Frequently Asked Questions
OUR STUDENTS SAY:
“The facilitator was good and I learnt about a technique that helps calm the mind.”
Mindfulness course student
What is a recovery college?
A recovery college provides courses and educational workshops that teach people to become experts in their own recovery and self-care. Through developing knowledge and life skills, students are able to learn more about their condition and treatments and gain the power and resilience to recover and stay well.
The courses we offer have been co-produced with people with lived experience of mental illness, such as psychosis, who also teach on the course and are called peer trainers.
Who can attend?
Our courses are open to people with experience of enduring mental illness, aged 16 and over, who are registered with a GP in Gloucestershire.
You should be a current user of Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust mental health services, or have used our mental health services within the last 12 months.
We also encourage carers to study with us and offer some places to professionals.
Who runs the courses?
The trainers are people who have lived through mental illness, and the course material has been put together by the trainers as well as medical professionals, people with personal experience of mental health problems and their carers.
What do the courses cover?
You can view our course details here.
How do I sign up?
You can sign up for any of our courses by ringing 01452 894204 or by email: Recoverycollege@ghc.nhs.uk
People who are recovering, carers and professionals can all contact us in this way.
Are the courses free of charge?
Yes they are free of charge.
What learning methods are used?
Our courses are designed to fit your own learning style. The main method of learning is through group discussion, but you can take an active role or remain quiet, depending on your preference. For some courses there is a course book and small exercises, and an emphasis on sharing stories, although no one needs to share their story unless they want to.
