It's the final day of our World Suicide Prevention campaign. To recap, we have covered the following subjects:Myths Vs FactsHow to talk to someone who is strugglingSigns of Suicide Risk and how to respondPlease refer back to our earlier blogs for more info on each of these topics.Today we are looking at the helplines and support services that...

For today's World Suicide Prevention Day post we are looking at - What are the warning signs that someone may be at risk of suicide?These can include: Behavioural Signs Searching for ways to end their life (online, with means, etc.) Withdrawing from friends, family, or activities they once enjoyed Giving away prized possessions or getting affa...

Today is World Suicide Prevention Day. Here at the Recovery College we have rolled out information, hints and tips throughout the week. Yesterday we focused on Myths vs Facts of suicide and today, we are looking at how to talk to someone you are worried about, and who may have suicidal thoughts. Here are 5 practical tips for starting a conversation...

For the second instalment leading up to World Suicide Prevention Day, we are looking at Myths Vs Facts surrounding suicide. Here's a clear myths vs. facts list about suicide, based on mental health research and guidance from key organisations.Myth 1 - Talking about suicide will put the idea in someone's headFact - Talking openly and ...

World Suicide Prevention Day – Wednesday, 10th September This week, the Recovery College for the Black Country will be shining a light on suicide prevention. Together, we can create hope, support, and understanding in our communities. The theme this year is: Change the Narrative. Throughout the week, and especially on Wednesday, we'll be focusing o...

August marks the beginning of Happiness Happens month. When the world feels uncertain, it's more important than ever to pause and savour the times when you feel good and happy. "For 25 years, we've been helping make the world a happier place — one smile, one celebration, and one happy moment at a time. Each August, we introduce a theme, but ou...

You may have seen this Advert whilst you are out and about or online, the LGBT Foundation supported by JCDecaux Community Channel, have launched a fantastic campaign - This is What a Woman Looks Like celebrating the beauty and complexity of what it means to be and look like a woman in 2025. Here's what they said in the campaign: "In ...

Learning Disability Week takes place in the third week of June every year. The theme for 2025 is "Do you see me?" which is all about people with a learning disability being seen, heard and valued. Being valued means that people are respected by others, and their views and feelings are listened to. Whether it's through better access t...

Men's Health Week continues! Today we are considering how to identify mental health challenges in men. This can broadly fall under the following categories: Behaviour, Emotional Changes, and Physical SymptomsBehaviour: Have you noticed any changes lately, within yourself or with your male friends? This could include: Withdrawing...

This week we are raising awareness for Loneliness and helping to reduce the stigma around this natural human emotion.  You can read about the origin of Loneliness Awareness Week here: https://www.marmaladetrust.org/law It's all about creating supportive communities by having open, honest conversations. There may be people in your network and c...

  Day 2 of Men's Health Week sees us embrace the Can Do Challenge!  This stands for:ConnectActiveNoticeDiscoverOfferConnect: Call an old friend over the phone or drop them a text. Connection is so important if you have lost your sense of belonging, or if you feel you don't know who to talk to. Pick up where you left off, a good frien...

 From 9th June - 16th June it's Men's Health Week, and here at the RC we have a tonne of tips, links and general reminders to be excellent to yourself for all the men out there! It's Day 1, and today we are posing the question:  Why Men's Mental Health Matters: Men's mental health is crucial because: It directly impacts well-being, r...

Loneliness Awareness Week is a campaign dedicated to raising awareness of loneliness. This year's theme, is all about reducing the stigma around this natural human emotion. So, What is Loneliness?  Loneliness is a natural human emotion. We're biologically wired for social contact, and loneliness is our signal that we need more. Definition: Lon...

Happy Pride Month! Throughout the month we will be celebrating Pride so keep an eye out on our socials and blogs as we will be sharing and highlighting what's going on across the Black Country throughout June and how we are celebrating this year at the college! Over the years, Pride Month has expanded to encompass a wide range of activities, i...

This week is Volunteers Week (2nd-8th June) and we are taking the opportunity to thank all our volunteers at The Recovery College and those who volunteer in our communities across the Black Country. We appreciate everything you support us with from co-facilitating in sessions, to volunteering your time by supporting to ...

This year marks 10 years of the Recovery College for the Black Country, and we want to celebrate this incredible journey together. We're inviting staff, students and volunteers to come and co-produce a special celebration event. The first meeting will take place 4th June from 11am-1pm via Zoom. If you would like to be part of this co-production gro...

A community can take many forms. It may involve: people who live in the same location as youa network of supportive peoplegroups formed around shared interests, values, beliefs or cultural identities. By making the most of the communities around us, we can strengthen our connections, find new opportunities, and even make new friends along the way.h...

Wear It Green Day – Standing Together for Mental Health 💚 As part of Mental Health Awareness Week, our team went all in on the Green Theme – and the energy across our Dudley, Sandwell, and Walsall bases was incredible!  From green outfits and to self care themed games, mindfulness sessions, and creative expression activities, the day was packe...

Poetry can be an amazing outlet to express how we are feeling, provide us with inspiration and give us an opportunity to take time out. At the college we have many talented poets, writers and artists. It is amazing how the arts can help you express thoughts and feelings.  One of our Facilitator team Sarah has written an awesome poem about...

Since 2001 the Mental Health Foundation have been bringing the UK together to focus on getting good mental health. This year the theme for the week is Community. At The Recovery College we are privileged to have a community of Students, Volunteers, Partners and Staff where we each have a vital role in making our community so spe...