| Coproduction: |
We bring together the expertise of lived experience and professional expertise in all aspects of design and operation from initial planning, to decisions about operation and curriculum design, through to the development of courses and workshops, delivery of training and quality assurance. Co-production is not a ‘one off’ exercise but an interactive process of review and re-creation that involves not only the tutors but also those attending the courses. |
| Reflecting recovery principles in all aspects of our culture and aspiration: |
This includes not only course content but also a physical environment that conveys messages of hope, possibility and empowerment and recovery language that highlights strengths and possibilities rather than deficits, problems and shortcomings. |
| Students are not ‘referred to’ the Recovery College or assessed for their ‘suitability’ to attend: |
Instead, you can choose what you would like to enrol in and attend from a prospectus. There is no selection based on diagnosis or clinical condition and we do not offer treatment, care coordination or perform risk assessments. |
| They are for everyone over 18 who lives, works, studies or volunteers in Newham: |
If this is you, you are welcome to join us. You choose the courses or workshops that will support you to live better, help you care for someone or yourself better and/or get involved with or support your community more. |
| Our Peer Tutors use their lived experience and are integral to the functioning of our College: |
The team can offer information, help you to develop a learning plan based on your wishes and aspirations and select courses in line with those, or refer you to support networks (in the college or in the wider community) who can help you with these. |
| There is a physical base: |
We are still organising our physical base but will happily meet with you to discuss how the Recovery College might work for you. Initially we will be working in the community and would love to come and connect with existing community organisations to see how we might complement what’s already available locally. Our physical base will have a library with resources to support your learning around managing your wellbeing. In the meantime we will be creating and building reliable information sources to include self-help materials for self-conducted research. |
| We will not be a substitute for the specialist assessment, treatment and therapy offered by clinical teams: |
By blending lived and professional experience we aim to increase your understanding of specific areas and challenges. |
| We will not be a substitute for mainstream Colleges |
but may offer taster sessions for more formal academic learning in partnership with local organisations |