St. George's Hospital,
Corporation Street,
Stafford,
ST16 3AG
The Wellbeing and Recovery College provides recovery-focused education courses that are accessible to everyone in our local communities. We work together to create an environment of hope, control and opportunity for us all.
We do this by:
bringing together professional, carer and people with lived experience equally to guide all aspects of the college and our courses (co-production)
challenging stigma
creating a safe environment where we can learn from each other and recognise each other's strengths and vulnerabilities
keeping strong links with our communities
supporting and recognising that everyone's wellbeing and recovery is individual
Our long term aim is to offer a balance of online and face-to-face courses, in Stafford, Shrewsbury, Telford, or online, and this blended approach began in Spring Term 2022. We are continuously working to increase the in-person courses gradually over time, alongside our online courses, to offer all students a choice of how they would like to attend. All in-person courses will be subject to government guidelines at the time, and we will let you know if there are any changes to courses that you have booked onto.
We will continue to keep in touch with our students and keep everyone up to date with ongoing developments and plans; we have a regular e-mail update and you can also follow us on social media:
All courses at the Wellbeing and Recovery College are free to attend for all of our students.
How long are the courses?
Courses vary in length. Some are one off sessions, others can be weekly for up to 6 sessions. Course duration is a maximum of 3 hours once a week.
How many courses can I apply for at once?
You may book on up to three courses each term, this enables all students to be able to access the courses that are on offer, as well as ensuring that the amount of courses you book on to is manageable for you.
Of course, you are welcome to let us know if there are additional courses that you are interested in at any time. We can then add you to the waiting list and you will have the option of booking on these additional courses next term, subject to availability. This can be discussed while developing your Individual Learning Plan.
Are there any entry requirements to enrol as a student at the Wellbeing and Recovery College?
There are no entry requirements, all of our courses are free and open to all, regardless of your educational background or experience.
What do I do if I want further information about a course?
Why are we called a 'Wellbeing and Recovery College'?
Our Wellbeing and Recovery College is one of many such colleges across the UK, we provide recovery-focused education courses that are accessible to everyone in our local communities. Our courses focus on both mental and physical health and wellbeing and provide a safe space for shared learning.
How is the content of the course designed?
All of our courses are co-designed and co-facilitated by both a Peer Trainer with lived experience of mental health challenges or caring for someone with mental health challenges, and a professional with experience of working with people with challenges linked to the subject of the course.
What if I find I need support with my learning once the course has started?
If the course you are attending is in-person, please contact us via phone or email as soon as possible and we will be happy to discuss your support needs further.
If the course you are attending is online, then please send a private chat message to the Course Mentor during the training session who will gladly assist you with any technical support, as well as provide general health and wellbeing support as required.
Will courses return to classrooms?
Our long term aim is to offer a balance of online and face-to-face courses, and this blended approach began in Spring Term 2022.
We are continuously working to increase the in-person courses gradually over time, alongside our online courses, to offer all students a choice of how they would like to attend.
All in-person courses will be subject to government guidelines at the time, and we will let you know if there are any changes to courses that you have booked onto.
What if I need support with my mental wellbeing whilst attending the Wellbeing and Recovery College?
The Wellbeing and Recovery College is set up and run as a Further Education provider. Therefore we do not provide clinical interventions or therapy, as we expect you to be able to access support outside of the college.
If you are feeling unwell or distressed while attending a course it is important that you speak with us as soon as possible. We will have access to your Personal Support Plan, which can be developed with you during your enrolment to ensure that you receive the support you need.
If I require additional support, is there any extra help available?
During your Individual Learning Plan, or at any point whilst you are a student with us, you can ask us to complete a Personal Support Plan with you. This can be used to make us aware of any additional support that we can offer to you before, during or after any courses that you attend with our college and we will also be able to share this information with the trainers and course mentor to ensure they are aware of how best to support you during the session.
I have specific requirements such as large print, or an interpreter. Is this possible?
We endeavour to do everything we can to meet your needs. As long as you let us know in advance of attending your course, we will do all we can to support your requirements. Please talk to us during your Individual Learning Plan, or at any point via telephone or email, regarding any specific requirements that you may have.
