Welcome to the Weekly Update. We are better together! A phrase we often use in our college. We recognise the importance of connecting with others, forming friendships and working to shared goals and values. This can be easier said than done where poor experiences of others can lead to broken trust. Our college is built on trust and there is no “them and us” here! We are all learners, who learn from and with each other. With this in mind we have a brand new course letting go of loneliness starting soon! Find out how to build up your social networks and engaged with others.

One way of connecting with others is by reading our Keeping Connected Newsletter  written by people that have bravely shared their stories of how they have overcome adversity.

Click here if you missed it last week:

Keeping Connected March 2024

We may be losing our base at Pathways, Mirfield, but we are definitely NOT closing! The final course there is running on the 24^th April. We are relocating our office to Ravensleigh Resource Unit, Oxford Road, Dewsbury. We now have a new course venue at Mirfield Community Centre which is just around the corner! We will be around and running courses in Calderdale and Kirklees for years to come as we continue to expand our team!

We would like to invite you, our learners, to an event we have called Pastures New on 9th April. This will be a chance to hear about our plans, meet our new staff members and ask questions. Find out what part you can play in helping us continue the success of the College and how these new changes will affect you.

Keep checking the Weekly Update for all the news as we develop our plans and widen our reach across Calderdale and Kirklees!

 

Pastures New: Plans for the future – Kirklees

Kirklees Recovery College, Kirklees Recovery & Wellbeing College, Pathways, Nettleton Rd, Mirfield, WF14 9AQ

Tuesday 9 April 2024 1.00-3.00pm 1 week

We are growing and developing our college here in Kirklees despite recent challenges! We know many of you, our learners are anxious about the closure of the Pathways site but want to reassure you that we have plans to continue running our courses across all of Kirklees.

This session will be a chance to hear about our plans, meet our new staff members and an opportunity ask questions. Find out what part you can play in helping us continue the success of the College and how these new changes will affect you.

Our college is not made of bricks and mortar but of the people within it.

This session will be held in the large meeting space in the Pathways building

Pastures New: Plans for the future – Kirklees

Please book on to this event in the usual way you would book onto a course and we will sent you reminders as usual!

 

To see what’s new in our current timetable – just click on the icon below:

 

 

 

Brand new…

Letting go of loneliness

Kirklees Recovery College, Kirklees Recovery & Wellbeing College, Pathways, Nettleton Rd, Mirfield, WF14 9AQ

Monday 8th April 1-3pm (3 weeks)

Join us and let’s discover how to better connect with our communities and combat feelings of loneliness. Over three weeks, together with the help and support of our wonderful Peer Worker, Hannah-May we will discuss the difference between feeling lonely and being socially isolated. We will learn strategies that will enable us to feel content in our own company and to create our own individual plan to help keep us socially connected and engaged with others around us.

Letting go of loneliness

Gratitude Jar Workshop (Calderdale)

Unmasked Mental Health, 20-26 Commercial Street Halifax Town Centre Halifax HX1 1TA

Holmfirth Tech, 140 Huddersfield Road, Holmfirth, HD9 3AR

Unmasked Mental Health – Monday 18 March 2024 12.30pm – 3pm 1 weeks SPACES  AVAILABLE, book now!

Holmfirth Tech – Wednesday 20 March 2024 6.30pm – 9pm 1 week SPACES  AVAILABLE, book now!

Come along and step into gratitude – both for those around you and as part of your own self-care. In this one-off workshop we will learn about the science of gratitude jars, how they can support our happiness, build positive relationships, and help us to appreciate all the good things in life. We will each build a jar for someone special in our lives and start to create a jar for ourselves which we can use and build on throughout the year ahead.

Before attending this session, please think about who you want to gift the jar to and bring along any pictures, photos, or small mementos that you would like to include. You can also bring a jar that is special to you, or alternatively we can provide one for you.

