Students in the pilot area of Thanet, gathered together to celebrate their achievements at the Turner Contemporary in Margate.
The fabulous venue matched the enthusiasm of the 93 students who enrolled on more than 300 course places over the 12 week Autumn term. Students beamed with pride as they accepted their graduation certificates in front of their fellow students.
Recovery and Wellbeing College lead Pam Wooding said: “It was wonderful to have students, their guests, co-facilitators, volunteers and pilot supporters coming together to celebrate everyone’s hard work. It meant a great deal to our students and new facilitators, to have their achievements recognised in this way. The energy in the room was joyful and it was lovely to observe students enjoying their success and celebrating with their peers – as making connections and gaining strength in sharing experiences has been a key part of the Recovery College thos. The enthusiasm and positive energy will carry us all forward into the new term and new courses starting in January.”
Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust has worked closely with Kent Adult Education to launch the college. Preparation work began during 2017 with courses starting in September this year. Courses include wellbeing, building resilience and exploring psychosis among others. The college has 16 facilitators including people with lived expertise in facing health challenges, carers, clinical, patient experience, psychology, occupational therapy, peer support workers, AHP leadership team and vocational rehabilitation.
Pam added: “Julie Fuller (Co-facilitator and Pilot Progressor) did a fantastic job in negotiating such a beautiful and prestigious venue for our graduation ceremony. We were also very fortunate for The Friends of Mental Health (east Kent) funding our refreshments.”
Kent and Medway Recovery and Wellbeing College is looking for more partners to come on board. If you would like further information, please contact AHP Leadership Office at Eastern and Coastal Area Offices on 01227 459371.
Read more about the Recovery and Wellbeing College www.kmpt.nhs.uk/Connected
The first recovery college was established in 2009 with more than 90 in existence now. Recovery colleges can help patients to understand recovery, understand mental health conditions, look at support services and treatments, personal wellbeing and health, life skills, managing money, moving towards other education or employ, training, advocacy and peer-support skills.
