CONVERGE: EDUCATION FOR RECOVERY
INNOVATIONS IN MENTAL HEALTH
www.yorksj.ac.uk/converge
2014 TIMES HIGHER EDUCATION AWARDS
PROSPECTUS Autumn Term 2016 & Spring Term 2017
Supported by the Igen Trust
“ Often in the midst of despair is found the very flower of humanity, and in the roots of brotherhood, we discover ourselves.� Laurie Farnell
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WELCOME TO CONVERGE We offer courses that give you the freedom to create, challenge and inspire yourself and others, to discover new abilities, share and develop confidence on common ground. Our courses take place at York St John University on Lord Mayor’s Walk and are taught by staff, students and people with particular expertise, who themselves have experience of mental ill health. Converge is your chance to learn and explore new ideas for self-expression and communication, aid recovery and work towards achieving your goals. We offer rich and rewarding courses that will help you develop skills in a supportive and exciting educational environment.
Converge courses are open to adults (18 years of age and older) who use mental health services and are provided free of charge. Please browse this prospectus for information about who we are and what we can offer you. For more information about Converge, please access the website www.yorksj.ac.uk/converge or view the short film on YouTube (search for Converge: Who We Are)
“ I have seen what Converge does; many folk becoming proud of their poetry and their prose, pleased to read their work aloud in class.”
THE PRINCIPLES OF CONVERGE • To work together as artists and students. • To build a community where we learn from each other. • To engage and enhance the university and wider community. • To provide a supportive and inclusive environment. • Respect others, value yourself.
And above all ... be ordinary, be extraordinary, be yourself.
Previous Student 3
ENROLLING ON OUR COURSES As with any course of study, it is essential that students enrol prior to the start of the relevant course. Joining our courses is easy and made as stress-free as possible with the support of the Converge staff. Where students join after the start of the course, one-to-one enrolment appointments can be arranged by contacting Hilary Bailey, Converge Administrator. Please see the enrolment days and times for Autumn Term 2016 courses. If you are not able to attend any of these you will be able to enrol on your chosen course(s) on the start date of your first session or by booking a one-to-one appointment (see above). Once you let us know that you are interested in a course or courses, you will be sent one of our updated enrolment forms so that you can fill in as much information as possible before attending one of the enrolment sessions detailed; this should speed up the 4
procedure. At these sessions, staff will be available to help you with the paperwork and answer any questions you may have. All information on your form is stored in a locked cabinet within the Converge office to ensure confidentiality. Contents Support and Progression
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Discovery Hub
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Discovery Courses
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Our Courses
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Other Converge Courses
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Out of Character Theatre Company P18 Our Contact Details
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ENROLMENT TIMES FOR AUTUMN COURSES 2016 • Tuesday 30th August 2016, between 2 and 3.30pm • Wednesday 31st August 2016, between 2 and 3.30pm • Friday 2nd September 2016, between 2 and 3.30pm • Monday 5th September 2016, between 2 and 3.30pm • Tuesday 6th September 2016, between 2 and 3.30pm • Wednesday 7th September 2016, between 2 and 3.30pm All the enrolment sessions will take place in Holgate Main Reception area. PLEASE NOTE THAT YOUR PLACE ON ANY COURSE IS NOT GUARANTEED UNTIL YOU RECEIVE OFFICIAL CONFIRMATION VIA TEXT, EMAIL OR POST.
SUPPORT AND PROGRESSION SUPPORT We understand that it can be stressful to join a new course and meet new people.
employment and become performers and artists.
WIFI ACCESS
We can offer you one to one support from our dedicated team of peer mentors (co-ordinated by Lucy Coleman, Support and Progression Worker) and university student buddies (co-ordinated by Matt Harper, Support and Progression Worker).
LIBRARY MEMBERSHIP
Converge students can access the eduroam (education roaming) service, a secure, world-wide roaming access service developed for the international research and education community.
Converge students may choose to have borrowing rights to the university library.
Wherever you see ‘eduroam’ appear in your list of Wi-Fi networks on your mobile device, you can get online.
If you are interested in this, please enquire at enrolment.
