimed at “I can’t sing your Anyone with moderate to severe mental health challenges who is praises enough”
0300 303 8086 [email protected] 31 Creativity, Wellbeing and Lifestyle
RUNNING: One Step at a Time: A SELF-ESTEEM and CONFIDENCE Running Journey to Recovery Join us as we take a look at the This course is designed to help relationship between what we think students start running and of ourselves and how this impacts understand how this can contribute on how we feel about ourselves. to building better mental and physical Develop ways to move beyond the health. The educational sessions will negative ideas that contribute to low explore a variety of evidence-based self-esteem. This course involves techniques and lifestyle choices. discussions in which you will be Topics covered include nutrition helped to feel comfortable, given and sleep hygiene, routine and goal resources to use after the sessions, setting, and relaxation strategies. and take away skills for the future. Developing an understanding of Learning Outcomes the content will enable students to Students will: build and maintain better mental and physical health. Understand what self-esteem is and how to improve it Learning Outcomes Take a look at negative thoughts Students will: and how to challenge them Describe 3 ways to build better Develop a ‘toolbox’ of ways to mental and physical health increase self-esteem and have a List 3 ways running can improve more positive outlook mental health Course structure Demonstrate improved running Weekly sessions for up to 6 weeks. performance Course structure Course structure Anyone with mental health Weekly sessions for up to 6 weeks. challenges who feels that how Aimed at they think about themselves could Anyone who feels they would like improve. Supporters and carers are to get into running or continue with also welcome to apply. running to achieve a personal goal. All abilities welcome!
32 Sussex Recovery College – 2021-22 Prospectus Creativity, Wellbeing and Lifestyle
SLEEP: How to Get a Good SLEEP: Improve Your Sleep Night’s Sleep This course explores the latest Also ONLINE sleep science and introduces some According to the mental health practical skills and tips for improving charity Mind, living with a mental your sleep. Students will set their health challenge can affect how own sleep goals, but common well you sleep and poor sleep can objectives are to obtain sound, have a negative impact on your consistent and restful sleep. mental health. In this interactive Learning Outcomes workshop we’ll find out why sleep is Students will: so important and look at the impact Understand how sleep can be of poor sleep on our bodies, minds monitored with the use of a sleep and behaviours. We’ll share sleep diary challenges and coping strategies and consider what healthy sleep Describe how surroundings and habits we can practice to improve lifestyle can affect sleep the quality of our sleep. Identify and practise a number of Learning Outcomes strategies to improve sleep Students will: Course structure Explain why sleep is important Weekly sessions for up to 4 weeks. Understand the impact of Aimed at poor sleep on mind, body and Anyone who experiences difficulties performance in sleeping and would like to get a List 3 ways to improve sleep better night’s sleep or help others to do so. Course structure One-off 90-minute workshop (online), 2 hours (in person). “Good handouts, Aimed at well taught and Anyone who experiences difficulties in sleeping and would like to get a priceless better night’s sleep or help others to knowledge” do so.
0300 303 8086 [email protected] 33 Creativity, Wellbeing and Lifestyle
TEXTILES: Experiments in VOCATIONAL: Co-Production: Textiles Understanding the Benefits Creativity can help reduce anxiety, Co-production is about everyone’s stress and depression, so have views and experience being of equal fun and be creative! From fabric value in planning both individual printing, to weaving and patchwork care and wider service provision. join this course to create some Being involved both benefits your beautiful textile based craft items. personal wellbeing and can help to No experience necessary/all levels make services better for all. This welcome. This course takes an workshop is of benefit to people who experimental approach to learning in use our services and carers, as well a no-pressure environment. as frontline and managerial staff. Learning Outcomes It aims to enable people to work Students will: together effectively to plan their next steps towards co-produced services. Learn how creative activity can aid wellbeing. Learning Outcomes Learn and explore new techniques Students will: within textiles Develop a common understanding Take experimental pieces away of co-production with them and explore paths of Look at ways of making co- creativity and inspiration production effective, comfortable Course structure and meaningful Weekly sessions for up to 4 weeks. Explore the benefits of working in partnership to improve services Aimed at for all parties Anyone who feels they could benefit Course structure from this course. No special creative skills needed, just enthusiasm and One half-day workshop. an interest in exploring creative Aimed at ideas. Anyone who feels they would benefit from gaining a deeper understanding of co-production in practice.
