More Recovery College mental health courses to be streamed at libraries

Suffolk Libraries is again working with Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust’s (NSFT) Recovery College to livestream mental health and wellbeing courses to give more people the chance to access help and support.

Recovery College provides free educational workshops and courses for anyone over the age of 16 in Norfolk and Suffolk. The courses are designed to support people to invest in their own wellbeing, find empowerment on their mental health journey and become experts in their own recovery.

After a successful pilot at Ipswich County Library at the end of 2024, more courses are being streamed to libraries this year. The next series of webinars starts on Thursday 30 January and will run until the beginning of March. Library staff will be on hand to support those who come along.

Recovery College Partnerships Development lead Dan Brown said feedback from the first session had been positive.

“Those who came along said they liked the opportunity of sharing with each other and valued it and said it was easier to pay attention in a group of people. They also liked the central location. The aim of these webinars is to empower people to take control of their own lives and become experts in their own recovery. Inviting people to come along and experience them together in a library gives them a chance to meet other people and discuss the themes covered if they wish.”

Jane Cox, Suffolk Libraries Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Manager, added:

“We’re really pleased to be working with Recovery College and to be able to offer the opportunity for more people to be able to take part from our libraries.”

The sessions are as follows:

• ‍First Steps to Overcoming Shame – Thursday 30 January 4-6pm, Ipswich County Library’s Chaucer Room on the second floor of the library. This course is suitable for those wanting to understand how to start overcoming any feelings of shame or guilt that may be creating barriers to a recovery journey. This is a gentle introduction to a topic that can be difficult and looks at how learning to manage any shame can support people to move forward with understanding and compassion.‍
• Introduction to Understanding Autism – Thursday 6 February 2-4.30pm, Ipswich County Library’s Chaucer Room on the second floor of the library. This course provides an insight into the world of autism, offering evidence-based guidance and real-world examples.‍
• Welcome to the Recovery College – Tuesday 18 February, 3-4pm. This webinar will be broadcast from meeting rooms in Woodbridge and Bury St Edmunds libraries. This is an introductory webinar about the Recovery College, providing all the information you need to know to get started on your Recovery College journey with an opportunity to ask questions.‍
• Understanding and Managing ADHD and Q&A – Tuesday 4 March, 2-4pm, Woodbridge Library. There are many misconceptions and myths surrounding this common condition. This webinar will help support and offer strategies to those who have ADHD (or haven’t being diagnosed yet), supporters and professionals and to help everyone better understand this complex condition.

Booking is not essential but will give you access to the full benefits available from the Recovery College. You can book using the Recovery College online registration form.

Recovery College offers a safe space to learn among other people who have experienced mental health challenges. For more information visit the NSFT Recovery College web pages.