Happy Diwali! Diwali also known as Deepavali and the Festival of Light is a Hindu festival celebrated over five days, It symbolises the victory of Light over Darkness. The word Diwali means "row of lights" in an Ancient language of India, called Sanskrit. Traditionally, small oil lamps (Diya's) are lit and placed in the windows. The festival b...

Step Inside our Recovery College in Dudley. Welcome back to our series of YouTube videos sharing our 4 venues across the Black Country. We understand that it can feel daunting visiting a new space for the first time so we want to help you feel as comfortable as possible. Take a look inside our 4 buildings and experience each location of T...

As we continue writing about Black History Month we focus on theme of Standing firm in Power and Pride.  This month we honour trailblazers like John Edmonstone, Dido Elizabeth Belle, Fanny Eaton, and George Bridgetower — figures whose legacies shaped our culture, challenged prejudice, and inspired generations.  George Bridgetowe...

Black History is all our history, it is an integral part of the UK's history and culture and it feeds into the present day. October acts as a dedicated month for us to reflect, celebrate the experiences of Black African and Caribbean communities but we must continue to lift the voices and experiences of Black communities all year rou...

This month there are many events to celebrate and reflect on Black History Month.  "The Black History Month Conference 2025 will be one of the major highlights of this year's programme in the North West. Taking place on Tuesday 21 October at the historic Martin Luther King House in Manchester, this one-day gathering invites communities, p...

Sonia Kumar MP for Dudley pictured with Kerry Wilkes, Principal, Liane Howe Deputy Principal and Jim Cole Divisional Director of Older Adults for BCHFT NHS

It was great to be visited by Sonia Kumar, MP for Dudley last week at DY1 Community Centre.  Sonia joined us to learn more about our Recovery College and the work Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust are doing to transform our Older Adult mental health services across the Black Country.  Following the visit, Sonia ...

Join Natwest for a Wellbeing Drop-In with Healthy Sandwell, Alzheimer's society and Stop for Life Sandwell Date: Wednesday 8th October 2025 Address: NatWest, 309 High Street, West Bromwich, B70 8LX Download PDF File Here The RC Team -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------...

Join NOWT at the double decker bus in New Square Shopping Centre in West Bromwich for mini health checks and talks all things women's health. You will be joined by a range of experts like The Menopause School. Come and have a chat, grab some freebies! Everyone is welcome.  Friday 17th October, 10am – 4pm, New Square Shopping Centre, West Bromw...

October marks the beginning of Black History Month. The theme for Black History Month UK 2025 is "Standing Firm in Power and Pride," a powerful tribute to the resilience, strength, and unwavering commitment to progress that defines the Black community across the globe. This year, the theme highlights the profound contributions made by Black pe...

Our 'Wednesbury Workshop' group will be moving to Wednesbury Library to accommodate more activities and neurodivergent inclusion - Tuesdays - 1:30pm at Wednesbury Library, Walsall Street, Wednesbury, WS10 9EH. This starts from 14th October.  Just while you wait isa mental wellbeing group with fun activities games and advice, Every Thursda...

Our next Information Session will be next Friday 3rd October.  These will take place at Quayside House, Rounds Green Road, Oldbury, B69 2DG every other Friday 12:30pm – 1:30pm.  You can also join us via Zoom. You will receive a warm welcome from the marketing team, with a short presentation and Q+A session. Everyone is welcome: this appli...

Sharing on behalf of Healthier Futures Dudley: As part of the Adult and Community Learning (ACL) programme, we're now recruiting for our next "Into Employment" course – a dynamic, hands-on pathway designed to help local residents step confidently into careers within Dudley MBC and NHS. 🌟 Into Employment – Unlocking Potential 📍 Location: Brierl...

These drop in sessions are an opportunity for those who have previously had DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy) to reflect on and discuss the successes and challenges you have experienced with using your DBT skills. Bring along any questions about DBT for us to answer and discuss as a group. The sessions will be co-facilitated by Recovery Coll...

We have a new workshop that has been co-produced by The Recovery College, Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and other stakeholders. This session explores how to recognise warning signs that someone may be at risk of suicide. You'll learn how to approach sensitive conversations about suicide with empathy, create safety plans to help...

Last week we had our first blended End of Term Celebration for our students! There was a mixture of students attending in-person at Quayside House in Sandwell and lots of students joining us online. It was a great morning filled with musical performances, poetry and our epic Recovery College Quiz Rounds.  Recovery College Principal Kerry Wilke...

Are you tired of feeling alone? Drowning in the noise of a busy and hectic world? Ready to find your tribe? Look no further than The Recovery College and the LGBTQ+ community support group that's all about building bridges and breaking down walls. We are a safe space where you can: Express Yourself - Share your journey, celebrate your identity, and...

Our Summer Newsletter is now LIVE! In this edition: - Hear from our Principal Kerry Wilkes - The Recovery College is turning 10! - Learn more about our brand new Nature Prescribing course - What's new for our Autumn Term? Workshops, LSA Drop Ins and a DBT Refresher session  - Check out the Recovery College Hall of Fame. and much more! Cli...

Every emotion has a purpose. Have you ever wondered why you feel the way you do? Or want to understand and manage your emotions in a practical way? Our Getting to Know Your Emotions course will help you: - Understand what emotions and feelings really are  - Identify and explore your own emotions - Learn strategies to support your own self care...

Interested in Nature and how it can assist with your wellbeing? Then the Recovery College has something for you! With co-produced content from the RSPB, we are proud to present our new Nature Prescribing course. Nature prescribing is a guided conversation that takes place between the session facilitators and students. This encourages students to re...

We're excited to share the next video in our series available on our YouTube channel: The Recovery College Tours! Access our YouTube Channel here: The Recovery College Take a look inside our 4 buildings and experience each location of The Recovery College. We understand that it can often feel daunting visiting a new space for the first ti...