Here are some words from on of our trainers;
‘This is a splendid celebration- half a decade of working with a brilliant team of thoughtful and inspiring people to help our students to help themselves move forward with their mental health challenges by attending our courses. We’ve met some amazing people along the way and seen them make great changes for the better and somewhat regain the lives they want to live.
Covid tried to stop us in our tracks but we’ve carried on and still managed to reach out to students online and made a difference to them and their recovery journey. I feel privileged to have shared this journey with them all and work together on such a worthwhile project. Here’s to the next half decade of Recovery in Mind and more innovative and stimulating courses to come!’
Easter Celebration
After such a long time without seeing one another in person both students and staff met for an Easter celebration at Shaw House. Socially distanced outside we enjoyed our time together taking part in an outdoor quiz at Shaw House. The trees were just turning and there was a glimmer of sunshine even though it was still so cold. Fresh air, having time to catch up and a few chocolate eggs made for a memorable social event. We like to meet socially every term. Being a student at Recovery in Mind courses is more than the learning; making new friends, connecting with other students and taking part in group activities are an important and valuable part of moving forward with mental health challenges.
Allotment
For the past few years the Recovery in Mind team have been thinking about how an allotment might be a positive addition to our course offerings. Somewhere to develop new interests, learn skills and literally ‘grow’ together.
At last we have our own ‘Shed’ and growing space on the Sport in Mind allotment about a mile outside central Newbury. It couldn’t have come at a better time as we are moving on from the Covid 19 pandemic onto what is universally described as the ‘Recovery Phase’ (little do they know the rest of us have been in the Recovery Phase for quite a while now!) . There are two large polytunnels which have doors that open either end and allow for plenty fresh air and space to continue to be socially distanced. We also have a large outdoor bed where we will grow flowers and vegetables this summer. We have indoor table and chairs as well as the opportunity to sit or work together outside. We have all kinds of ideas from hanging basket workshops, creativity sessions, Reading sessions, courses, social mornings and all the other jobs and chores that are such a pleasure to do with others from the ‘Recovery in Mind tribe’. It’s a beautiful and peaceful spot (except for the odd train which passes at the back). There seems to be lots of birds, insects and other wildlife to look out for. Sport in Mind have been so kind and generous to allow us to use the allotment and have two mornings for the sole use of Recovery in Mind sessions. There will be something for everyone.
I really hope that you all get to share a little (or more) of the allotment with us this coming year. What’s not to love about growing, fresh air and nature in the company of other friendly students and our Peer Trainers?!
Festive Walk
Thanks to all the Recovery in Mind students and staff who came out on a damp December morning for our Festive Walk around Thatcham Discovery Centre Lakes. It was a fairly muddy wander around the perimeter of the lake but spirits were high and it was lovely to ‘celebrate’ Christmas and give a nod to the end of a challenging year. We ended back at the café for hot drinks and mince pies. Thanks also to Lynette for making the most delicious home made chocolate truffles for us to share. We walked in groups of six with the now ‘normal’ social distancing which didn’t at all affect our enjoyment. My final thought for the year was how wonderful it is to build a community of support and hope. Its been a difficult year for us all and Recovery in Mind has had to adapt as all organisations have. My best wishes and thanks to all who joined us for this heart warming and special alternative to our annual Christmas get together.
Recovery Street Exhibition
Thank you to The Base at Greenham Common for displaying our Recovery Street Exhibition.
Here is a link to their website with more information
https://thebasegreenham.co.uk/about/news/2020/recovery-street-exhibition
Some lovely feedback from one of the artists upstairs…
‘I love your exhibition that’s up at the Base! I can’t find the words and feelings that describe it, ‘moving’ isn’t adequate…..but it’s excellent and I’m so glad it’s up…..and that bit by bit mental health is being talked about and learned about more.’
Autumn Creativity
There were some fantastic achievements at the Autumn Creativity session led by Sarah this week. Some fabulous shaped pumpkins were used as inspiration.
A student testimonial:-
‘I felt totally lost and Recovery in Mind courses have helped me find my way on a journey. I can highly recommend it!’