34 Sussex Recovery College – 2021-22 Prospectus Creativity, Wellbeing and Lifestyle
VOCATIONAL: Expert by VOCATIONAL: Work for Experience Participation Wellbeing Workshop This course aims to guide you This introductory workshop gives through all practical areas of you an opportunity to learn or employment-seeking, including refresh your knowledge of the construction of CVs, filling in techniques and information to help application forms and what to you get involved effectively in service expect in an interview. It also improvement at Sussex Partnership. indicates how you can keep well You will have the option of joining whilst looking for work. You will our bank of Experts by Experience, consider the sort of occupation that becoming involved in a wide range suits you best, in relation to your of engagement work, including skills and knowledge. recruitment of new staff. We teach Learning Outcomes you how to articulate your thoughts and ideas coherently to effect Students will: meaningful changes in services and Have a good understanding of the support you on your recovery journey. job-searching process and be able Learning Outcomes to job-search effectively Students will: Understand how to reduce stress in the workplace and what Be able to use their experiences, safeguards exist to help keep good and bad, in a way that is them well safe for them, to make positive changes in the organisation Understand the benefits of work and the wellbeing it can bring Be confident and effective in when sought in the right way meetings Course structure Become involved in recruitment of new staff Weekly sessions for up to 5 weeks. Course structure Aimed at Two consecutive full-day workshops. Anyone with experience of mental health challenges who feels at a Aimed at disadvantage in gaining and/or Anyone with long-standing or sustaining employment. moderate to severe mental health challenges. 0300 303 8086 [email protected] 35 Creativity, Wellbeing and Lifestyle
WALK for Wellbeing WELLBEING in the Garden Learn how walking can boost your Gardening has numerous benefits, wellbeing. This course introduces not least being great for your mental the combination of walking with wellbeing. Developing a connection present moment awareness and the to local and global communities, ‘Five Ways to Wellbeing’. It starts feeling closer to nature, getting your indoors with discussions in small hands dirty and watching things groups and finishes with a scenic grow are just a few of the ways walk, putting into practice what has gardening can make you feel good. been learned. Come prepared with Not only that, it has been researched suitable shoes and clothing for the and evidenced as a great way to look walk. After the walk participants after your mental health. We include have the option to go to a cafe for a sessions on resilience and reflective chat and socialising. practice, combined with practical Learning Outcomes gardening skills whilst spending time Students will: in the fresh air. Become familiar with the benefits Learning Outcomes of outdoor exercise for physical Students will: health and mental wellbeing Develop practical skills as well as Gain an understanding of simple life skills such as organisation and relaxation techniques and the working in groups ‘Five Ways to Wellbeing’ Learn protective coping strategies Learn these techniques when to manage distress walking Engage in reflective practice as a Course structure group and individually Weekly sessions for up to 5 weeks. Course structure Aimed at Weekly sessions for up to 6 weeks. Anyone with mental health Aimed at challenges. Supporters and carers are also welcome to apply. Anyone with mental health challenges. Supporters and carers are also welcome to apply.