Gratitude Jar Workshop

 

8th March International Women’s day:

Find Your Inner SHERO

Unmasked Mental Health, 20-26 Commercial Street Halifax Town Centre Halifax HX1 1TA – SPACES STILL AVAILABLE

Online – SPACES STILL AVAILABLE

(Please note that the Mirfield session is now fully booked)

Friday 8 March 2024, 10am – 12pm, 1 week

On International Women’s Day we will be celebrating the power of the female voice. Using inspiration from the ‘100 Women Who Changed the World’, we will unearth our stories of change with the support and guidance of our wonderful Recovery College Facilitators. Through group discussion, games, art and writing we will showcase ordinary women, like us, living extraordinary lives. We will celebrate the challenges we have grown through, whether it be a personal conquest, the skills we might share as mothers, the time we have given back to the community. We are all extraordinary women making positive change in our homes, communities and the lives of others. This is your time to be heard and to celebrate you!

Find Your Inner SHERO

 

Women’s Wellbeing: Pamper Me

Unmasked Mental Health, 20-26 Commercial Street Halifax Town Centre Halifax HX1 1TA – SPACES STILL AVAILABLE

Online – FULLY BOOKED

Mirfield – FULLY BOOKED

 Friday 8 March 2024,  1-3pm, 1 week

On International Women’s Day we will take some much-needed time out to create our very own self-care pamper package.  In this one-off workshop, delivered by our wonderful Facilitators, we will discuss as a group the things we need on a daily basis to stay well.  We will try out some pamper routines and create our very own pamper package to take home.

Women’s Wellbeing: Pamper Me

Creative Wellbeing Walks (Calderdale)

Shibden Park, Halifax

Sowerby Bridge Canal, Sowerby Bridge Canal

Manor Heath Park, Manor Heath Park, Halifax

Ogden Water, Main Car Park, Ogden Lane, Keighley Road, Halifax HX2 8YA

Shibden Park – Thursday 11 April 2024 11am – 2pm 1 week

Sowerby Bridge Canal – Thursday 18 April 2024 11am – 2pm 1 week

Manor Health Park – Thursday 25 April 2024 11am – 2pm 1 week

Ogden Water – Thursday 2 May 2024 11am – 2pm 1 week

Come along and join friendly facilitators, Jess & Mick as we head out and enjoy the great outdoors for a walk in beautiful tranquil settings across Calderdale. Supported by Creative Minds, these sessions will also provide the opportunity to try some creative activities during the walks including, arts and crafts, photography and creative writing. So, please join us on this wellbeing adventure and learn some new ways to give your mood a boost.

There will be four walks in different locations across Calderdale over consecutive weeks, you can book on as many (or as few) as you like!

Please note that all the walks are designed to be gentle in nature and suitable for beginners with breaks for creative activities. Please bring a packed lunch and wear appropriate clothing and footwear according to the weather.

To read about a previous learners experience on these creative wellbeing walks click here: Wellbeing Walks: a beacon of hope – Calderdale and Kirklees Recovery College (calderdalekirkleesrc.nhs.uk)

Creative Wellbeing Walks (Calderdale)

Managing Stress

Folly Hall, St Thomas Road, Huddersfield HD1 3LT – SPACES STILL AVAILABLE

Tuesday 12 March 2024, 10.30am – 12.30pm, 1 week

This learning seminar will help you develop your knowledge and awareness of stress, how stress affects you and most importantly what you can do to manage it. The session will be facilitated by two friendly psychological wellbeing practitioners and it will introduce self-help techniques such as relaxation, problem solving and challenging negative thoughts, helping you to learn skills to manage your own symptoms and become your own therapist.

