People with mental health problems given access to free Grantham courses

People with mental health problems in Grantham can access free courses designed to encourage self-care and awareness.

The NHS-led Lincolnshire Recovery College aims to help people recover from mental illness by using an educational-based approach. This is designed to allow people to make informed choices and do the things they want to in life.

The Recovery College, managed by Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, was set up in 2014 and runs courses across the county.

From September, Grantham College will be hosting Recovery College courses. There is an enrolment day for those wanting to join a course on Wednesday, September 19, at the college. The enrolment sessions are an hour long and will begin at 10am, every hour until 3.30pm.

Service development manager Karen Atkin explained that it’s not just people with mental health issues who can benefit from the courses.

She said: “Our ethos is hope, control and opportunity and although the Recovery College is primarily aimed at people experiencing mental health issues; family members, carers, members of the public, college staff and students can also enrol. We have a great range of courses from mindfulness and living with stress and anxiety, to mental health resilience and living well.

“Hosting the courses in an academic setting rather than in NHS property helps reduce stigma and allows those enrolled to attend as just students.

“We’re hoping to encourage those living in the Grantham area to enrol and learn more about how they can look after their own mental wellbeing.”

To find out more information, or to enquire about enrolling with the Recovery College, call 01522 518500, email recoverycollege@lpft.nhs.uk or go to www.lpft.nhs.uk/recovery-college