New mental health initiative for Derry

The Western Health and Social Care Trust is launching the new Autumn prospectus for Recovery College at the Central Library on Foyle Street from 11am to 12 noon on Thursday, and anyone wishing to take part is urged to register for the event or online.

The Recovery College involves a range of free educational courses and workshops designed to promote well-being and recovery.

The courses aim to help people recognise and develop their own personal resourcefulness and resilience; become experts in their own self-care and work towards achieving their goals and ambitions.

All courses are co-designed and co-delivered by individuals with either extensive professional knowledge or knowledge through ‘lived experience’ of mental health challenges.

Courses are open to individuals affected by mental health difficulties, including health service users, carers, friends and family.

Course topics include: Introduction to Recovery; Understanding Depression; Free your thoughts, Live Your Life! and Understanding Drug Abuse. The courses will begin in October and are available across the Western Trust are and local people can sign up for courses in Derry this Thursday.

Carolyn Maxwell, Western Trust Head of Recovery Services, Adult Mental Health and Disability Services said: “The vision of the Western Trust Mental Health Service is to support people on a journey of recovery by making the best use of their talents and resources in becoming experts in self-care.

“We want to support people in recognising and making the best of their skills and break down the barriers between ‘us’ and ‘them’.

“We hope to achieve this by offering training sessions run for and by people with lived experience of mental health challenges supported by mental health staff.

“I would encourage everyone to come along and find out more about local services available to help those on a journey to recovery.”

Registration for the free courses is essential. Anyone who would like to register or find out more information should come along to the enrolment session or register online at www.westerntrust.hscni.net.

For further information on courses available contact Olive Young 028 7138 2963 or visit www.westerntrust.hscni.net. If you are in distress or despair counsellors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through Lifeline (0808 808 8000) to listen to you and give you the help and support you need, in confidence.