36 Sussex Recovery College – 2021-22 Prospectus Creativity, Wellbeing and Lifestyle
WELLBEING in the Wild recovery and help to keep us well. This course offers opportunities As well as classroom work we’ll try for students to experience the out things like woodland walks and soothing powers of nature, and gain nature visits. Then we’ll investigate confidence and self-esteem in a what activities are going on in our safe woodland environment. Each own communities, choose our own session centres around a fire circle combinations and find out how to in the woods and inolves a variety join. Each person who comes on the of woodland activities that are both course shows us something new practical and creative. and we’d enjoy your company on this Learning Outcomes journey towards using the Five Ways to Wellbeing. Students will: Learning Outcomes Learn at least 3 woodland skills and crafts from a wide range Students will: Independently visit a local natural Identify activities in the 5 key setting areas that are essential to supporting wellbeing Make a personal journal of positive memories using photographs, Develop a self-management plan woodland artefacts and found to support wellbeing and recovery objects alongside others Course structure Have an increased awareness of local activities and how to access Weekly sessions for up to 6 weeks. them Aimed at Course structure Anyone with mental health Weekly sessions for up to 6 weeks. challenges. Supporters and carers are also welcome to apply. Aimed at Anyone with mental health WELLBEING: Five Ways to challenges who feels they would Wellbeing benefit from the Five Ways to In this course we’ll learn the Five Wellbeing. Supporters and carers are Ways to Wellbeing and how they also welcome to apply. work together to support our
0300 303 8086 [email protected] 37 Creativity, Wellbeing and Lifestyle
Virtual Cafe How to set up your device so you ONLINE only can best view videos, presentation We are running a ‘Virtual Café’ on and basic troubleshooting Zoom where you will have a space techniques. to come to talk about how things are Gain confidence to participate in going and support each other. our courses and workshops We will be doing art-based Course structure therapeutic and wellbeing activities One-off 30-minute online sessions. in the Virtual Café, you will need Aimed at drawing materials and paper. This is Anyone new to Zoom who would like not a course or workshop, but drop to attend one of our online courses in sessions. or workshops. Check our website for up to date times and dates
ZOOM: Getting to Grips with Zoom ONLINE only Our peer trainer technicians will be happy to help you. These sessions will give you the skills needed to join our new online workshops, to help you get used to the new virtual classroom and become confident in Zoom etiquette. These short sessions will get to help you get the most of an online session in Zoom Learning Outcomes Students will: Learn how to manage the basic tools (microphone, webcams, chat)
38 Sussex Recovery College – 2021-22 Prospectus Creativity, Wellbeing and Lifestyle Peer Trainer Stories Views of peer trainers to be creative and to use techniques Peer Trainer 2 that have helped me along the way and give back what I have learned in “At the time I was accessing services my life. Seeing how my experience and nothing was working for me can help others is very rewarding.” personally and I was very frustrated. It was really difficult to move to the Why should someone do a Recovery next step. Someone told me about College course? a course through the Recovery “It is about empowerment - College. It was a 6 week programme. completely different from therapy, I went along not knowing what to you’re able to have options in what expect, it was a new and different your care looks like, it gives you the ‘educational’ approach focused autonomy. For example, the anxiety on what you can do to put things course teaches and practises 9 in perspective and what tools you different techniques and you can can use. It helped me really make choose what works for you. It is sense of my emotions. It was a more collaborative and there is real power scientific and practical approach in working with a group.” that allowed me to take control and it was really empowering. It showed me how to identify what I was feeling, have acceptance and translate it into something I could use to be productive. Everything else fell into place. I was inspired. I went on to do a teaching course and to become a peer trainer with recovery college and I now hold other roles in the Trust. The team is amazing - everyone is really, really supportive. As a peer trainer I now have the opportunity to encourage people to take control of their lives. I am able
0300 303 8086 [email protected] 39 Supporting your Learning Journey with Recovery College Continuing your learning journey East Sussex College Continuing to learn throughout life East Sussex College is the largest improves and maintains our mental further education college in East wellbeing. It doesn’t have to mean Sussex, providing education getting more qualifications: there and training from foundation to are lots of different ways to bring degree level on campus and in learning into your life. Whether the workplace. It has campuses in you’re a returning Sussex Recovery Lewes, Eastbourne, Hastings and College student or registering with Newhaven. us for the first time, here are some [email protected] options for further opportunities to escg.ac.uk study: Aspire Northbrook Met College Promoting adult education across Providing further education and Sussex. undergraduate courses in Worthing [email protected] and Shoreham. aspiresussex.org.uk [email protected] gbmc.ac.uk Chichester College Providing study opportunities in the In addition to our many courses, we Chichester area. offer these additional services: [email protected] Chichester.ac.uk Student Voice A group of students who meet Crawley College regularly and have their say about Providing study opportunities in how the College is run. It provides Crawley, East Grinstead, Haywards a great opportunity to meet other Heath and Horsham. students in a supportive and informal setting and contributes [email protected] to the research that we do. Please crawley.ac.uk contact us if you would like to be part of Student Voice.
