A COLLEGE to improve people’s health and wellbeing welcomed members of the public earlier this month as they held a number of enrolment sessions helping people across North East Hampshire and Farnham to improve their quality of life.

The Recovery College offers educational courses and workshops aimed at anyone who uses health services or cares for someone who does. Anyone aged 18 or over can attend a course, and most are free of charge.

Dr Angela Devon, associate director for therapies and consultant clinical psychologist at Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The Recovery College is all about helping people to improve their health and wellbeing, whether that’s because they have a physical or mental health condition themselves, or are caring for someone who has.

“If you found the structured learning environment at school didn’t suit you, then you will be pleasantly surprised by the Recovery College. It will help people feel supported and empowered, in a friendly and positive environment where learning is far removed from the textbook style that people may remember.

“As well as professionals, many courses are written and taught by people who have lived with physical and mental health conditions themselves, so they have real empathy with what others can be going through tough times.

“Courses take place in community venues such as libraries and colleges, and people can refer themselves. They do not have to visit their GP to get a referral.

The college has been set up under the ‘Happy, healthy, at home’ programme, which brings together health and social care services and voluntary agencies throughout North East Hampshire and Farnham.

For more information check out their website at www.sabp.nhs.uk.