Course Guide 2014
Course Guide 2014
Welcome to Dumfries and Galloway Wellness and Recovery College What is a Wellness and Recovery College? Dumfries and Galloway Wellness and Recovery College is a local initiative that delivers a range of wellness and recovery focussed learning and development opportunities. Courses are developed in partnership with the community; a key aspect of the College is that all materials are co-produced, co-delivered and co-received. Our aim is to further develop individual, family and community resilience. Funders Our funders include University of the West of Scotland, Putting You First (funded through the Joint Carers Strategy), Alcohol and Drugs Partnership and the Scottish Recovery Network. Our values • We are respectful of all needs • We develop confidence in people through provision of innovative learning opportunities • We create a safe environment for people to learn and develop • We offer courses delivered by people with lived and professional experience • We understand that people have different ways of learning • We continually evaluate and reflect on our work • We encourage hope, compassion and optimism
Course Guide 2014
Course delivery Courses will generally be delivered at University of the West of Scotland Dumfries campus. Some courses will be offered across the region. Who are the courses for? Anyone (over 18), from within Dumfries and Galloway, with an interest in wellness and recovery. Need help making your choice? Call or email us to discuss what interests you, and ask any questions you might have. Alternatively you might want to come along to one of our Information Sessions/Open Days: Wed 14th May 2014, 4-7pm Wed 6th Aug 2014, 4-7pm Wed 3rd Sept 2014, 4-7pm How long are the sessions? The sessions vary in length from a few hours to courses running over several weeks. You are welcome to book on a single course or sign up for a few. HOW MUCH DO COURSES COST? The courses listed within this booklet are free to join. Joining us It’s really easy to enrol. Complete the form available from our website or contact us to request one. We will then arrange to have a conversation with you – this can be over the phone or face-to-face.
Course Guide 2014
About US University of the West of Scotland The University aims to be an innovative provider of accessible education across the West of Scotland. Our purpose is to work in partnership across the regions in which we are based to make them more successful; and to create opportunities for all to participate and contribute to securing a better future. It is important for us to be open in what we do and to listen and respond; it is also important that we are accountable to the communities we serve. The Dumfries and Galloway Wellness and Recovery College supports achievement of this. Alcohol and Drugs Partnership Dumfries and Galloway Alcohol and Drug Partnership (ADP) regard the development of the Dumfries and Galloway Recovery College as integral to the range of services and resources available to people as they plan their own recovery journey. The opportunities offered by the College to learn and grow and share experiences with others from both similar and different backgrounds can only enhance and support recovery as well as preparation for active citizenship. The ADP fully supports this project and eagerly looks forward to being part of its development in coming years. Putting you First The College sits well with Putting You First objectives. Putting You First aims to enable individuals, Carers and families in the local community to take control of their own care and support and focuses on prevention and early intervention to support wellbeing and self-management of long term conditions. It also encourages strong links between the Council, NHS, third and independent sectors. Scottish Recovery Network At the Scottish Recovery Network we have a strong commitment to assisting opportunities for learning to support recovery and wellness. Our experience since 2004 strongly suggests that recovery can be greatly enhanced and supported through offering people chances to come together and share experiences and learning. We are especially pleased to support the College because we recognise the positive impact learning has on wellness and recovery.
Course Guide 2014
Course Guide 2014
Courses 1 HOUR Introduction To Mindfulness This one hour session introduces mindfulness and provides students with an overview of the approach. 1 SESSION Creating Positive Relationships Developing meaningful relationships has a positive effect on our wellbeing and making sure these are positive is very important. This session looks at the basis for positive relationships and explores ways of managing feeling shame, blame and guilt. Dispelling Myths About Eating Disorders This session discusses some of the myths that exist in relation to eating disorders and talks about how an individualised approach can support recovery. Exercise To Happiness You will explore ways in which to increase physical activity in your day-to-day life. The session will look at the reasons why looking after your physical health is important in relation to your mental wellbeing. Finding Reliable Health Information On The Internet This will provide you with an understanding of the ways to find reliable health information on-line. Participants will be expected to have a basic IT knowledge before joining the session. Introduction To Recovery This session describes and explains personal recovery and the recovery approach. It provides an introduction to what ‘recovery’ means and what it may mean for you. Laughter Yoga Laughter yoga is a combination of laughter exercises with yogic breathing (pranayama), so that you increase the amount of oxygen in your body whilst being playful. The result is you feel more healthy, energised and alive. This changes the physiology of your body so that you start to feel happier. Managing Your Mood This session explores the impact of mood swings and provides an overview of some useful strategies in relation to gaining more control and managing the stress that may arise as a result of mood changes. Mental Ill Health And The Family – How To Survive It Mental ill health often has a ‘ripple effect’ in families and can impact on tension and create changes in how people live their lives. This session explores survival strategies for family members. Onwards And Upwards – Climbing Out Of Black Holes Low mood can affect people on a short term and long term basis. This session provides students with an overview of current knowledge and things that help with low mood.
