Today our Principal Kerry and Deputy Principal Liane took action as they wrapped up two days of training of Mental Health First Aid. They spent two wonderful days at our Walsall YMCA base delivering Adult Mental Health First Aid training. The training was delivered to 13 colleagues from Hallam Street, WorkWell (Employm...

This Mental Health Awareness Week the theme is Action: For yourself, For someone else, for all of us.  Here are 10 quick actions you can do that may boost your mood. If you can add a couple of these things into your daily routine even on days when your energy levels may be low it will boost your mood and wellbeing. This week why...

"This Mental Health Awareness Week we're asking people to join us in taking action to support good mental health. Even small actions can help us feel hopeful and less powerless. And while our individual actions matter, when we come together we are even more powerful." - Mental Health Foundation https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/pub...

If you're feeling lonely, recently bereaved or you're looking to meet new people, there is lots of free, supportive activities taking place across Sandwell from 4th May - 10th May. No booking needed, just go along to any event. The RC Team --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------...

Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a worldwide initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences. The purpose is to help the world to understand, value and celebrate the talents of neurodiverse minds. It aims to transform how neurodivergent individuals are perceived and supported by providing schools, uni...

International Women's Day (IWD) has been around for over a hundred years. Since 1911, IWD belongs to all who care about gender equality. It's about celebrating women's achievement, raising awareness about discrimination and taking action to forge gender parity.  With well over a century of history and change, the first...

This week it is Random Acts of Kindness Week. When we choose kindness, our brains light up with oxytocin, dopamine, and connection; reminding us that kindness is not just good for the world, it is good for us.  Day to Day it is easy to focus on our tasks and responsibilities that we don't take the time to show kindness to ourselves or oth...

The Lunar New Year, which coincides with the first new moon of the lunar calenda This year marks the Year of the Fire Horse. In the Chinese zodiac, the horse is known for its vitality and confidence - traits which may be fuelled further by the fire element Lunar New Year is an annual celebration which coincides with the first new moon of the l...

Yesterday was the nation's biggest mental health conversation.. Time to Talk Day! At The Recovery College we held two sessions, one for our staff team and one for our Recovery College students. Both sessions gave an opportunity for people to catch up about their week, check in emotionally and connect.  In our student drop in we played a fun co...

Time to Talk Day is the nation's biggest mental health conversation. A chance to listen, share, and talk about what really matters. Start a conversation today and on Thursday! You're not only helping yourself and the people around you in that initial conversation but you're also helping to break down barriers so other people feel more comforta...

As the year 2025 draws to a close it is a great time to reflect on the year whilst looking to the future and creating new goals to help us move forwards. Recovery College Principal Kerry shared a message with all students at our end of term celebration, she said "2025 has seen amazing growth in the Recovery College with inc...

 We're sharing this event and initiative in support of Sandwell Council and Black Country Women's Aid to stand against violence towards women and girls. As part of the Sandwell Stands campaign, Sandwell Council are hosting community events in each of Sandwell's six towns during 16 Days of Action - you're welcome to attend&n...

Did you know? 8 out of 10 British men would find it helpful if someone asked if they were having a difficult time. But less than half of that say they've actually ever been asked. Follow Sir Mo's advice and change men's health for the better. In this YouTube link get inside the mind of Sir Mo Farah and see how he'd tackle the Movember Move&nbs...

At 11 o'clock on 11 November, we pay tribute to all those who have died in conflict, to honour all who have served — past and present.  They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them. The RC Team -...

Movember: Growing Awareness, Sparking Conversations This November, The Recovery College for the Black Country is joining the global Movember movement — a month dedicated to raising awareness around men's health, in particular mental health, suicide prevention, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer. Movember is more than just an excuse to grow a mo...

It's Black History Month. This year, the theme highlights the profound contributions made by Black people be they leaders, activists, or pioneers who have shaped history, while also looking towards a future of continued empowerment, unity, and growth.  On Black History Month website you can find interviews with public figures across the arts, ...

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...

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...

Today is World Mental Health Day and it has never been more important to discuss mental health - it doesn't take a day off!Throughout the week we have been discussing - Myths vs Facts around mental health, Awareness, Community and Sharing Stories, Resources and Support. Please take time to have a read through and pick up some of our helpful pointer...