Managing Stress

 

Declutter your life

Kirklees Recovery College, Kirklees Recovery & Wellbeing College, Pathways, Nettleton Rd, Mirfield, WF14 9AQ SPACES STILL AVAILABLE

Tuesday 12 March 2024 10am – 12pm 2 weeks

The stuff we buy and accumulate over time can clutter our minds as well as our homes. So, join us for this insightful two-week course as together we learn how to live with less and to regain control of our choices – and lives. With the help and support of our lovely Peer Worker, Karen we will discuss ways to simplify our lives, to focus on the things that are important to us and practical ways to rid ourselves of the chaos of our overfilled drawers, cupboards and minds!

Please be aware that this course is not suitable for those who have hoarding tendencies due to the specialised and complex nature of this condition.

Declutter your life

 

Creating Cartoon Characters

Kirklees Recovery College, Kirklees Recovery & Wellbeing College, Pathways, Nettleton Rd, Mirfield, WF14 9AQ

Monday 18 March 2024 12pm – 3pm 1 week ONLY A COUPLE OF SPACES ARE LEFT! – book now

Whether you want a space to explore your creativity, try out drawing and doodling your own characters (even if you think you can’t), or want to learn how to design your very own cartoon then join us for this brand-new, one-off creative workshop.  With the help and support of our fab Facilitators, James & Ethan, together we will discover how to create our own cartoon characters and how to bring them to life using a range of emotions and scenarios.

No previous experience is required, as long as you’re willing to have a go! Templates and prompts will be provided, if required, as well as a brew and biscuits!

Creating Cartoon Characters

Springtime Fun with Felt

Kirklees Recovery College, Kirklees Recovery & Wellbeing College, Pathways, Nettleton Rd, Mirfield, WF14 9AQ – ONE PLACE REMAINING!

Wednesday 20 March 2024 12.30pm – 3pm 1 weeks

This Spring, join our wonderful volunteer, Laura as together we learn some simple techniques using felts. Using Easter, Eid, or other Springtime festivities as our inspiration we will create our very own, uniquely decorated tote bag to take away to proudly show to our friends and family. This type of craft activity is a great way to enhance our wellbeing; it allows us to focus our minds on a single task, helping us to forget about our worries for a while, as well as giving us the chance to create our very own piece of artwork.  Everyone is welcome and no previous experience is necessary.

Please note that our Craft Room is based upstairs and there is no lift available. If you have any access needs, please let us know at the time of booking and we will make every effort to meet your needs.

Moving into Mindfulness

Holmfirth Tech, 140 Huddersfield Road, Holmfirth, HD9 3AR   SPACES AVAILABLE – BOOK NOW

Monday 8 April 2024 6.30pm – 9pm 4 weeks

Join Peer Workers, Laura and Ash for this brand-new, four-week course where together we will explore the essence of mindfulness. We will discover different ways of practicing mindfulness and explore the principles as set out by Jon Kabat Zinn (founder of the Mindful Based Stress Reduction Program). We will also consider the science of this practice and the positive impact it can have on our brain and how it can help alleviate symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression.

When we learn how to live in the present moment, we can let go of stress and find peace and relaxation.

Moving into Mindfulness

Song Writing!

Mirfield Community Centre, Water Royd Lane, Mirfield, WF14 9SG

Tuesday 9 April 2024 10am – 12pm  6 weeks

Are you a music lover? Would you like to meet new people and collaborate in a creative setting with others? Have you ever fancied having a go at writing your own song? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then this is the course for you!

In this free 6-week course we will explore the basics of song writing and you will have the opportunity to create and play music in a group setting. This fabulous course, delivered by Jess from Creative Minds and RWC volunteer, Nick is open to anyone who would like to have a go at writing a song whether you are a complete beginner, or already have some musical abilities and would like to exercise these. You will also have the opportunity to record and keep a copy of your group song at the end of the course.

Song Writing!

if you are new to the College please enrol here

If you are already enrolled with The College please express your interest by email us at: ckrecovery.wellbeing@swyt.nhs.uk

Monthly movies at Dewsbury Town Hall, supported by Dewsbury Taking the Lead! We’re launching a Spring / Summer season of films, screened in our beautiful Victorian hall.
Check our website & Facebook for dates and films. Tell us what you’d like to see! Films will have a short interval and ice-cream, fresh popcorn and drinks will be available to buy.
Read on for our first four films in March and April…book in advance or buy on the day! (tickets £5 * – under 3s free)

Huddersfield St Patrick’s Day Parade

Sun 10th March 12:00 – 17:00

This year due to works taking place around St. George’s Square – The Parade is on the move again! They are following the same format for The Parade as the past 2 years as a Celebration Event but at Huddersfield Open Market (Brook Street Car Park). The celebration at the market includes traditional Irish music and dance, and the Lash- Irish rock band.

Visit the parade Facebook page

Email: markets@kirklees.gov.uk

Process Taster: Monoprint (evening) at West Yorkshire Print Workshop

75A Huddersfield Rd, Mirfield WF14 8AT

Thu 14. Mar 2024 at 18:00 – 21:00

Monoprint is one of the basic families of printmaking processes – a way of producing unique, one-off prints by rolling ink onto a plastic plate surface. Taster sessions are designed for people who have little or no prior knowledge or experience of printmaking but are also great for those who want to a refresher of a particular technique.

No previous experience is needed for this course. Beginners are welcome, along with those who need a refresher. All course prices include basic materials such as inks, paper, tools and equipment. More information from the contacts below.

Email: info@wypw.org

West Yorkshire Print Workshop Mirfield Facebook page

Phone: 01924 497 646

Men’s Talk

Men’s Talk is Community Links’ project for men who are managing long-term mental health issues. It is a creative advocacy project for men with lived experience of mental health difficulties. Men’s Talk works with men to develop new skills, build confidence and create platforms for their voices. Central to Men’s Talk is encouraging other men who are experiencing mental health issues to seek the support that they need. Visit Men’s Talk on Facebook.

Men’s Talk Facebook

Coming up- Men’s Talk at Dewsbury Rams -12th March 24 at 7.30pm

Men’s Talk will be performing at Dewsbury Rams -12th March 24 at 7.30pm. This is a great opportunity for the men to have an impact in their local community. It would be great if we could get a good audience for this rare evening performance. Please encourage anyone who hasn’t been able to see the performance to come along – your support would be much appreciated.

More information on Men’s Talk at https://www.facebook.com/people/CLEAR-Mens-Talk/100082411594145/

 

Crafternoon Tea’ – with The Halifax Minster Broderers

If you struggle to meet people or are feeling isolated, come and get to know other people in a relaxed setting while learning a variety of craft activities. No previous experience of crafting required, all materials supplied including refreshments. Each session lasts 2 hours. Booking essential as numbers are limited
Who is it for? People who are isolated/lonely and find it difficult to meet people, people who love crafts
Contact: Annie Lancaster, RaggedyAnnie1@virginmedia.com 07810625010
When: 1st / 3rd Friday’s of the month, from 1.30 – 3.30pm There are 3 12 week blocks between February and November
Venue: The Halifax Minster, Halifax, Causey Hall, Dispensary Walk, Halifax, HX1 1QR

‘Fun, Friendship and Fashion’ – with The St Augustine’s Centre, Halifax

Creative Tuesdays Group for people seeking sanctuary. Group will design, sew and fashion based on recycling/ upcycling fabrics and donated clothes, building up to a delivering a fashion parade at People’s Park in August 2024 as part of Culturedale. Will introduce an additional, primarily peer-led sewing group on a Monday or Thursday afternoon. With the involvement of a new professional practitioner, we’ll encourage the design and making of outfits that can be proudly displayed at People Park, that showcase the rich diversity and skills of our community. After the People Park event the groups will continue to work on creations.
Who is it for? People seeking sanctuary (people seeking asylum and refugees) and others needing support living in Calderdale.
Contact: Sara Robinson 07974 253089 sara.robinson@staugustinescentrehalifax.org.uk
When: springtime 2024 date and time tbc
Venue: St Augustines Centre, Hanson Lane, Halifax, HX1 5PG , People’s Park, King Cross Street, Halifax, HX1 2TS

‘Machpelah Makers Quilt Project’ – with Reach4ward for Social Justice

In this year of Culturedale 2024 we are inviting anyone with an interest in our area of the upper Calder valley to join us every Friday to design and make a quilt that reflects interesting people and architecture who have shaped our local culture and history over time. The quilt will feature embroidery, needlepoint, tapestry, printing , quilting and applique, creative writing and will be facilitated by local artists and makers. No experience of crafting necessary. All materials supplied. Tea and home-made cake every week.
Who is it for? Anyone with an interest in crafting, the history and culture of the Calder Valley and interested in developing new skills.
When: Every Friday 2-4pm in term time till end of Jan 2025
Contact: Liz Anstee 0771 3338698 Lizanstee02@gmail.com  website at https://www.reach4ward.com/

Venue: Machpelah Mill, Station Road, Hebden Bridge, HX7 8AU

‘CULTURE CLUB 2024’ —with The Basement Recovery Project

We plan to create a Year of Culture 2024 Banner to display around events during Culturedale. We also plan to walk the Christopher Goddard routes starting in the Spring of 2024 – Incorporating his walks such as Cragg Vale Coiners Walk, Sowerby Bridge Industrial Heritage Walk and the Anne Lister Walk
Who is it for? Clients of The Basement Recovery Project, members of the Calderdale in Recovery community their friends and family. People from all cultural background and those addressing mental health and addiction issues.
When: Feb 2024 onwards
Contact: Lisa Whittaker – 01422 383063/07445 459666 lisawhittaker@thebasementproject.org.uk
Venue: please contact the above person

‘Creative and Inspire Art Project’ – with Disability Support Calderdale

We are a friendly group and people in the group do not work to a set routine. They can work on different art techniques and projects and what interests them and there will be an exhibition of the art work produced at the end of the project.
Who is it for? Disabled people and people with long –term health conditions.
When: Weekly, every Friday and the project starts on 10 March, 2024.
Contact: Disability Support Calderdale C.I.C. Phone: 0794451171 Email: dsmain@hotmail.co.uk
Venue: Todmorden Learning Centre, Burnley Road, Todmorden, OL14 7BX

‘Family fun and friendships’ – with National Autistic Society Calderdale Branch

Calderdale NAS provides monthly family activities to support the social and sensory needs of autistic children and young people. Our youth group offers creative play opportunities for 8-18 year olds in an inclusive space. Activities include arts and crafts, cos play, board games and Wii games. Roller skating sessions for 8-19 year olds include support for those new to skating or who want to improve their technique, plus refreshments in the café area.
Who is it for? Autistic children and young people and their families
When: Please contact the branch for event dates and times.
Contact: calderdale@nas.org.uk and www.facebook.com/calderdalenas
Venue: Youth group: Forest Cottage Community Centre, Cousin Lane, Mixenden HX2 8AD Roller skating: The Halifax YMCA, The Marlborough Hall, 13-15 Crossley Street. Halifax. HX1 1UG

Free wellbeing activities every Friday 9.30am – 3pm- Focal Community Centre, Salendine Nook

FOCAL Community Centre, New Hey Road, Salendine Nook, HD3 4DD (next to the Salvation Army)

Activities include: Mens’ group; Yoga; Craft; Adult learning sessions; IT support; Wellness Drop in – weight management, smoking; and so much more!

FOCAL Lindley Facebook

Call 01484 516444 for more details.

 

 

Cost of Living Information:

Click the link below to find links to websites and workbooks that can provide help and advice with money, debt and the cost of living.

 

Cost of Living Information – Calderdale and Kirklees

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We hope you have a great weekend

The Recovery & Wellbeing College Team

ckrecovery.wellbeing@swyt.nhs.uk

 07717 867911