PROGRESSION, YOUR NEXT STEP
STUDENTS’ UNION MEMBERSHIP
Do you have any plans or aspirations to do more with your talents?
Converge students can register as Associate members of the Students’ Union.
For more information on how to connect, please visit www.eduroam.org o r speak to the Information Learning Services desk in Fountains for help.
We know that having the right support is vital in order for you to take your next step.
Please contact our Support and Progression Workers for more details.
If you are interested in this, please enquire at enrolment.
Since 2008 we have helped our students to get into further/higher education, find 5
DISCOVERY HUB The Discovery Hub is an innovative service funded by Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust in partnership with Converge at York St John University. The Discovery Hub supports people who have experienced mental health illness to gain access to learning opportunities as part of their recovery journey. • W e provide information about local courses and learning opportunities (this might be hobbies, local interest groups, higher education or community activities that are available in your specific area). • We help individuals to identify future direction. • W e help people to learn about staying well (links to community support and local groups and activities that support wellbeing). • We support people to stay engaged in learning opportunities and to continue their recovery as skills develop. • We assist signposting to services that can support resolving other issues that may be preventing a learning journey from moving forward e.g. housing, finances, social issues, health and wellbeing support. The Discovery Hub is available to anyone currently accessing York area community mental health teams or assertive outreach team. If you are not accessing one of the above services we are happy to give signposting information and advice. 6
For more information please contact: The Discovery Hub, c/o Converge York St John University Lord Mayor’s Walk York YO31 7EX. T: 01904 876070 (Please leave a message and we will return your call) E: discoveryhub@yorksj.ac.uk Follow us on twitter: @discoverhubyork
“ The Discovery Hub has been amazing in helping me find a future I feel happy with.” Discovery Hub client
DISCOVERY COURSES This year Converge and The Discovery Hub are working in partnership to pilot a new range of learning opportunities in the community. All experiences are supported by York St John University students. CONVERGE / DISCOVER –
CONVERGE / DISCOVER –
HEARING VOICES GROUP
GREEN SPACES
A unique opportunity to be part of a peer led hearing voices group hosted by individuals who have experienced voice hearing and now support others to understand their experiences. The group is open to anyone who has experience of voice hearing. Friendly, confidential, informal and non- judgemental chat about all things related to voice hearing and beyond. CONVERGE / DISCOVER –
CREATIVE WRITING in partnership with St Nicks Fields, York: www.stnicks.org.uk
The Discovery Hub are working in partnership with St Nicks Fields in York to provide creative writing courses as part of St Nicks Fields eco-therapy programme. The aims of the courses are to use creative writing exercises to connect to nature and to get the most out of green spaces. Courses are delivered by creative writing MA students from York St John University.
Poppleton Community Railway Nursery: www.poppletonrailwaynursery.co.uk
Supported volunteering opportunities are available at Poppleton Community Railway Nursery with the aim of learning the basics of working in a nursery. Poppleton Community Railway Nursery is a social and therapeutic nursery that hosts a range of volunteers from across the community. All volunteers will have the opportunity to learn skills in: propagation, seed sowing, making compost, selling and marketing plants as well as seasonal craft skills. CONVERGE / DISCOVER –
BUSTARDTHORPE ALLOTMENTS near the Knavesmire racecourse in York.
Learn the basics of running an allotment by participating in the re-vamp and running of a community allotment on a busy allotment site. Full support is available to anyone who has attended the course to progress to an independent allotment of their own.
To access a Discovery course or to find out more details regarding dates, time and venue please email: discoveryhub@yorksj.ac.uk or contact: 01904 876070. 7
OUR COURSES For all our courses ‌ days, dates and times will be confirmed to students who register interest nearer the start of the course. Please note that course content may change to meet the needs of the students. Please express your interest as soon as possible so that we can contact you with updated information.