I use mental health services. Do I need to be referred by my community team?
No. We do not have a system for referrals as although the college is designed for people with lived and professional experience of mental health services, we operate the same as any other further education establishment. Your local team may recommend us to you but they cannot refer. All are welcome to share their learning journey together with no discrimination or distinction.
I work for the Trust and am interested in some of the courses. Can I enrol?
The Wellbeing and Recovery College is free and open to all who are over 18, including those who work for the Trust. One of the things that make our Wellbeing and Recovery College so unique is that it is truly collaborative. When you enrol into the college you will not be labelled as a ‘Service User’, ‘Carer’ or ’Professional’ - you will simply be considered a student. You may wish to learn more to help your practice or to gain knowledge to help you to manage your own wellbeing. Everyone learns together and from each other.
I care for someone who uses services. Can I enrol?
Our courses are designed for anyone who cares for someone, for people who use our services, people who work in them, and those who are simply interested in recovery-based learning.
Can I attend courses to support someone else?
We thoroughly welcome you to have someone with you to support you on our courses, whether these are in person or online, if you feel that you would benefit from this.
However, they would also need to be enrolled as a student with the college, book a place on the course for themselves and be present during the training session.
The reason for this is primarily to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all students on the course, in terms of safeguarding and duty of care. It is also important for audit purposes as we need to keep a record of every student who attends the courses.
Learning and Development within the Wellbeing and Recovery College
WRC Learning and Development is the part of the Wellbeing and Recovery College at MPFT that provides training and support to the lived experience workforce in the Trust. It sits within the Lived Experience and Co-production Directorate under the guidance of the Director for Lived Experience and its purpose is to provide opportunities to the lived experience workforce for their ongoing development and to offer support, including training, group supervision, professional supervision and places for networking. We also provide training, development and support packages to external organisations, including NHS trusts and the third sector.
For peer support to be successful and effective in an organisation requires appropriate training and support for the lived experience staff and the right environment for them to flourish in. Training should equip peer support workers with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to deliver support safely and effectively. Ongoing supervision and support are essential to maintaining safe practice. Creating the right environment includes preparing teams in advance to welcome and work alongside peer support workers.
WRC Learning & Development Team at MPFT has drawn on its own experience to develop a comprehensive training and support package. This includes supervision structures, team readiness programmes, and a Level 4 accredited Training course.
The training package offered by WRC Learning & Development comprises:
Level 4 Accredited Training
Individual peer support training sessions
Peer Supervisor Training
Peer Worker Foundation Workbook
Team readiness training materials
All the materials have been co-produced by our specialist training team, who all have their own lived experience, in conjunction with Lived Experience Leads and members of the lived experience workforce at MPFT.
The Level 4 Accredited Peer Support Worker Development Training and Peer Supervisor training are delivered by WRC Learning and Development at MPFT, whilst the individual training sessions, team readiness materials and the Peer Worker Foundation Workbook are available in a format ready for you to deliver within your own organisation.
MPFT’s Peer Support Worker Development Training course is accredited at Level 4 by OCN London. It is delivered online as one full day’s training each week over 11 weeks, with the middle week being reserved for 1:1 tutorials. A modular format is also available for more flexible learning.
The Training is a Bespoke Qualification which has been developed to meet the specific needs of our learners and has been accredited by OCN London against established quality benchmarks. OCN London is a national awarding organisation, recognised by the qualifications regulator for England (Ofqual). This Bespoke Qualification has been accredited by OCN London through their Bespoke Qualification service and as it is unique to MPFT it is not on the Register of Regulated Qualifications. The learning outcomes and assessment criteria have been benchmarked at Level 4 using the national qualification framework’s level descriptors.
Full details of the course and contents can be found in our prospectus.
All the modules of the accredited training are also available as individual stand-alone training sessions. Other available training courses include:
Self-Harm From A Lived Experience Perspective
An Introduction To Eating Disorders
Health & Justice Services
Coaching Skills Training
Sharing Lived Experiences Skills Training
Trauma Informed Skills Training
Peer supervisor training is a course for those supervising peer support workers. It explores the nuances of providing supervision for members of the lived experience workforce.