40 Sussex Recovery College – 2021-22 Prospectus Supporting your learning journey with Recovery College Take control of your mental Five Ways to Wellbeing wellbeing These 5 steps can help to boost your Recovery in a mental health context mental wellbeing! If you give them is about living a fulfilling and a try, you could feel happier, more hopeful life with or without ongoing positive and better able to get more symptoms or related challenges. from life: Good mental wellbeing doesn’t mean 1. Connect with others you’ll never experience feelings or Build stronger and closer situations you find difficult but it relationships does mean you have the resilience to cope when times get tough. It 2. Continue to learn may help to think about ‘being well’ Develop your knowledge and skills as something you do, rather than something you are. No-one can ‘give’ 3. Be physically active you mental wellbeing – it’s up to you Find an activity you enjoy and to take action. make it part of your life
Find out more at 4. Take notice www.mind.org.uk/workplace/ Enjoy the moment and the mental-health-at-work/taking- environment around you care-of-yourself/five-ways-to- wellbeing/ 5. Give to those around you Take part in social and community Student Union activities Further information on Student Unions can be seen on this link: https://www.nus.org.uk/
“The admin staff have been amazing”
0300 303 8086 [email protected] 41 Our charter and student code of conduct
Our aim is always to create a To respect your personal beliefs, supportive environment conducive life choices and religious and to learning and to provide you with cultural practices the support and guidance you need To give you the opportunity to to achieve success. This charter express your views and concerns serves to outline the responsibilities without fear of recrimination of the College and its trainers, To handle enquiries and as well as those who attend as address concerns promptly and students. courteously Our pledge: Our Covid19 Pledge To provide information, guidance To observe government guidance and advice on courses and programmes of study and support To wash hands frequently and/or to access our courses use sanitising resources To provide a warm and To wear face coverings when professional welcome at all times required To ensure our courses are of a To report if we test positive to high quality and promote recovery protect others principles We ask students: To offer advice and guidance on To provide us with the accurate learning and study skills, and the information we need to register use of learning resources you To provide support that will help To attend, as far as possible, the you monitor and review your sessions you have signed up for progress To be considerate and respectful To devise well-planned timetables of all students, College staff and that, where possible, will take your others working on a College site needs into consideration To use appropriate channels for To provide a safe and healthy complaints or raising concerns study environment To ask for clarification if you are To provide an environment free not sure about anything from discrimination
42 Sussex Recovery College – 2021-22 Prospectus Our charter and student code of conduct
Student code of conduct courses and discuss with us any Please remember to respect our issues that may be preventing you recommended student code of from getting the most out of your conduct at all times. We ask that learning experience you: Refrain from the use of alcohol or Behave in a manner that fosters unprescribed medication or drugs mutual respect, dignity and before or during course sessions understanding between all Do not behave in a way that members of the College prevents or disrupts learning or Respect the rights, life choices, other activities beliefs and opinion of others Do not discriminate or harass Respect the wellbeing and other students or staff property of the other members of Do not behave in any way that the College may be considered threatening or Attend courses punctually disruptive or that is likely to lead Take responsibility for your to physical or emotional harm to learning and come to the courses any students or staff equipped to participate Report any health and safety Keep mobile phones switched concerns you may have so that off or silenced during course we may address these as a matter sessions of urgency Let us know as soon as possible if you are unable to attend a course, specific session or other arranged meeting (note that we may contact you if you have not attended a course session or meeting when we have not heard from you) Let us know how we can support your wellbeing whilst attending