CONVERGE MUSIC COURSES Our music courses provide students with the opportunity to progress their interests and develop a well-rounded musical education across a range of genres. In addition to the courses, there may be a range of ensembles/groups to participate in and the chance to perform outside of the university. We have a list of approved instrumental tutors available also. For students new to music or wanting to reawaken their interest, we recommend that you start with Discovery, then Rhythm and Percussion, followed by Improvisation and then Development; however, please note that students may join any course they feel is suitable for their level of experience. Please discuss this with us when you express interest in the courses. We also offer opportunities in song-writing and choir. Further details of the courses are below:
DISCOVERY Listening to music is something that everybody enjoys. Come along to this course if you would be interested in discovering 8
music from all over the world and throughout the recorded history of music. We will also be thinking about what it is that makes music great to listen to. There will be opportunities to discuss and share music and to participate in activities that aim to broaden our understanding of what makes music great. No prior music experience at all is needed, only a keen interest in listening to music.
RHYTHM AND PERCUSSION This course will introduce students to some basic rhythms, patterns, skills and methods which they can apply and adapt to suit their own development and progression and for them to be able to take these tools to any other music courses or groups which they are, or wish to be involved in. The course will also look at a selection of percussion instruments and develop the students’ knowledge of what these instruments are, how they can be played and applied to different rhythms to create different sounds and textures. The course is designed to enable students to have fun, be
“ Without the possibilities that Converge has to offer I would hate to think where I, and perhaps many other people, might be in their lives. Previous Student 9
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creative and play around musically whilst learning some basic skills and knowledge to help fuel confidence. No musical experience is required. Performance opportunities will be available to those who wish to do this.
IMPROVISATION In Music Improvisation we will be exploring sounds using imaginative exercises and providing opportunities to develop your technique, no matter what your starting point.
DEVELOPMENT The course will enable students to build on their musical interests, skills or knowledge in a friendly group environment. The course will aim to cover a wide range of subjects within the world of music through both practical and theoretical activities. The course will usually adapt to the interests of the students that attend and we aim to keep challenging returning students and keep the course content fresh. Content will include, but is not limited to:
We have a group-based approach to improvisation and aim to create a space where people can share skills and develop their creativity together.
• Composition and Song Writing
• Improvisation
• World Music
This course aims to build confidence, share in creativity and have fun! There will be opportunities to perform.
• Performance
• Drumming and Rhythm
No previous musical experience is necessary, just a desire to create and interact with others.
• Music Theory
We welcome people of all levels and from all genres of music, whether you are completely new to music, wanting to revisit music learning or have a specific skill you would like to bring to the group. We have a firm belief that everyone is a musician. Performance opportunities will be available to those who wish to do this. 11
INTRODUCING SONG-WRITING
COMMUNITAS CHOIR
This course aims to inspire you to write your own songs and build your confidence through weekly song-writing challenges. We will focus on finding sources of inspiration and looking closely at song-writing techniques.
Everyone can sing! Communitas is a large community choir, which will allow you to sing as a part of a group in a welcoming and supportive environment. The songs will be taught orally so there is no requirement to read music, just a willingness to sing with others. There are also opportunities to perform.
The key is to find ways of unlocking creativity, and we will listen to songs, discuss lyrics, melody, story, emotion and structure and from short writing exercises, lead onto writing lyrics and recording your own song. This will be a fun, relaxed course, with varied ways of accessing inspiration, from thinking of favourite songs and what makes them powerful, to looking at pictures/ images and using our senses to trigger ideas, for example, strong smells like coffee can be a great way of evoking memories!
DEVELOPING SONG-WRITING For those who enjoyed Introducing Song-writing last term, this course aims to continue that journey and help you build up a collection of original songs. We will build on song-writing techniques and ideas, developing your own personal style. The course is run in a relaxed, fun environment for sharing ideas and building confidence, and by the end of 6 weeks, I hope not only that you have written a number of songs, but that you feel inspired to continue writing songs. 12
There are three opportunities available for choir members to progress and develop their singing skills beyond the choir’s standard work: Songleading: an opportunity to train with the choir director as a songleader, learning how to lead warm ups and simple songs. S oloing: for those who wish, we provide an opportunity to be supported in learning and singing solos with the choir. Reading music notation: Converge members may like to use their singing as a way of learning to read musical notation, perhaps to join a choir that uses this or to learn about music theory with the reading music group. This is a practical way of learning notation through singing. The group will meet weekly. The tutor is Converge Support and Progression Worker Lucy Coleman who has been a song leader with Communitas since 2011.  The choir meets on Tuesdays between 5.45pm and 7.15pm, with the start date to be confirmed.