The training is delivered online one day a week over three consecutive weeks.
See prospectus for further information.
The workbook has been designed to introduce lived experience workers to the role of a peer support/lived experience worker and is usually completed during their probation period. The workbook is divided into 8 sections which are completed with a peer supervisor on a weekly basis. Learning is supplemented by reflective practice and weekly learning objectives to provide a comprehensive introduction to peer work.
This training is designed to prepare teams for the successful integration of peer support workers. Having the right environment for lived experience workers to come into is a significant factor in whether employing them will be successful. The training will ensure that members of the team understand what peer support is, the benefits it brings and how teams can support and collaborate with lived experience staff.
The Team
Mel Ball, Director for Lived Experience
Fi Kuhn Thompson, Deputy Director for Lived Experience
Jonathon Giemza Pipe, Associate Director for Lived Experience
Kim Estall, Operations Manager
I am a wife, mummy to two beautiful boys and a mischievous dog! Having been a service user, student and volunteer at the college, I am proud to help the college to continue to grow and support people, as the college supported me when I needed it the most.
Helen Horwell, Quality and Engagement Manager
Since I started working for the college, I have learnt to understand my own mental and physical wellbeing more. I appreciate the value of the college, its courses and how we can learn through shared experience.
Emma Salt, Co-ordinator for Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin
I feel very grateful to have been given the opportunity to be part of the Wellbeing and Recovery College team! I am mum to two energetic boys and a chilled Border Terrier! When I’m not stood on the side lines of either the cricket or football pitch, I love to spend time with my family and friends, getting outside, reading and cooking.
Naima Mazzane, Co-ordinator for Staffordshire
I first started my journey at the college during my studies in Psychology and I continue to look forward to helping people to support their wellbeing. Mental health is a topic close to my heart, having had my own lived experience with ill health. In my spare time I enjoy sea swimming (even in the winter!), hiking and playing board games.
Gail Sullivan, Admissions Tutor for Staffordshire
Supporting family and friends is important to me. I try to always adopt a positive attitude and promote the college ethos and values whenever possible. I enjoy all crafts and singing.
Sharon Elkin, Admin Support
I have always found helping people rewarding. In these challenging times the college ethos and values are even more crucial in supporting my own mental health wellbeing as well as enabling me to reach out and support our students. Family is very important to me.
Lindsay Adams, Senior Trainer
I am passionate about using my experience of recovery to help and inspire others. I love spending time writing, reading, meditating and walking in nature.
Jane Clark, Senior Trainer
I am very passionate about the values of the college. I love spending time with family and friends, and walking with my dog Sydney.
Fran Lovett, Clinical Trainer
I am an Occupational Therapist by background and joined the College in August 2024. I am passionate about empowering people to recognise their own strengths, advocate for their individual needs, and connect with others with lived experience. Outside of work, I enjoy travelling, good food, spoiling my cat, and anything true crime.
Mandy Lunn, Peer Support Worker
I'm a Lived Experience Peer Support Worker with Wellbeing & Recovery College, and with Mental Health and Autism Support. Late diagnosis of ASC in 2022 at age 59 yrs, I have struggled with depression and anxiety since I was 13 yrs. I try to focus on the future and helping others with ASC. I love all animals and have been vegetarian since age 21 yrs.
Claire Millar, Peer Support Worker
I’m a Peer Support Worker with the Wellbeing and Recovery College. I joined the college in March 2024. My background is in education, and I have experience of a variety of roles in a range of institutions over the years. I have been service user and been a carer and family member to those using services. I’m the mum to two boys and a retired racing greyhound. I’m a massive advocate for The Arts and how they can benefit health and wellbeing. I enjoy gardening, walking the dog, eating with friends, live music and theatre.
Alison Payne, Learning and Development Lead for Lived Experience
I enjoy yoga and mindfulness. I am passionate about helping people in their recovery. I have been working in mental health for 7 years. I enjoy reading and learning new things.
Nick Hulme, Learning and Development Advanced Peer Trainer
Laura Kendall, Learning and Development Senior Trainer
Alice Flint
Amy Hill
I really enjoy working with the college and I am very passionate about sharing my lived experience to help others. I love going for walks, journaling, crafting and being with my family.