0300 303 8086 [email protected] 43 Our partner organisations
Better Health East Grinstead & District A Public Health England initiative Association for Mental to promote health and wellbeing Health (Pathfinder Provider) programmes that enable people to EGDAMH is a committee of dedicated make practical lifestyle changes, reducing risk volunteers who are carers, people with associated with drinking, smoking and eating mental health concerns and professionals. It unhealthily. organises fundraising events and sports and nhs.uk/better-health art groups, and a conservation project. 013342 321616 CAPITAL Project pathfinderwestsussex.org.uk CAPITAL is run by and for people with mental health problems. We East Sussex College are a West Sussex wide charity offering mutual peer support, social and East Sussex College is the largest creative activities and ‘service user involvement’ further education college in East activity - giving views at strategic meetings, Sussex, providing education and training being consulted on how mental health services from foundation to degree level. The college are run and delivering training to professionals educates almost half of the county’s young people and over 8,000 adults each year at from a service user perspective. campuses in Lewes, Eastbourne, Hastings and m.facebook.com/Capital-Project- Newhaven, and in the workplace. Trust-114863848544733/ escg.ac.uk Cruse Bereavement Make Your Mark Care Make Your Mark (MYM) is the The United Kingdom’s largest bereavement arts and health programme charity, which provide free care and for Sussex Partnership. It aims are to increase bereavement counselling to people suffering access to the arts for people facing mental from grief. health challenges through participatory 0808 808 1677 drawing events. cruse.org.uk [email protected] makeyourmarknhs.co.uk De La Warr Pavilion A major centre for arts Pathfinder West and culture, providing and hosting many arts Sussex programmes, performances and exhibitions. Pathfinder is an alliance of organisations It contributes to positive changes in society, working together to enable people with mental combating social inequalities and isolation, health support needs, and their carers’, to developing healthier communities and better improve their mental health and wellbeing. futures. 01243 869662 dlwp.com pathfinderwestsussex.org.uk
44 Sussex Recovery College – 2021-22 Prospectus The Rayne Foundation Southdown We look for creative ways of Southdown Recovery Services tackling entrenched social issues provide personalised support to people with through the arts, health, wellbeing, and mental health needs, working to maximise education. We support projects that can be hope, independence and resilience to enable replicated and led by people with vision. better management of mental health and raynefoundation.org.uk achievement of personal goals. Our services are based on the Recovery model for mental The Richmond Fellowship health. (Pathfinder Provider) 01273 405800 The Richmond Fellowship provides high southdownhousing.org quality services to 9,000 people each year. It has practised its belief in social inclusion and United Response recovery for more than 50 years, and is now (Pathfinder Provider) one of the largest voluntary sector providers of mental health care in England. With 300 locations across 01403 241866 or 01243 780420 England and Wales, United Response’s mission is to ensure that richmondfellowship.org.uk individuals with mental or physical support Brighton Housing Trust needs or learning disabilities have the (Pathfinder Provider) opportunity to live their lives to the full. It runs campaigns on social care issues and A registered society with charitable organises fundraising schemes and events. status providing a range of support services to people with mental health needs, 020 8246 5200 as well as individuals at risk of