My journey from Recovery College learner to NHS employee

From Learner, to Friend of the College to an NHS Employee – Ethan kindly shares with us his experience of the Recovery College and how it’s helped him into the workplace.

“I started going to the Recovery College several years ago when I heard about it from my Therapist. It helped me get out of the house and socialising again. It restored my faith in other people and it also got me back into art, which I hadn’t done for many years.

As much as I loved the Recovery College I wanted something bigger for myself so I enrolled on a course at Kirklees College, where I spent 4 years. I would never have been able to do that if it wasn’t for my time at the RC. However, shortly after finishing my course, I hit rock bottom again. I felt lost. It felt like I’d gone back 10 steps – so I decided to reach out to the Recovery College and see if I could get involved in some way. I became a ‘Friend of the College’ and started to co-facilitate art and craft courses. Drawing has always helped me; I used to love creating cartoons as a kid – and still do. I’ve made my own cartoon characters called ‘The Vengies’.

I use art as a form of escape and it has been so rewarding to share this love of mine with others on the creative courses. I loved seeing all the amazing things that people created. 

Being involved with the College definitely helped to build my skills and confidence. I no longer felt afraid to open my mouth, I was able to approach and speak to people and feel I had something worthwhile to contribute and I loved supporting learners on the courses. I was encouraged by the Job Centre to attend an NHS Open Day. This led to me securing an 18 month apprenticeship at a local hospital as a Health Care Assistant. My first ever job and my first step on the career ladder – who knows where I may end up?! Work is giving me a sense of worth – as well as backache!

I was asked if I had any advice for anyone attending the Recovery College and it’s this…. just keep going. Don’t give up. Life will get better, if you make it better.”

If you’re feeling inspired by Ethan then why not book on one of our many art/craft courses?