CMHA-WECB launches Wellness & Recovery College

WINDSOR, ON / September 20, 2022: The Canadian Mental Health Association, Windsor-Essex County Branch (CMHA-WECB) is excited to announce the launch of the Wellness & Recovery College, a new learning opportunity for the community.

Recovery College is not a new concept, they have been in existence in the since 2000 in the U.S., and moved to Europe, most notably the UK, in 2009. However, they are fairly new to Canada, with CMHA’s operating 16 across the country. These unique learning environments offer individuals an opportunity to learn about and focus on personal recovery in mental health and addictions.

Courses are co-developed and co-facilitated by a certified Peer Support Worker and are available in person at no cost. The lived/living experience of the Peer Support Worker helps to provide guidance, foster a culture of hopefulness, and reveal new possibilities and opportunities.

“A Recovery College is a place of self-discovery where people come together to gain knowledge, learn new skills, and explore new roles for themselves in a supportive environment. Here a student is not a passive recipient of information or advice; they are actively engaged, valued and empowered within a culture of mutual respect. A Recovery College is a learning environment where people with lived experience are equal partners in developing and delivering learning opportunities that open the door to new aspirations and personal growth. Recovery Colleges offer a new way to support recovery and can be transformative for both individuals and organizations.” (Perkins, Meddings, Williams, & Repper, 2018)

The launch is timely as September is Recovery Month in Canada. It is a time to share stories of hope and positivity, and that recovery is possible, that treatment works, and that stigma still needs to be challenged.

During the inaugural semester, which runs from October through December, CMHA-WECB will be offering the following courses:

An Introduction to the Wellness & Recovery College

Introduction to Wellness – a 4-part series with modules on Self-care, Stress, Creating a Vision Board, and Mindfulness

Our Journey – a 4-part series with modules on Journaling, Hope, The Tree of Life, and Writing Your Story

Coffee Conversations – a weekly group discussing student-directed topics on wellness and recovery

Additional “pop-up” courses during the holidays will be available, including Grieving During the Holidays and Setting Boundaries.

Registration is now open at www.windsoressex.cmha.ca/wellness-recovery-college/

Courses will be held in person at the CMHA-WECB main office (1400 Windsor Ave., Windsor) and are free to attend, but space is limited.

CMHA-WECB wishes to thank the Ontario Trillium Foundation for their support of this initiative through the Resilient Community Fund grant.

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Contact:
Kim Willis
Director, Communications & Mental Health Promotion
P 519-255-9940 x161
C 226-787-2245
[email protected]