Reading Compass New Autumn Prospectus Launch Event
Compass Recovery College
RESIDENTS are invited to a free event celebrating the launch of Compass Recovery College’s new Autumn Prospectus.
The event aims to reach out to people who might not be aware of what the college can offer to those experiencing mental health challenges and people who care for someone with mental health. It also aims to signpost people to a wide range of mental health support and advice services accessible across Reading. The event on Wednesday 15th August is being held at Caversham Court Gardens and runs between 10am and 2pm. The Mayor of Reading, Cllr Deborah Edwards, will open the celebration in the morning at 10.45am. There will be information of all the existing and exciting new courses during the day with an opportunity for people to enrol at the Recovery College. Refreshments of teas, coffees and delicious homemade cake will be available. Compass will be promoting the college’s new Autumn Prospectus for 2018/19 – which offers courses ranging from ‘Recovery through Creativity’, ‘Mindfulness’, ‘Skills for Life’ to ‘Getting a Good Night’s Sleep’ and ‘Making Sense of Voices’. The Recovery College aims to promote good mental health and improve mental wellbeing. All the courses are free and are designed and delivered by people with lived experience of mental health challenges, clinical staff and other professionals. The college, which launched in September 2016, is funded by Reading Council and Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, and supported by a number of organisations, including New Directions. The college is open to anyone over the age of 18 with lived experience of mental illness, as well as their friends, family, carers or mental health practitioners and clinicians.Cllr Graeme Hoskin, Lead Member for Health and the Council’s Mental Health Champion, said:
“I hope people will drop by to find out more about what Compass can offer. The college aims to meet the needs of every student that wishes to develop and take control to manage their life. Meaningful activities are important in helping people rebuild their lives after experiencing mental health problems. The right activities help people to develop new skills for living and working, and stronger social relationships.”Cllr Tony Jones, Reading’s Lead Member for Adult Social Care, said:
“We believe the services available at Compass will link users to support which has a focus on promoting self-reliance and personal development. I’d encourage anyone with lived experience of mental health challenges to come along on 15th August to find out more about the support they and their loved ones can get to make the most of life. Take part in workshops, find out about the range of courses on offer and join in with peer support over tea, coffee and cake!” There is no need to book but if people have any queries about the event or the college, call 0118 937 3945 or email compass.opportunities@reading.gov.uk Visit www.compassrecoverycollege.uk for more information on the Compass Recovery College.Ends
Notes
Photo opportunity:
A photo call at the event with the Mayor of Reading with Compass staff will take place at the start of the event at 10am at Caversham Court Gardens, Church Road, Reading, RG4 7AG. The photo will be available on request.Recovery Colleges
Recovery Colleges are run like any other college, providing education as a route to recovery. Courses are co-devised and co-delivered by people with lived experience of mental illness and by mental health professionals. The benefit of increased focus on a Recovery College and other community provision include increased user independence and integration into the wider community.