Course Guide 2014
Opening Conversations About Drugs and Alcohol An open, honest conversation is a powerful tool we can use to connect with those around us. However, when raising some sensitive issues, especially about drugs and alcohol, figuring out what to say and where to start can be a challenge. This session explores ways of opening those conversations. So Now You’re A Carer? Going Forward From Here Carers play a vital role in supporting family members who need help. Being a Carer can be a very positive experience but at times it may raise difficult personal issues about responsibility and guilt. This session summarises helpful techniques in relation to adjustment to the role of a Carer. Talking And Listening Around Sensitive Issues You will explore ways of opening sensitive conversations; responding to distress; and techniques to support listening. The Impact Of Loss Grief affects us in various ways, often in unwanted negative feelings and results. We identify types of loss such as death, job and partner and how they can all have a similar impact. The workshop also identifies how loss affects us e.g. emotional grieving, motivation, physical symptoms, lifestyle. Understanding Male Depression This session looks at male depression and summarises evidence around how signs and symptoms of depression can differ in men and women. Understanding Panic And Anxiety This session explores the experience of anxiety and panic and provides students with an overview of current approaches that people may find helpful. Understanding Self-harm This session looks at understanding what self-harm is, discusses why a person may self-harm and considers the links between self-harm and suicide. Conversation topics include practical hints and tips to support a person who is self-harming or someone affected by self-harm. 2 SESSIONS First Steps To Research This introductory course will explore the meaning of research and the opportunities for significant involvement at any level or stage of the research process. If I Could Just Get To Sleep This course provides you with the opportunity of exploring the things that may get in the way of getting a good night’s sleep and offers strategies to enable you to sleep more successfully. Know Your Rights In Relation To Health Care Topics include shared decision making about treatment, giving feedback or raising concerns, and an overview of health care principles. Rights and Recovery Participants will be introduced to the relationships between mental health recovery and human rights. Delivered over two sessions and using a combination of theory and practical exercises this course is of relevance to anyone who has been affected by or who has an interest in mental health issues.
Course Guide 2014
3 SESSIONS Confidence And Self-esteem Learn how to boost your confidence and self-esteem. You will discover tips and techniques to boost your confidence, be compassionate towards yourself and empower yourself. In Pursuit Of Personal Goals Are there areas of your life in which you would like to see change? You will have the opportunity to develop a personal action plan that will help turn your goals into achievements. 4 SESSIONS Creative Mindfulness These sessions explore the use of crafts to support becoming more mindful in day-to-day life. You will be supported to experience mindfulness while practising cross stitching in its simplest form. Personal Development You will have the opportunity to focus on your learning needs. In these sessions you will be supported to develop techniques to support learning; review your Learning Plan; reflect on skills and strengths; and discuss any learning support needs. Resilience At Work This course explores the nature of resilience and how we can build on our different strengths, develop a more resilient approach, sustain positive relationships and meet challenges in the workplace with greater confidence and success. Singing For Health Singing is now widely recognised as producing a whole host of health benefits. It could be argued that singing should more broadly be part of everyday life as singing has the power to enhance the mood. Singing for pleasure offers the chance to sing until your heart is content! Write to Recovery It has been shown that developing stories (also known as narratives) can be an effective means of helping people take control of their wellness and recovery and help people discover new perspectives on their life. Write to Recovery supports people to develop their story using a series of themes including ‘you are the hero’, ‘my fabulous future’ and ‘my life the movie’. 8 SESSIONS Living Life To The Full The programme provides 8 weeks of 1.5 hour sessions. Learn how to deal with feeling worried, fed up or hopeless, as well as how to incorporate practical top tips into your life to improve your health and wellbeing. Mindfulness Mindfulness training helps us become more aware of our thoughts and feelings so instead of being overwhelmed by them, we are better able to manage them. The way we think and the way we handle how we feel plays an important part in mental health.
Course Guide 2014
1 DAY Understanding Dementia A range of practical and experiential learning techniques will be used to support course participants to gain a brief glimpse into the experience of dementia. 2 DAYS Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training The workshop is for people who want to feel more comfortable, confident and competent in helping to prevent the immediate risk of suicide. Participation in the full two days is required. Enjoy small group discussions and skills practice that are based upon adult learning principles. Experience powerful videos on suicide intervention. Feel challenged and safe. Learn suicide first aid. Wellness Recovery Action Planning (WRAP) The WRAP workshop introduces people to recovery concepts and supports the start of the process of producing your individual WRAP. This workshop is delivered by WRAP Facilitators in a group setting to allow for mutual support and the sharing of ideas and experience. Please note one session may be 2 or 3 hours in duration.
Course Guide 2014
Booking a course Please complete a booking form which is available to download from our website at www.uws.ac.uk/wellnessandrecoverycollege Alternatively, telephone (01387) 345866, email DGWRC@uws.ac.uk, or visit in person at the: Wellness and Recovery College Dudgeon House University of the West of Scotland Dumfries DG1 4ZN (Monday to Friday 9am-4pm). If you would like to discuss options or have any questions please use the details above to get in contact.
Forms should be returned by post/email to: Marjory McCallum Project Administrator University of the West of Scotland Dudgeon House Dumfries DG1 4ZN DGWRC@uws.ac.uk
Please note: The information in this guide is correct at time of print but may be subject to change at a later date. This guide is available electronically and in other formats if required.
Dumfries and Galloway Wellness and Recovery College University of the West of Scotland Dudgeon House Dumfries DG1 4ZN Tel: 01387 345 866 DGWRC@uws.ac.uk www.uws.ac.uk/wellnessandrecoverycollege
Design: Corporate Marketing / Print: Printing Services. University of the West of Scotland. University of the West of Scotland is a registered Scottish charity. Charity number SC002520