homelessness. unitedresponse.org.uk 01293 534782 or 01444 459517 West Sussex Mind sussexoakleaf.org.uk West Sussex Mind is Soundcastle an independent local mental health charity A social enterprise with working in West Sussex. They offer mental a focus on creative arts projects that enable health services, along with associated people to discover the skills to write their own training and support. Their support services music. Soundcastle aims to reduce isolation support young people, adults, carer and enhance wellbeing, connectedness and families affected by mental health and resilience by bringing music back into problems. grassroots culture and daily lives. 01903 277000 soundcastle.co.uk www.westsussexmind.org
0300 303 8086 [email protected] 45 Other sources of advice and information
Sussex Partnership NHS The Reading Well: Books on Foundation Trust operates a 24- Prescription programme also hour Mental Healthline – a service provides information and advice on offering support and information managing mental health challenges. to anyone living with mental health It is endorsed by mental health challenges. The service is also professionals and supported by available to carers and healthcare public libraries. Please see the professionals. following page for a full list of recommended reading, arranged by 0300 5000 101 category. The following organisations can also How does the scheme work? help: Your GP or mental health The Samaritans professional can A registered charity providing recommend a book, but they’re also listening support to anyone in available for anyone to borrow or emotional distress or at risk of order from local libraries. Although suicide. books can work on their own, if you’re receiving treatment from a 08457 909090 mental health professional, research Available 24 hours a day, has shown self-help approaches 7 days a week work best with additional support. www.samaritans.org Some books are available in different Mind formats. For more information visit: www.readingagency.org.uk/ An information and advice service to readingwell people with mental health problems, with offices in and around Sussex. 0300 123 3393 www.mind.org.uk
46 Sussex Recovery College – 2021-22 Prospectus Reading Well:Reading Books Well: on PrescriptionBooks on Prescription Books included in the scheme
Title Author Publisher
Overcoming Anger and Irritability: A Self- help Constable & Anger Davies, William Guide Using Cognitive Behavioural Techniques Robinson
Overcoming Anxiety: A Self-help Guide Using Constable & Kennerley, Helen Cognitive Behavioural Techniques Robinson
Overcoming Anxiety, Stress and Panic: A Five Anxiety Williams, Chris CRC Press Areas Approach
Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway Jeffers, Susan Vermilion
Overcoming Binge Eating new edition – ‘Overcoming Binge Eating: The Fairburn, Christopher Guilford Press Proven Programme to Learn Why You Binge and How You Can Stop’ Binge Eating/ Getting Better Bit(e) by Bit(e): A Survival Kit for Schmidt, Ulrike and Treasure, Bulimia Nervosa Sufferers of Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Routledge Janet Disorders Overcoming Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating: Constable & A Self-Help Guide Using Cognitive Behavioural Cooper, Peter J. Robinson Techniques
Campling, Frankie and Oxford Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (second edition) Sharpe, Michael University Press Chronic Fatigue Overcoming Chronic Fatigue: A Self-help Guide Burgess, Mary and Chalder, Constable & Using Cognitive Behavioural Techniques Trudie Robinson
Cole, Frances; Carus, Overcoming Chronic Pain: A Self-help Guide Constable & Chronic Pain Catherine; Howden- Leach, Using Cognitive Behavioural Techniques Robinson Hazel; and Macdonald, Helen
Overcoming Depression and Low Mood: A Five Williams, Chris CRC Press Areas Approach (third edition)
Mind Over Mood: Change How You Feel by Greenberger, Dennis and Depression Guilford Press Changing the Way You Think Padesky, Christine
Overcoming Depression: A Self-Help Guide Constable & Gilbert, Paul Using Cognitive Behavioural Techniques Robinson
Overcoming Health Anxiety: A Self-Help Guide Constable & Veale, David and Willson, Rob Using Cognitive Behavioural Techniques Robinson Health Anxiety Hogan, Brenda and Young, Constable & An Introduction to Coping with Health Anxiety Charles Robinson
