Courses: Lived experience and professional insights
What makes our courses different?
Our courses are designed and delivered in partnership between people who have lived experience of mental health difficulties and those with professional experience, for example an occupational therapist, nutritionist, employment coordinator or psychiatrist. It’s known as co-production and we feel it helps to offer the best insight and experience possible. Our courses are open to adults experiencing mental health difficulties and the family and professionals who support them.
For individuals experiencing mental health difficulties
Personal growth and change is a natural part of life. But sometimes we don’t know what we need to do in our lives to move forward, especially around mental health difficulties and recovery. Through sharing lived experience and education, we give people the strength and skills to manage their own recovery, and achieve their goals.
For carers, families and friends
Want to understand more? We offer education and insight if you’re supporting a family member or friend with mental health difficulties. You’ll get greater understanding of mental health conditions and experiences and learn how you can look after yourself while supporting your loved one.
For professionals who support people with mental health difficulties
Are you a professional who supports others to manage their mental health? Jersey Recovery College courses teach evidence-based practical skills, tools and knowledge designed and delivered using co-production between people with lived experience and subject matter professionals. Our courses are a valuable source of CPD. In UK recovery colleges, as many as one-third of all students are professionals supporting those with mental health difficulties.
Courses
To register for a course, click on 'register interest' under the course and follow the steps until registration is completed. The Autumn 2022 prospectus is available here.
We also have a large print/ easy read prospectus here.
You will receive an email after registering, some emails may go into the junk/spam mailbox.
Should there be any changes to the courses, we will contact you directly.
What is Recovery?
Everyone’s Recovery journey is unique and deeply personal. The Mental Health Recovery model was introduced in 1980s and is now advocated in a number of countries around the world. The concept of Recovery is not just about a lack of symptoms, or problems, but is about leading a satisfying life – as each person defines it.
This course has been designed to provide an introduction to the main principles of Mental Health Recovery and how to apply them in the context of your own life.
This is one of four recovery modules: completion of all modules is beneficial to gain a full understanding of the concept.
18:00 - 21:00
via our booking systemYoga and Mindfulness for Everyday Life
We return with this popular course, to introduce students to a variety of yoga and mindfulness practices that can be incorporated into daily living.
Each week we explore one of the chakras using this as a theme. Most sessions will start with a brief presentation about aspects of mindfulness and yoga, followed by some breath awareness, yoga sequences and mindfulness and compassion practices. The yoga will be gentle and relaxing and include chair and wall sequences; adaptations will be offered to make the practices accessible to all.
This course is once a week for six weeks.
18:00 - 20:00
The Menopause and Your Mental Health Experience
The changes, the highs and lows, and the hormonal shifts, there is power in that. But we were taught to be ashamed of it and to not even seek to understand it.” — Michelle Obama.
The perimenopause can be the cause of anxiety or unease. It can also trigger or exacerbate mental health difficulties. Our evolving body may make us question our health and identity. The process of ageing – and its associated fears - can also be brought into focus. Hormones may make our emotions erratic. But understanding the menopause can demystify it and help us to address some of these issues.
This new course will explore why we feel the way we do during this time in our life, and offer some practical tools and advice to prioritise our emotional health and wellbeing.
Disclaimer:
The information and statements made are intended for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for diagnosis and/or treatment of any health condition or disease, nor is it intended to replace services of treatment of any physicians or healthcare professionals.
09:30 - 12:30
Connecting Walking and Nature
Make a connection between nature and wellbeing, be more present and learn to be comfortable in silences. Tune in to the sights and sounds of our natural environment and submerse yourself in the connection between nature and self. We aim to provide an open space to share with others and benefit from hearing stories of others that are similar, demonstrating you are not alone.
Gradient of walks - Basic. Reservoir walks, and coast roads. No St Helier walks.
This course is once a week for four weeks.
11:00 - 12:00
An Introduction to Surfing
For both our body and our mind, the benefits of surfing are numerous.
This semester, we are working with Healing Waves to provide taster sessions in surfing, with a focus on the benefits to our wellbeing and mental health. Each session will involve a health and safety talk, a practical session in the sea, and time to reflect on why the ocean, and surfing, can help to keep us well.
There will be a high staffing ratio at all sessions and no experience is necessary. All ages(18+) and abilities welcome!
Surfing equipment will be provided. Please bring a towel, water and swimwear.
10:00 - 12:30
12:45 - 15:30
16:30 - 17:30
Express Yourself - Creativity with Monoprinting
Mono-printing is a great introduction to printmaking that is quick and easy to learn. It allows the artist to express themselves by using a tactile process, and each print produced is unique.
