For the second instalment of our World Mental Health Day campaign we are considering Myths Vs Facts around mental health.  Myth 1: You only have to take care of your mental health if you have a mental health condition.  Fact: This isn't true! Everyone can benefit from actively supporting their mental and physical well-being...

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 ...

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...

The Recovery College reaches it's tenth year!  To celebrate we have reached out to key figures from the Trust to ask them: What value does The Recovery College bring to Black Country Healthcare and the wider community? Interviewees include Melvena Anderson, Deputy Director at Black Country Healthcare NHS Trust, Kuli Kaur Wilson, Chief Strategy...

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...

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...

Bloxwich Launchpad is a brand-new digital skills and business incubation centre in the heart of Bloxwich. The Recovery College has been providing information and taster sessions with the launchpad throughout 2024 - present. Now the Launchpad has fully opened, we are excited to announce we will be running a six week course with the Le...

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 ...

News! Our wonderful Information Sessions are restarting for the Autumn term. These will take place at Quayside House, Rounds Green Road, Oldbury, B69 2DG every other Friday 12:30pm – 1:30pm commencing the 19th September until 14th November. You can also join us via Zoom. You will receive a warm welcome from the marketing team, with a short presenta...

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...

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...

Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy is designed to help you apply the learning into everyday life to manage difficulties but also cultivate compassion, calmness and wisdom. It offers an insight into a different way of living that will support you to work with distress and difficulties, but also to savour life and realise your potential to flou...

Hello and Welcome to The Recovery College Blog. On this post you will find all the information you need to become a Recovery College for the Black Country student.  What is The Recovery College? At The Recovery College our belief is that learning together makes us stronger and supports our recovery. The Recovery College provides an educat...