Wellness & Recovery College

Mar 27, 2024

Learning Experiences for Everyone

Registration for Fall 2024 now open!

Recovery Colleges were pioneered in the United States in 2000, spread to Europe in 2009, and then to Canada in recent years. Canadian Mental Health Association branches now operate 16 Recovery Colleges across the country. The Wellness & Recovery College, operated by the Windsor-Essex County Branch, opened in September 2022, welcoming students interested in focusing on personal recovery and growth in the areas of mental health and addictions, and well-being. The College is open to anyone in the community, including those with lived/living experience and their caregivers.

Wellness & Recovery College courses are co-developed by trained Peer Support Workers along with those with lived/living experience. Facilitated by a Peer Support Worker, these free courses are provided in a safe, confidential, inclusive learning environment with a focus on building hope and empowerment. The lived experience of the Peer Support Worker helps to provide guidance, fosters a culture of hope, and reveals new possibilities and opportunities for students.

The Wellness & Recovery College operates four semesters throughout the year with new courses added regularly: January-March, April-June, July-September, and October-December.

The CMHA-WECB Wellness & Recovery College is currently offering in-person classes for anyone interested in learning more about recovery and wellness. Our courses are developed and delivered in partnership with our peer supporters. These individuals have lived/living experience of mental health, addictions, or supporting a loved one. Enroll in person at our main office at 1400 Windsor Ave., or online below.

To learn more about the Wellness & Recovery College, click here.

COURSE CATALOGUE AND REGISTRATION:

OUR JOURNEY
Our Journey is a fundamental course and an introduction to the CHIME model. CHIME is foundational to Wellness & Recovery College courses.
- Connectedness
- Hope
- Identity
- Meaning
- Empowerment
Beginning Tuesday, October 29 (4 weeks)
Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm
Location: CMHA-WECB

REGISTER HERE

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

This class will feature presentations from community partners within Windsor and Essex County, including BANA and Pozitive Pathways.

Beginning Wednesday, October 30 (4 weeks)
Time: 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Location: CMHA-WECB

REGISTER HERE

UNDERSTANDING MENTAL HEALTH

This course will provide an opportunity to learn the basics about mental health, as well as coping skills, self-care, and overall wellness.

Beginning Friday, November 8 (4 weeks)
Time: 11:00am – 12:30pm
Location: CMHA-WECB

Registration is now closed. Please contact [email protected] to be added to the class waitlist.

COFFEE CONVERSATIONS (NOV)

This interactive class is led by students. Each week students will pick the topic of discussion. Music, art, games, and guest speakers will also be a part of the class.
(Please note this is not a drop-in class – students must be registered to attend.)

Beginning Thursday, November 7 (4 weeks)
Time: 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Location: CMHA-WECB

Registration is now closed. Please contact [email protected] to be added to the class waitlist.

FUNDAMENTALS OF MINDFULNESS
Fundamentals of Mindfulness will be co-facilitated with Christopher Higgins, Founder and Mindfulness Instructor, The Peace of Mindfulness Centre.

This five-week course will examine the foundations of mindfulness. This interactive class will include topics such as:
- Mindfulness definitions and exercises to support mindfulness
- The belief systems of love and kindness
- Self-compassion
- Dealing with resentments
- Anxiety
Beginning Friday, November 8 (5 weeks)
Time: 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Location: CMHA-WECB

Registration is now closed. Please contact [email protected] to be added to the class waitlist.

CMHA-WECB and the Wellness & Recovery College wish to thank our funders: