September to December 2015 Recovery College

RECOVERY COLLEGE
Learning
to Live
“What I found very useful was the opportunity to learn
from others’ experiences” Recovery College Student 2015
Mindspace Recovery College
6 Milne Street, Perth, PH1 5QL T: 01738 639657 E: [email protected]
2
Index
Page Number
Short word from our CEO
3
Recovery is Personal
3
How do I book a course?
3
Wellbeing Library
4
Recovery College Update
4
Guest Speakers
5
Understanding Mental Health
6
Self Management
7 - 9
Health and Wellbeing
10 - 11
Skills Development
12 - 13
Support
14
Drug and Alcohol Use
15 - 16
Carers and Family
16 - 17
Physical Health
18 - 19
Making Connections
19
Get Involved
20
Registration Form
21 - 22
Useful Numbers
23
Our Partners
Housing and
Community Care
Employment
Support Team
Drug and Alcolhol
Team
A short word from our CEO Jillian Milne
3
Welcome to Mindspace Recovery College’s Autumn
2015 prospectus. This is a packed programme of
learning and activities to help you understand and
manage your mental health and connect with others in
your community. Central to the learning and sharing at
the Recovery College is working with co-facilitators and
peer support workers. These are people with lived
experience of mental ill health so understand what you
may be going through. We also welcome family
members, carers and others involved in your recovery.
In a short space of time the Recovery College has developed and grown into a
fantastic self-management resource which aims to help you to identify your
dreams and ambitions and ultimately fulfil your potential.
We look forward to welcoming you to Mindspace.
Recovery is Personal
When you register with Mindspace you can choose to complete
a Recovery Plan with one of our facilitators.
This can help you identify what you want to do with us.
How do I book a course?
All our courses can be booked online at
www.mindspacepk.com, this is the quickest and
easiest way to guarantee your place. Alternatively,
complete the registration form on the back pages of this
Prospectus and post it to us or hand it in to Mindspace
Recovery College. We will then contact you to confirm a
place.
For Live Active and the Drug and Alcohol courses please use the
contact details provided with course information.
course
(Live
4
Wellbeing Library
Mindspace has a resource library which is free to
access. Anyone can borrow our resources including
students, family, carers and mental health
practitioners.
We have a wide variety of over 400 books, leaflets,
magazines and DVDs on personal recovery,
understanding a diagnosis, self help, and much more.
We are constantly developing our library. If you know of a good book or film
that we should stock please speak to one of our Recovery Facilitators. Please
contact Mindspace for further information.
Recovery College Update
Our last prospectus featured many popular courses and we have
welcomed lots of new faces to the Recovery College. Two
highlights were our guest speaker events. Olympic bronze
medallist Eve Muirhead discussed overcoming negative
thoughts, dealing with pressure and the responsibility she feels
for her teammates. Our second speaker was Amanda Millar,
Scotland’s first solicitor to be accredited as a specialist in
Mental Health Law. She talked about named persons, advance statements and
tribunals, and answered some interesting questions from the audience.
Connect was successfully completed by twelve students, six of whom have
since gained places at Perth College. Nine students are going through the final
assessment for their Professional Development Award in Mental Health Peer
Support. We now have three peer support workers regularly working at the
Recovery College.
The staff team is also supported by some fantastic volunteers,
one of whom is Megan who ran the Edinburgh Marathon and
raised £525.00 for Mindspace.
This is also a sad time for Mindspace, because
we bid farewell to one of our Recovery
Facilitators Carol who retired in August. Carol first started with us
as a volunteer before joining the staff team in 2010. She was much
loved by staff and students and will be missed by everyone.
Goodbye Carol!
Guest Speaker
5
Jonny Benjamin
from the Channel
Documentary
“THE STRANGER ON THE BRIDGE”
Thursday 1st October 2015 at 2:00pm
Eight years ago, when he was 20 years old,
Jonny Benjamin was diagnosed with
schizoaffective disorder, a mental illness that
combines the symptoms of schizophrenia,
mania and depression. After receiving his
diagnosis, Jonny travelled to Waterloo Bridge in
London with the intention of taking his own life.
It was there that a stranger approached him and persuaded him to change his
mind.
Jonny’s search for this stranger – his #FindMike social media
campaign – was documented in the acclaimed TV
programme ‘The Stranger On The Bridge,’ screened on
Channel 4 earlier this year. He is now a mental health
campaigner, poet and video blogger, and is an
ambassador for Rethink Mental Illness.
Jonny wants to “break the silence and remove the stigma
attached to mental illness.” He is visiting the Recovery College to talk about
his own recovery, as well as give hope to others and show that things do get
better.
Guest Speaker
Michael Lowrie
Pharmacist from Murray Royal Hospital In partnership with
Tuesday 3rd November 2015 at 2:00pm
Michael will talk about the most common medications
prescribed for depression and anxiety, how they work,
why they are prescribed and their possible side effects.
Presented in a way that everyone can understand,
followed by a question and answer session.
6
Understanding Mental Health
Explore the nature and experience of living with mental
health difficulties and the wide ranging impact on all aspects
of life. Together we will explore symptoms, diagnosis,
advancements in scientific research and alternative
treatments with people who live with mental ill health. It will
be an opportunity to share experiences and challenges in a
relaxed and informal setting.
Bipolar
BIPOLAR
Tuesday
Tuesday
01/09/2015
01/09/2015
2.00pm
2:00pm
toto
3.30pm
3:30pm
Stress
STRESS
Tuesday
Tuesday
08/09/2015
08/09/2015
2:00pm
2.00pm
toto
3:30pm
3.30pm
Schizophrenia
Friday
25/09/2015
10:30am to
12:00pm
2 Sessions
Depression
Friday
Tuesdays
09/10/2015
24/03/2015
and
31/03/2015
10:30am
2.00pm
to to
12:00pm
3.30pm
21 Sessions
Session
Depression
Friday
Tuesdays
Wednesday
13/11/2015
24/03/2015
18/02/2015
and
31/03/2015
10:30am
2.00pm
to to
12:00pm
3.30pm
4.00pm
Sessions
12 Session
Anxiety
Friday
Tuesdays
Monday
23/10/2015
24/03/2015
and
16/03/2015
31/03/2015
10:30am
2.00pm
to to
12:00pm
3.30pm
4.00pm
21 Sessions
Session
Anxiety
Friday
Tuesdays
Wednesday
27/11/2015
24/03/2015
18/02/2015
and
31/03/2015
10:30am
2.00pm
to to
12:00pm
3.30pm
4.00pm
Self Management
7
The Human Tool Box
Friday
04/09/2015
8 Weeks
10:30am to
12:30pm
Our lives are often challenging and stressful, and daily
pressures can affect our physical and mental health.
Sometimes we turn to harmful distractions such as
food or cigarettes, which in turn impacts on our confidence and self-esteem.
Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, loneliness or
even just a lack of purpose or meaning in your life, this 8 week course equips
you with all the tools you need to break this ‘vicious cycle’
Simple, visual and powerful, this course is designed to bring you fast relief and
understanding. It is for anyone who wants to learn how to live a happier,
healthier and more harmonious life.
Taking Control
Contact Mindspace to register your interest on
01738 639657 or email [email protected]
Starts Tuesday 29/09/2015 for 1 week, 2:00pm to
3:30pm and continues thereafter on Thursday
08/10/2015, 2:00pm to 3:30pm for 11 weeks
This 12 week course provides practical and user friendly training in life skills.
Gain key knowledge about how to tackle and respond to issues or demands
that we all face in our everyday lives.
Areas covered during the course:

Understanding why we feel as
we do

Changing unhelpful thinking
styles

Practical problem solving
skills

Noticing unhelpful thoughts
8
Self Management
Exploring Recovery
Tuesday
10/11/2015
4 weeks
2:00pm to
4:00pm
This 4 week course is an opportunity to learn with and
from each other about what recovery can mean for us.
We all want to live a meaningful and satisfying life. Different parts of our lives
can make that easier or harder. We will look at how home, opportunities,
people around us and feeling in charge of our own lives can all improve our
wellbeing.
On completing the course the participants will take away shared ideas about
what may support Recovery and how to live life as fully as possible.
Write to Recovery
In partnership with
You’re the hero
Wednesday
04/11/2015
6 weeks
2:00pm to
4:00pm
Find a way forward
If you ever put pen to paper to work through difficult
feelings, you might already know how powerful words
can be.
See your successes
This 4 week course gives you the opportunity to meet
with others interested in how writing can help mental
health recovery.
It is a writing group, but the emphasis will be on mutual respect, confidentiality
and ensuring we create a positive environment.
There is no pressure to read out what you’ve written and no one will be
watching over your shoulder while you write.
“I grew more confident in expressing myself
and my thoughts and feelings”
MRC Student on the Write to Recovery Course 2015
Self Management
9
Positive Feelings
Wednesday
23/09/2015
8 weeks
10:30am to
12:30pm
During this 8 week course we will explore the theory
behind positive psychology and gain tools to help
you live a full and meaningful life.
Positive psychology is centred on helping people become happier. According
to positive psychology, positive emotions can be cultivated through various
interventions such as identifying and using your strengths, changing your
vocabulary and thinking optimistically.
Exploring our Critical Inner Voice
Tuesday
06/10/2015
3 Weeks
2:00pm to
4:00pm
This 3 week course explores the inner voice we all
have in our heads that whispers, whines and needles
us into poor self-esteem and self-confidence.
Music and Mood
In partnership with
Wednesday
07/10/2015
10:30am to
12:30pm
A 2 hour workshop on Music and Mood. The aim of the workshop is to allow
everyone to engage with music, and understand how this contributes to your
mood. You will learn about music and its history, how music and chords
influence positive and negative moods, explore music and different genres,
and have a chance to play the guitar.
10
Self Management
Health
and Wellbeing
Mindfulness: Relaxation Techniques
Wednesday
23/09/2015
Ongoing
2:00pm to
4:00pm
This weekly workshop lets you participate in various
relaxation techniques and practices such as
progressive relaxation and guided imagery.
During the workshop you will gain an awareness of the body’s natural
relaxation responses. This will help you achieve a feeling of calm
and wellbeing.
Discovering Mindfulness
Friday
30/10/2015
6 weeks
10:00am to
12:00pm
Discovering Mindfulness course is an opportunity to
learn about and experience mindfulness in a group
setting.
We have all developed the habit of getting caught up in our thoughts, about
things that have happened in the past, or about scenarios we imagine might
happen in the future. This course looks at the supporting evidence and
encourages discussion in relation to mindfulness.
Creative Mindfulness
Thursday
03/09/2015
Ongoing
10:30am to
12:30pm
Be creative, learn new skills, gain confidence, enrich
your self-esteem and make new friends through
creative activity.
Bring your knitting, craft work, mindful colouring or
just come along, meet others, and enjoy a relaxing
morning.
Self Management
Health
and Wellbeing
11
Hand Relaxation Workshop
In partnership with
Tuesday
08/12/2015
2:00pm to
4:00pm
Come along for some mindful relaxation. Experience
the relaxing feeling of having your hands soaked in
essential oils, followed by exfoliation, a hand mask and some gentle hand
exercises. Have some ‘me time’ and come away feeling de-stressed and
relaxed, with soft and silky hands!
Men’s Wellbeing Group
Thursday
03/09/2015
Ongoing
10:30am to
12:00pm
Men often have mental health needs particularly
associated with the lived experience of being male. Some of these needs are
not being met as effectively as they could be. This ongoing group enables men
to come along and talk in confidence about their own personal experience and
recovery.
Sleep Workshop
In partnership with
Housing and
Community Care
Wednesday
21/10/2015
10:30am to
12:30pm
Come and join us for this sleep workshop, which we hope you will find
educational, informative and reflective.
This course explores some of the key issues associated with sleeping
problems, reflects on bedtime routines and finishes with a relaxation session.
12
Self Management
Skills
development
Connect
In partnership with
Mondays &
Tuesdays
Starts
14/09/2015
10:30am to
12:30pm
Contact Mindspace to register your interest on
01738 639657 or email [email protected]
A 16 week training programme aimed to help adults who have personal
experience of mental health issues benefit from learning or work.
opportunities.
Connect offers pre-vocational training opportunities which can help you...

Identify skills, qualities and
talents
Find out about training and
work options
Improve job-seeking skills
Visit local employers and
organisations
Gain work experience
Set practical, achievable
goals for the future
Employability Skills Course
In partnership with
Tuesday
06/10/2015
4 weeks
2:00pm to
4:00pm
Employment
Support Team
Thinking about starting or returning to work but on long term benefits? What
support do I get? What’s the next step? This 4 week workshop is designed to
help you explore the possibilities, gain new skills and give you insight into what
support is available. “WORK doesn't have to be a four letter word”
Numeracy, Literacy and I.T. Drop-In
In partnership with
Explore ways to
Tuesdays
08/09/2015
10:00am to
improve your
12:00pm
numeracy, literacy
and I.T. skills with
this informal drop-in. This group is very flexible so you don’t have to stay for
the full 2 hours.
Skills Development
Skills Develop-
13
Professional Development Award
SCQF Level 7
Mental Health Peer Support
In partnership with
Contact Mindspace for an application pack. Phone
01738 639657 or email [email protected]
Closing date for applications is 18/09/2015
Interviews
Monday
Tuesday
28/09/2015
29/09/2015
Course start date
Wednesday
04/11/2015
24 weeks
9:30am to
12:30pm
Want to become a Peer Support Worker?
This Professional Development Award (PDA) equips candidates with the
knowledge, skills and values which are necessary to carry out the role of a
Peer Support Worker. It was developed by the Scottish Recovery Network and
is accredited by the Scottish Qualifications Authority. The course consists of
two units, each lasting 12 weeks covering:
Recovery Context

Explore the development of the recovery approach in mental health
Define and understand peer support and its role in recovery
Describe and explain the key concepts of formalised peer support

Developing Practice
Apply a range of theories and concepts in the peer support role
Develop relationships based on peer support principles
Understand perspectives of the work role
Entry requirements are: lived experience of mental health distress and written
and communication skills at SCQF level 5 (demonstrated by previous
qualifications at this level or through interview process).
You will be required to register with the PVG scheme when you begin the
course. This can be done through UHI Perth College.
14
Support
Rights and Recovery
In partnership with
Wednesday
07/10/2015
3 weeks
2:00pm to
4:00pm
The aim of this 3 week course is to increase awareness
and understanding of mental health recovery and
human rights.
As a result of participation in this course, it is intended that individuals will
better understand what is meant by recovery and human rights and what this
may mean for them.
The approach taken will be participative using individual exercises, small
group and whole group discussions, personal reflection as well as inputs from
the course facilitators.
Money Managing
and Debt advice
Monday
Friday
14/09/2015
27/11/2015
In partnership with
2:00pm to
3:00pm
Want to learn about budgeting and how to manage
your money more effectively?
This session will explore ways that may help you to
manage your finances.
The Citizens Advice Bureau has a city centre office where a weekly drop-in
session is available from 10.00am to 12.00pm.
7 Atholl Crescent
Perth PH1 5NG
Drug and Alcohol Use
Awareness and Education Session
15
In partnership with
Contact Louise Glover on 01738 474455 to book a place.
Thursday 8th October 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Venue TCA Building, 14 Marshall Place, Perth PH2 8AH
This session is designed to give you information about substances and the
risks associated with them. If you are thinking about peer mentoring this
would be an invaluable session. On completion you will





Understand the legislation associated with substances.
Be able to recognise various substances.
Understand drug groups and effects.
Gain information about psychoactive substances “legal highs”.
Recognise them by their street names.
Relapse Prevention Session
In partnership with
Contact Louise Glover on 01738 474455 to book a place.
Thursday 22nd October 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Venue TCA Building, 14 Marshall Place, Perth PH2 8AH
This session is planned to give you an understanding and knowledge of
Relapse Prevention and the change cycle. Lapse and relapse is something
that happens in everyday life, come and learn how to accept it in yours. If you
are thinking about peer mentoring this would be an invaluable session to give
you the knowledge and skills to support others. On completion you will




Recognise what lapse and relapse is.
Recognise high risk situations.
Understand cues and triggers.
Be able to implement an action plan.
16
Drug and Alcohol Use
ECLIPSE Tayside Recovery
and Moving on Service
Drop-in
In partnership with
Thursdays
For more information
phone 01738 451594
Venue:
Ongoing
10:30am to
12:30pm
Fairfield Community Centre,
2 Fairfield Avenue, Perth PH1 2TF
The ECLIPS Project offers support to people aged 16+, living in Perth and
Kinross who have experienced substance misuse. They provide one to one
sessions on personal recovery or motivation techniques and provide
employability skills groups.
This drop in will give you the chance to find out more about the project and
decide if you would like to be involved.
Carers and Family
Introduction to
Tayside Carers Support
Thursday
29/10/2015
In partnership with
2:00pm to
3:30pm
This session will enable those new to supporting someone with mental
illness to learn about the project, and the support we offer, which they
may find helpful.
For professionals in Perth and Kinross, students or those in training, it is
intended to give an overview of the full range of services the project provides,
including support, information and opportunities for involvement. This talk is
intended to be informal, informative and interactive and is jointly facilitated by
the Perth Carer Support Worker and a carer engaged with the project.
“Positive, encouraging and informal. Welcoming,
flexible and fun”
MRC Student on the Exploring Recovery Course 2015
Carers and Family
17
Introduction to Behavioural Family
Therapy (BFT) / Family Work
Wednesday
09/09/2015
2:00pm to
4:00pm
Half of people with severe mental health problems live with their families. The
family plays an important role in their recovery. Anyone in a family can feel
stress when a family member becomes unwell. Family work aims to build on
the family’s coping skills and ease the stress which comes with mental health
problems.
This introductory session aims to explain why it might be helpful for you and
your family, what it involves and how to access it.
This session is for individuals with mental health problems and their families,
including carers, relatives and friends.
Caring for Carers Workshops
The Caring for Carers sessions aim to help families and carers use information
sharing, communication skills, and problem solving to help all family members
towards quality family living. Family work has been proven to be effective in
reducing relapse for people with mental health problems and especially with a
diagnosis of either schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
These three sessions will be held at AK Bell Library. Please check our website
www.mindspacepk.com for further details and start dates.
Day 1 – Caring for yourself
Thursday 11/09/2015
-
12:30pm to 5:00pm
Remember yourself! Come and have lunch and learn techniques to look after
your own health and wellbeing in this interactive workshop.
Day 2 - Information Sharing
Date TBC 10:00am to 4:00pm
This session is about understanding that sharing expertise can help improve
problem solving, which can reduce relapse.
Day 3 - Communication
Date TBC 10:00am to 4:00pm
Any family that is under stress struggles to communicate. Important or
worrying issues can be difficult to discuss. The session explores
communication skills and problem solving to help address this.
18
Physical Health
Introduction to Live Active
Friday
Monday
18/09/2015
21/09/2015
In partnership with
2:30pm to
3.30pm
Live Active aims to give the people of Perth and Kinross the opportunity to
enjoy the benefits of a physically active lifestyle by participating in sport and
leisure. This session will give an overview of the activities that Live Active
provide at their 16 venues and information about how you can take part.
Health Walks with Stride for Life
Free health walks organised by Stride for Life aim to increase your
physical activity levels. They are a great way to meet new
people and increase confidence. Afterwards you can enjoy a cup of
tea and a chat!
For more info phone Stride for Life directly on 01738 454628 or email
[email protected]. Below is a small selection of walks.
Stride for Life
Group
Where will your feet take you?
Day & Time
Meeting Point
Walk Information
Crieff
Tuesday
Strathearn Campus
Max 1 hour on flat
ground
Perth Walkers
Tuesday
Max. 1 hour with mixed
terrain
North Muirton
11.00 am
Wednesday
Moncrieff Church Hall,
Perth
Riverside Church, Bute
Drive, Perth
Short 30-45 minute
walk on flat ground
Short
walk
10.30am
1.30 pm
Birnam Thursday
Wednesday
Willow Bank Lounge,
1.30pm
Servite Housing
Bankfoot
Thursday
10.30am
Bankfoot Church Centre
45-60 minute walk on
flat ground
Wednesday
Outside Bell’s
Centre, Perth
Short 30–45 minute
walk on flat ground
Women
(WOW)
Only
11.30am
Sports
30-45
minute
Walks are subject to change depending on weather conditions.
Physical Health
19
Compass Card Scheme
In partnership with
Studies have shown that exercise can improve our wellbeing.
Mindspace, in partnership with Live Active and Stride for Life, gives people
the opportunity to participate in physical activity.
The Live Active Compass Card gives people
discounted access to Live Active facilities.
Applications to join this scheme can be made for
students of Mindspace Recovery College.
Making Connections
Café and Drop-in Socials
Caladh Connections
Mondays and
Fridays
Ongoing
2:00pm to
4:00pm
Café Connections*
Tuesday and
Fridays
Ongoing
11:00am to
12:00pm
Social contact helps build self-confidence, support networks and can lead
towards empowerment and self-motivation. It can play an important part in
recovery by maintaining wellbeing.
Studies have shown that people with severe mental illness often feel excluded
and isolated.
We provide drop-ins and café groups around Perth, giving people the chance
to meet and share experiences with others.
Please register with Mindspace Recovery College using the form on the back
pages or on our website for our social groups. *Check website for venue.
Citizens Advice Bureau provides a monthly drop-in benefit advice
service at some social drop-ins. Check the student notice board
for further details.
20
Get Involved
Do you have something to offer?
We encourage anyone who would like to use their lived experience to
co-produce courses. Your personal story of recovery can give hope and belief
to other people.
Come along to one of three co-production sessions and explore developments
you would like to see, how you could contribute and what you could do to
improve the Recovery College.
Tuesdays
08/09/2015
15/09/2015
22/09/2015
2:00pm to
3:30pm
Awareness and Fundraising
If you would like to get involved promoting Mindspace
Recovery College, or have an idea for a fundraising event
you would like to organise, then please contact us.
Fundraising is essential for a small charity like
Mindspace. We are extremely grateful to our
supporters who not only give their financial support to
Mindspace, but also their valuable time and commitment.
Donations are welcome
All donations can be made in person at our Milne Street building, by post or via
www.mindspacepk.com/get-involved/donate.
Please make cheques payable to Mindspace and post to the address on the
back page.
What our Students say
”Never any feeling of being judged”
“Although recovery is individual there are areas that effect us all”
“Sharing the positives in life, a feeling that there is light at the end of the
tunnel”
Mindspace Recovery College Registration Form
21

Forename(s):
Surname:
Date of Birth:
Address:
Post Code:
Email:
Telephone (landline):
(mobile):
Reason for Registering (tick all that apply)
Lived experience of Mental Ill Health
Employer
Student
Other
Please
specify
Carer
Employment Status:
Employed F/T
Student
Not Specified
P/T
Retired
Emergency Contact Details
Name:
Address:
Tel. No:
Not In Work
22
Phone
Please tick this box
Email
Text
Post
if you would like to sign up for our
Text Messaging service, and receive updates about new
courses
Do you have any special requirements or need any additional
support?
What courses are you interested in?
Course:
Date:
Course:
Date:
Course:
Date:
Course:
Date:
Course:
Date:
Course:
Date:
Send your completed registration form to:
Mindspace Recovery College
Caladh Centre
6 Milne Street, Perth PH1 5QL

Can we contact you by…?
Useful Numbers
23
Mindspace Recovery College
01738 639657
Mindspace Counselling Service
01738 631639
Citizens Advice Bureau
01738 450580
Independent Advocacy
01738 587887
Welfare Rights Team - Perth & Kinross Council
01738 476900
Perth and Kinross Credit Union
01738 624872
Live Active Wellbeing Team
01738 450660
Stride for Life Walks
01738 454628
Employment Support Team PKC
01738 477638
Perth College
0845 2701177
Access Team - Perth and Kinross Council
0845 30 111 20
MoveAhead
01738 413075
Perth Six Circle Project
01738 445384
Perthshire Women's Aid
01738 639043
PLUS Perth
01738 626242
Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre Help Line
01738 630965
PKC Drug and Alcohol Team
01738 474455
Mindspace
Recovery College,
6 Milne Street,
Perth, PH1 5QL
Tel: 01738 639657
Email:
[email protected]
See website for our
other services
Peer Support Hub
Online Resources
Discovery Group
Talks and Discussions
Counselling Service
www.mindspacepk.com