OTHER CONVERGE COURSES ART, MIXED MEDIA
ART - DRAWING ON LIFE
(Introductory)
My aim is to teach drawing as a way of exploring the world; gaining knowledge through intelligent observation, an opportunity to savour and appreciate the incredible beauty that is all around us, the subtle and ever changing quality of light, the delight of form and symmetry, also to grapple with perspective, composition and colour.
This art course consists of a set of taught practical sessions in which students learn the basics of art making by tapping into their creativity, learning essentials as well as mixed media skills and collage. Lessons are on the basis of students being new to art making, and are mainly practical. They include some critical and contextual study - but are designed to be fun, creative and give inspiration for students own artistic journeys. No previous training is necessary - just enthusiasm and the desire to learn!
ART, MIXED MEDIA (Advanced) Subject to there being enough interest, there may be a follow on/ advanced course for those students who have some/significant experience in art. Please contact us to register your interest. For both these courses, students’ work may be selected for exhibition at the venue for the end of term sharing performances.
In ‘Drawing on Life’ we develop our own mindfulness, find inspiration, purpose and pleasure on our individual journeys of healing and recovery. 13
CONVIVIAL CONVERGE CONVERSATIONS (CCC) Join us for a series of group discussions to share ideas, listen and think about a variety of issues. Topics include: How can labelling help or hinder us (and what can we do about it!)? What role can creativity play in life? and What does it take to be a citizen? Further discussion topics and questions will be decided in the sessions.
COACHING FOR LIFE What are your hopes for the future? How can you build on your strengths? This course gives you the opportunity to have individual sessions with a student coach, with the aim of these being for you to: • Explore your hopes for the future • T hink about the strengths and abilities you already have and how you can build on these for the future. • Explore how you can make your hopes a reality. Coaching is a friendly, supportive and non-directive relationship that helps you. 14
We sit in small groups (no more than 4 people), then move around between tables to share ideas and create a big, connected conversation, drawing or writing on big sheets of paper to express our ideas visually.
INTRODUCTION TO CREATIVE WRITING Do you enjoy writing? Would you like to have a go at writing poetry, short stories, non-fiction of your life story? On this course you’ll be able to develop your writing and hone the skills you need to write in whatever form you enjoy. Through fun and engaging workshops and exercises we’ll look at the different aspects of writing and help you to find your own distinctive style. Students will have the opportunity to either read out their own work, or have this read by someone else, at the end of term sharing performances.
DEVELOPING YOUR CREATIVE WRITING
CONVERGE DANCE – GO WITH THE FLOW
This course aims to continue your writing journey and help you develop further skills.
• Dance is a great form of exercise
FILMING COURSE This introductory filming course will include creative ways to work with colours, music, text, graphics and in generating ideas. The focus of the course will be working towards a small piece of work to be shared at the end of the course and which will be posted on the website. The first session will be gathering and exploring students’ ideas for the end of course film.
HEALTHY BODY, HEALTHY MIND
• Dance is fun and uplifting • Creative expression through dance for all abilities and levels • Collaborating with others in a friendly environment • A chance to meet new people The first session will be an informal, introductory session. There may be an opportunity for students who are interested in some more advanced dance training or in performing solos to stay for an extra short session after the usual class has finished.
This course is delivered in conjunction with YSJActive and generally consists of an equal mix of exercise and sport-based sessions. There will be something for everyone to enjoy and all abilities will be catered for.
Please let us know if you would be interested in this additional training.
Prior to the first session, you will need to complete a short health questionnaire.
LEARNING TO RESEARCH
Please note that this course runs as and when funding becomes available so may not run in both terms but please let us know if you are interested so that we can send you the relevant information.
This course will provide an introduction to different research methods and there will be an opportunity to take part in small-scale research projects. The course will be taught by experienced researchers. 15
TEXTILES COURSE - WET NEEDLE FELTING FOR BEGINNERS
ultimately stage our very own production at the end of term performance as part of York St John University’s Create17 festival.
An introduction to felt making. Learn the art of felting and design and create your own piece. Participants will also contribute to making a group piece of work throughout the course.
