A lifeline

Big thanks to learner, Charlotte who has kindly shared with us her Recovery College journey. We’re certain she will continue to build friendships, learn and grow, whether in the classroom, at home or on the water!

My journey with the Recovery & Wellbeing College began in 2019. Unfortunately, after working for the same business for many years, I had to leave due to irreconcilable differences with one of the owner’s relatives. It was such a shock. I had a breakdown and struggled with anxiety and depression. This also coincided with the perimenopause; 2019 was not a good year. It took me some time to pluck up the courage to approach my GP, but once I did, I took part in online therapy sessions to help me see my way through. At the end of 2020, my therapist told me about the College and I signed up.

I initially attended online courses due to Covid which seemed less daunting. I was very nervous about joining but the classes were so welcoming and inclusive. I did a Meditation course, something I’d never tried before and it was so interesting. I also did a Textiles course. It was lovely to do something totally different and to concentrate on crafting rather than letting your brain whizz off, trying to cope with too many things.

I started working again in 2021 but this only lasted for 2 years due to insolvency; all the feelings of failure I’d experienced before resurfaced. Shortly after, the College contacted me to see if I wanted to be still enrolled. This was like a lifeline and couldn’t have come at a better time. I immediately booked on a Beginners’ Yoga course. This was the first time I had attended the College in person and I was so nervous but like before, the staff and teachers were so welcoming it seemed as though I had hardly been away. Feeling more confident I then joined a Beginners Knitting course which was brilliant for building your concentration. I am now doing wood block printing and planning to kayak in a few weeks!

The last 5 years have been very up and down. My confidence has hit rock bottom and I still feel as though I let people down very easily. The College has been so supportive in my mental health journey. I now understand how fragile we can all be and that we need to be kind to ourselves as well as to others. My head feels clearer and I believe that learning different crafts along with mind and body techniques really does make a difference to your health. I have made new friends through visiting the College in Mirfield and I hope to be able to continue learning with them in the future.