0300 303 8086 [email protected] 47 Reading Well: Books on Prescription
Books included in the scheme (cont)
Title Author Publisher
Overcoming Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: Constable & A Self-Help Guide Using Cognitive Behavioural Veale, David and Willson, Rob Robinson Techniques
Obsessions and Understanding Obsessions and Compulsions Tallis, Frank Sheldon Press Compulsions
Challacombe, Fiona, Break Free from OCD: Overcoming Obsessive Oldfield, Victoria, Bream and Vermilion Compulsive Disorder with CBT Salkovskis, Paul M. Overcoming Panic and Agoraphobia: A Silove, Derrick and Constable & Self-Help Guide Using Cognitive Behavioural Manicavasagar, Vijaya Robinson Techniques Panic Panic Attacks: What They Are, Why They Ingham, Christine HarperCollins Happen and What You Can Do About Them
Constable & Phobias An Introduction to Coping with Phobias Hogan, Brenda Robinson
Relationship Overcoming Relationship Problems: A Self-Help Constable & Crowe, Michael Problems Guide Using Cognitive Behavioural Techniques Robinson
Overcoming Low Self- esteem: A Self-Help Constable & Fennell, Melanie Guide Using Cognitive Behavioural Techniques Robinson Self-Esteem The Feeling Good Handbook Burns, David Penguin
Overcoming Social Anxiety and Shyness: A Constable & Social Phobia Self-Help Guide Using Cognitive Behavioural Butler, Gillian Robinson Techniques Overcoming Insomnia and Sleep Problems: A Constable & Sleep Problems Self-Help Guide Using Cognitive Behavioural Espie, Colin A. Robinson Techniques
The Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook Davis, Martha New Harbinger Stress Looker, Terry and Gregson, Manage Your Stress for a Happier Life Hodder Olga
The Worry Cure: Stop Worrying and Start Living Leahy, Robert, L. Piatkus Books Worry How to Stop Worrying Tallis, Frank Sheldon Press
48 Sussex Recovery College – 2021-22 Prospectus East Sussex Our Campuses
West Sussex
Crawley
Horsham Burgess Hill, Crawley, East Grinstead and Horsham Haywards Heath
Chichester, Burgess Hill Bognor Regis and Midhurst Shoreham-by-Sea and Worthing Brighton and Hove Chichester Shoreham-by-Sea Worthing Littlehampton Bognor Regis
Crowborough
Eastbourne, Hailsham and Seaford and High Weald, Lewes and Havens Rye Hastings Uckfield and Rother
Lewes Hellingly
Brighton Hastings and Hove Bexhill
Newhaven Eastbourne Friston Forest East Sussex
0300 303 8086 [email protected] 49 Acknowledgements Thanks to everyone who has contributed to this publication and especially to the Peer Trainers for sharing their stories and experiences. Thanks to Louise Patmore for her excellent photographs, to Make Your Mark for additional material. A note on our pictorial contributions The vast majority of pictures in the prospectus, apart from those on the contents pages, have been sourced from courses we run in Recovery College – including selected artworks from some of our creativity courses – or are otherwise Recovery College-related.
50 Sussex Recovery College – 2021-22 Prospectus East Sussex 0300 303 8086 Sussex Recovery College @SusRecColl has been part-funded by sussexrecoverycollege.org.uk [email protected]
Sussex Recovery College Did you know that Sussex Recovery College is part-funded by Heads On – the Aldrington House charity supported by Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust? To help keep all our courses free, please visit www.headsoncharity.org/donate and consider 35 New Church Road making a donation. Every penny of your donation will go directly to the College. Hove Thanks for your support! BN3 4AG
Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust Mental Healthline A telephone service offering support and information to anyone experiencing mental health challenges – the service is also available to carers and healthcare professionals. Tel: 0300 5000 101 Monday to Friday 5pm to 9am – 24 hrs at weekends and Bank Holidays If your need is urgent visit: www.sussexpartnership.nhs.uk/urgent-help-crisis We welcome contact with organisations that support our moral and ethical values. If you would like to advertise your services in future prospectuses please get in touch. This document is available in alternative formats upon request.