Alison Mennell
Ange Fyffe-Collins
Ann Baxendale
Anne MacLachlan
Anne Marie Wheat
Arron Pitchford
Becky Ingles
I am a mental health nurse and psychological therapist, with a special interest in helping people overcome past trauma. In my free time I love fun days out with my children, visiting hot countries, catching up with friends, baking and dancing!
Claire Baker
Dawn Bovey-Pilkington
A large part of my week is spent as a health based youth worker and I really value the support that can be found when coming together on the college courses. Other times I love my time with friends and family, my doggies and as many crafts as I can fit in!
Debbie Palmer
Emily Jones
Emma George
Fiona Burns
I work at the Trust in our Continuous Improvement Team and I’m a trainer with the College. Having my own lived experience, I’m passionate about sharing some of the things that have helped me in my own journey as part of course delivery with the College. I have 2 doggies – Rupert and Gizmo and an axolotl called Aristotle!
Gareth Eccleston
Jo Unett
John Widdowson
Julian Leese
Julie Langan
I love spending time with family, friends and my dog. I enjoy long walks, afternoon tea, crafting projects and I’ve just starting yoga!
Juliet Davies
We have lived experience with mental health, love being outdoors with nature, but this does not stop us in what we want to do, we are grateful being able to raise more awareness with mental health through co-production, as it is important to us to help others understand.
Kaye Woods
Leighton Allsopp
Malcolm Foster
Oliver Kane
Richard Keatley
Robin Williams
Sam Youngz
Terri Greenhalgh
I support the Recovery College with any courses related to physical activity in the Shropshire area. I am an avid park-runner / volunteer, hiker, dog lover, if its outdoors I usually love it rain or shine, join us on a walk sometime in future.
Vicky Scott
Feedback
“It exceeded them. This course has provided me with structure, motivation and hints to journal effectively. The course delivery was exceptional, communication from the college was excellent and the course leader, Mandy and the trainers Claire and Alison were so welcoming and helpful. I am so looking forward to further learning with the college. For the first time in a long time I have structure and a purpose to my day, I have a new focus outside of my illness and disability and my brain is thirsty again. I feel privileged to have the college as a resource. 2 years ago my career, my life and me as I knew it, was over. 3 days, 6 hours and a group of lovely people on a zoom forum later and I feel as though I have been reset. Thank you so much.”
“Wonderful wellbeing walk. Having experienced a knee injury and prevented from walking for some time I was beginning to feel low as I am used to walking and being out in nature. The wellbeing walk enabled me to take a safe walk; get back into nature and get some exercise - all of which positively lifted my spirits. Excellent, friendly and very professional walk leaders. Thank you both. Looking forward to more in the future.”
“I think the college is very well run and the broad topics, the recruitment involving people with LE, it shows there's no power imbalance. A lot of time I felt it's us and them, but not here when you invite people to open days, focus groups, and recruitment. It makes me think that I do have something important to say and that people want to hear from me.”
“The courses helped me be more open about my anxiety and my mental health, breaking down the stigma to talk about it with friends”
“Can I just say a huge thank you to you all for all the support. You have all been a really important part in my role and me learning to live independently following years if mental illness and I truly thank you all. The peer support principles training was just amazing. It opened my eyes, alongside my work on the workbook. I feel like the two together not only will improve my practice as a peer support worker but also as Emma – it has been so beneficial to me and I really enjoyed it – and everything else we have done.”
“I think this booklet is amazing and will be beneficial to any peer support worker no matter how long they have been in their role. I would like to do an almost refresher one later on because the foundations of it have really helped cement my mindset, made me feel validated and comfortable in my role and helped me personally validate the way I am because of my life experiences.”
“After group supervision I feel more confident to approach issues with more curiosity and it helps reduce my mental load when thinking about stressful things that have happened during my work week.”
Useful links
We understand that some students may struggle to get to community courses due to lack of transport. To support them, a directory of Voluntary and Community Transport Services in Staffordshire and Shropshire is available, offering low-cost rides through local volunteer drivers or non-profit transport schemes. If you’d like more information, please contact the college and we’ll provide details for your local area.