This is a practical course, where participants will take part in producing their own artwork, and reflect how and why it might benefit their wellbeing, within a safe space. No prior experience is necessary, and materials are provided.
18:00 - 20:00
Expressing Creativity with Jewellery
Jewellery making is a great hobby and offers health benefits as well. Making your own jewellery allows you to unleash your creativity and feel the sense of accomplishment. On this course we will provide you with the basic knowledge of jewellery making which helps relieve stress and improves self-confidence.
This course is suitable for people who have little or no jewellery making experience.
10:00 - 13:00
Introduction to Co-Production
Co-production is a term used often, in and around social services - but what does it really mean?
The course explores what co-production is, how it differs from other engagement models and how it works best, why it is an important and powerful approach to designing and delivering services. It explores the advantages and disadvantages of co-production and how to apply the co-production model to local projects.
This course is suitable for anyone interested in using the co-production model or participating in co-production work.
09:30 - 12:30
Crisis Talk - Suicide Prevention
How to Have Supportive Conversations in Times of Crisis. In the UK, 1 in 5 people will consider suicide at some point in their lifetime. This means that we all have a part to play in ensuring we understand suicide and are equipped to support others. Evidence shows that talking about suicide openly - and offering support to those who may be considering taking their life - can make a significant difference to their outcomes.
This introductory session covers some of the skills needed to support those who may be considering suicide. It will show you how to listen to, talk with and support them, via group exercises and discussion, within a safe space.
18:00 - 21:00
Steps to Recovery
To equip students with the skills and knowledge to promote well-being and prepare for crisis. We will be exploring this topic through different individual and group activities using elements of WRAP®.
There are four modules that create our Recovery Programme. You can attend one of these courses or all four. Our recovery modules as a programme are recommended for a fuller picture of ‘recovery’within Jersey Recovery College.
18:00 - 21:00
Essential Oils for Wellbeing - for those with Sight Loss
Our sense of smell is powerful. There is research that proves the use of essential oils can improve mental health. In this accessible course we will cover the same content as our usual Essential Oils course but with some modifications to delivery for those with Visual Impairments.
This course will:
- Introduce what essential oils are and how they can support wellbeing in a safe and effective way. This includes reducing stress and improving sleep.
- Provide information on how the oils work, and how to use them.
- Invite you to try a couple of oils.
14:15 - 16:15
Living with Depression
Depression is the most commonly diagnosed mental health problem. We will explore this topic and how it effects our lives. Through individual and small group work we will cover what depression is, what causes it and strategies to overcome it.
18:00 - 21:00
Express Yourself: Card Design for the Festive Season
The festive season is a complicated and sometimes stressful period for our mental health, in part due to the additional expenses we incur.
This course will allow you to make some unique Christmas cards and explore some creative techniques that you can use and apply at home. It will enable you to take part in focused creative activities that will help to reduce stress and anxiety, while generating some cost-free, personalised cards for your loved ones!
12:30 - 15:30
The Kids Are Alright - But What About You? (Parental Self-Care)
An Introduction to Self-Care for Parents and Guardians. Self-care isn’t selfish. It’s essential.
Whether you have one child or five, a baby or teenager, being a parent can present a unique set of challenges for your own wellbeing. Issues such as guilt, sleep deprivation, societal pressure, family interaction, or finances can impact your mental health.
This course explores some of the specific mental health issues that we may experience as a parent, why we may react in the way that we do – and will help you to devise your own toolkit to support your wellbeing.
This course is once a week for two weeks.
18:00 - 21:00
A Further Exploration of Trauma
This new course is suitable for those who have attended our Introduction to Trauma course and are seeking further information.
We will recap part one, and then provide a deeper exploration of the models used, via fictional scenarios.
18:00 - 21:00
Express Yourself: Card Design for the Festive Season (Accessible Course)
If you enjoy art and crafts but have coordination difficulties or any other physical challenges, this could be the course for you! This second offer of our card design course is offered in two shorter sessions, with a spacious setting, and a supportive environment. All welcome.
The festive season is a complicated and sometimes stressful period for our mental health, in part due to the additional expenses we incur.
This course will allow you to make some unique Christmas cards and explore some creative techniques that you can use and apply at home. It will enable you to take part in focused creative activities that will help to reduce stress and anxiety, while generating some cost-free, personalised cards for your loved ones!
14:00 - 15:30
