“Humber’s Recovery & Wellbeing College saved my life, by giving me hope.”

Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust’s Recovery & Wellbeing College has been providing free invaluable support to individuals seeking to improve their mental health and wellbeing, and the results are inspiring.

One of their service users, Sam, has shared her personal story to highlight the transformative impact the College has had on her life, and she wants to raise awareness of its incredible work to help more people access these vital services.

The College takes a non-clinical, educational approach to mental health, offering a variety of courses and activities designed to support individuals in their recovery journey. The College's ethos is grounded in three core values: Hope, Opportunity, and Control.

For Sam, the value of Hope has been particularly significant. Through the College’s activities, such as guided walks and creative therapy sessions, she has rediscovered a renewed sense of self-worth and meaningful connections.

“I have been rediscovering who I am through participating in the Recovery College activities,” Sam shared. “I’m so grateful to have found such a supportive network. The team at the Recovery College don’t tell me what I need or judge me for where I’ve been. They give me the tools to find my own way in life. They encourage me to make healthy choices and support me in creating a positive mindset. I’ve also gained confidence by stepping out of my comfort zone and trying new things.”

Sam also shared her experience with a course on Kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold, which she described as a metaphor for her recovery journey. “Kintsugi is about turning something broken into something beautiful,” she said. “That’s exactly what the Recovery College does. They support you to grow within yourself and become a better version of yourself.”

The College provides a safe space where individuals can work on their mental health without the use of clinical settings. Sam believes that this is one of the most important aspects of the College's approach: “There’s no pressure. I enjoy the experience because I get to go at my own pace and be the best version of myself. No stigma. No judgement.”

As part of her desire to raise awareness, Sam is actively fundraising for the College through Health Stars, the Trust’s charity, which helps support services across the Trust including the Recovery College. Recently, Sam raised nearly £150 through a hose-down event at her local fire station, and she recently participated in Get Caked, a fundraising obstacle course hosted by Dove House Hospice.

The Recovery & Wellbeing College offers a wide range of free sessions aimed at maintaining good mental and physical health. The College works closely with its students, volunteers, community partners, and professionals to design and deliver a curriculum that meets the needs of the community.

For more information about the Humber Recovery & Wellbeing College, and to register for their free courses, visit Humber Recovery College Website.