What is a Recovery College?

Recovery Colleges form part of a national initiative which allows adults to access activities and learning experiences, build mutual support, and enjoy a sense of purpose to help with their emotional or mental health.

South Tyneside Recovery College is coordinated by Everyturn Mental Health, and enables adults across South Tyneside to access courses and sessions that promote wellbeing and can improve their mental health. We work collaboratively with students, community-based professionals and organisations from across a variety of sectors to make sure we are meeting the needs of the local communities. Our provision is delivered by our Peer Support Workers, CNTW Peers Support Workers and local facilitators, in community venues across the County.

Who is the Recovery College for?

The College is open to all adults who live or work in South Tyneside. Some people come along to our sessions because they’re experiencing isolation and loneliness, feeling anxious or stressed or going through a difficult spell in their lives. Some might be managing a complex mental health condition and some just want to feel part of their community.

We know that poor mental health affects us all at some point in our lives. Our sessions can help people to learn about what lifts their mood, support people in periods of anxiety, offer connection in times of loneliness and provide strategies for dealing with life when it becomes tough. Sessions are recovery focused – we don’t provide therapy or clinical interventions, but believe that attending a Recovery College can help people to look after their mental health. This then reduces the need for clinical intervention by offering proactive activities which work to keep people well.

The College is based on the principles of hope, control and personal responsibility. We believe that it is possible to enjoy a meaningful life, despite having a mental or physical illness or disability.

What do we mean by Recovery?

Recovery means different things to different people. In this case, it does not refer to the process of complete recovery from a mental or physical health condition. We believe it’s possible to recover a life worth living and to regain those things that may have been lost due to mental or physical illness or disability. This would include social confidence, a sense of purpose, meaning and real life opportunities through to education and employment.