This course can lead to students becoming involved with Out of Character, In The Moment, a sister company to Out of Character Theatre Company, a registered charity whose members were previously Converge students.
INTRODUCTION TO THEATRE
Whilst this is a follow on from the previous term’s course, if you have had previous experience in theatre then you may still be able to enrol and attend. Please contact Hilary, the Converge administrator, if you wish to express interest.
Autumn Term 2016
This evening course provides an introduction to staging, lighting, character, devising, script and performing to an audience. The course will be largely practical in nature and it will be held in a drama space at York St John University. No previous experience of theatre is necessary. This course leads on to the ‘Working toward Performance’ course which will be held in Spring term 2017. There will be an opportunity to perform at the end of term sharing event.
THEATRE, WORKING TOWARDS PERFORMANCE Spring Term 2017
Working Towards Performance takes all the skills learned and developed in the Introduction course and utilises them to make an original piece of theatre. Starting with just an idea, we will work week-on-week to create characters, devise a script and 16
UNDERSTANDING HAPPINESS What is happiness? How can you learn to feel more content in day-to-day life? This course explores ideas about happiness from ancient to modern times, looking at the role that creativity, relationships, spirituality, mindfulness and community play. The sessions will cover, among other things: • Practical exercises to better appreciate ourselves and others • Finding fulfilment in creativity and productivity • Challenging the myth of ‘positive thinking’ This course of 10 one-hour workshops in a friendly group setting is open to students who have not done this course previously.
“It has breathed new life back into my bones, and perhaps, just maybe, a brighter future with new beginnings� Previous Student 17
OUT OF CHARACTER THEATRE COMPANY
We formed in 2009 as a theatre company of artists and performers comprising of people who use, or have used, mental health services, and include students and volunteers. We have devised, written, performed and collaborated on many projects both in York and nationally. Some of our work is about mental health, but not everything! We’ve created very personal pieces specifically for audiences interested in mental illness; we’ve devised site-specific durational performances, performed scripted works and we’ve collaborated with York Theatre Royal, Love Arts, Arts & Minds, the Wy-Fi project, the NHS and many medical schools.
Registered Charity No. 1161399
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Please visit Out of Character’s website at www.outofcharactertheatre.squarespace.com if you are interested in finding out more or would like to make a donation to enable us to continue our work.
“ ... we’ve collaborated with York Theatre Royal, Love Arts, Arts & Minds, the Wy-Fi project, the NHS and many medical schools.”
OUT OF CHARACTER, IN THE MOMENT We offer opportunities for adults with lived experience of mental health conditions to consolidate their theatre skills. Members will generally have completed Converge’s theatre courses (Introduction to Theatre and Theatre, Working Towards Performance) or have previous experience of a theatrical environment. The company’s work includes traditional theatre, physical/ensemble skills, devising and the development of ideas that emerge from new writing from within the company or its associate members. Out of Character; In the Moment is an ideal company for those who wish to expand their theatrical experience but are unable to commit to the rehearsal/ performance requirements of Out of Character or as a way back into theatrerelated activities following a break from such activity. The company is run by Jane Allanach, who has worked closely with Out of Character for the past several years and who also performs community theatre in Leeds and York. Members from Out of Character also attend some sessions to exchange ideas and practice.
“ In the Moment is an ideal company for those who wish to expand their theatrical experience...” 19
OUR CONTACT DETAILS Hilary Bailey Converge Administrator Tel: 01904 876902 (please leave a voicemail message) Mobile: 07764 337116 Email: converge@yorksj.ac.uk
If you would like to send anything by post, please send to: Converge Office York St John University Lord Mayor’s Walk York YO31 7EX
Lucy Coleman Converge Support and Progression Worker Tel: 01904 876293 Mobile: 07415 709035 Email: l.coleman@yorksj.ac.uk
Matt Harper Converge Support and Progression Worker Tel: 01904 876293 Mobile: 07572 112404 Email: m.harper@yorksj.ac.uk
“ Taking the advice, which is given by course tutors, encouraged to express and participate and be fully involved with the facilities and surroundings of a great university.” Previous Student 20