Weekly Update

There’s plenty happening across the Recovery College and our local communities this week, with opportunities to learn, connect and get involved. We’re also featuring a personal reflection from Recovery Coach Laura, who explores the often-overlooked connection between food and wellbeing and shares how learners can help shape future learning in this area.

We’re also delighted to be celebrating World Mental Health Day at Mirfield Community Centre on Monday 12 October 2026, from 10:00am to 12:30pm. It’s a great opportunity to come together, connect with others and celebrate the importance of mental health and wellbeing in our communities (see below for details). Family and friends welcome!

If you’re looking for your next course, workshop or community opportunity, be sure to explore the links below and see what’s coming up across Calderdale and Kirklees. We hope you’ll find something that sparks your interest and supports your wellbeing journey.

We all have a relationship with food, and for many of us it’s not straightforward. It might involve calorie counting, regularly stepping on the scales, being critical of what we see in the mirror, childhood memories around food, feelings of guilt about eating certain things, emotional eating, or simply not knowing which health advice to follow.

I can relate to all of this. From hearing “no dessert until you’ve eaten your broccoli” as a child, to always feeling bigger than my peers, I’ve tried countless diets over the years: cabbage soup, Weight Watchers, Slimming World, no carbs, juice diets, and more. While some brought temporary results, they never addressed the underlying issues such as emotional eating or my habit of criticising myself whenever I looked in the mirror. The “I’ll be happy when…” moment never arrived.

Living with depression and undiagnosed ADHD for much of my adult life also affected my relationship with food. It often felt like I could only tackle one piece of the wellbeing jigsaw at a time. Now, in my mid-40s and navigating perimenopause, I’m paying much closer attention to the food pieces of that jigsaw and how they impact my health and wellbeing.

When the opportunity arose to become a Recovery Coach and help develop a curriculum around disordered eating, I saw it as a chance to explore my own relationship with food while creating courses that could make a real difference to others. We all need food, but do we truly understand the impact it has on our physical and mental wellbeing?

I’d love to hear about your relationship with food so that together we can develop courses that meet the needs of our learners. Alongside Recovery Coach Paul, I’ll be running two workshops this autumn:

Food and Wellbeing: Your Voice
An opportunity to share your experiences, explore challenges, and tell us what would help you develop a healthier relationship with food.

Book here

Food and Wellbeing: Your Voice – Calderdale and Kirklees Recovery College

As Dr Rangan Chatterjee says:

“The food you eat has a direct impact on your mind, as well as your body.”

Let’s explore this together. You can also complete our survey to help shape future courses and support.

Food & Wellbeing Survey – Fill in form

World Mental Health Day 2026

We’re delighted to be celebrating World Mental Health Day at Mirfield Community Centre on Monday 12 October 2026, from 10:00am to 12:30pm.

This year’s theme, “Real Voices, Real Recovery”, reflects the Recovery College’s commitment to co-production, where people with lived experience work alongside staff and professionals to shape learning, share skills and support recovery.

Join us for a morning of wellbeing, creativity, learning and connection. There will be a range of free workshops, including printing, jewellery making and textiles, alongside many other fun activities designed to boost wellbeing, build confidence and help people connect with others.

You’ll also be able to find out more about Recovery College courses, peer support and local wellbeing services.

Whether you’re new to the Recovery College or have joined us before, everyone is welcome.

Keep an eye on our social media channels and future updates for more information about the activities and opportunities available on the day. 💚

No need to book on… just turn up and feel free to bring friends and family.