Weekly Update
College News
November 5, 2026
Welcome to our weekly update.
Welcome to this week’s update. As we enjoy the glow of Bonfire Night and settle into the darker months, we’re pleased to share that many of our courses for next term are now open for booking, with our Calderdale programme soon to follow.
Read on to discover James’ reflections on a recent visit to York Art Gallery’s Making Waves exhibition. Inspired by both historical and contemporary Japanese printmaking, James reflects on the connection between creativity, mindfulness and one of our upcoming courses, Japanese Wood Carving, returning this January.
As always, we encourage you to take a look through what’s on offer, whether you’re looking to try something new, reconnect with an interest, or take the next step in your wellbeing journey. There are also still spaces available on a range of courses in our current programme, alongside opportunities, activities and support from community organisations and groups across Kirklees and Calderdale.
Featured article:
James is one of our Peer Workers and brings a real enthusiasm and sense of fun to the many co-creative courses he facilitates, including his popular Japanese wood carving sessions. Recently, he visited the Making Waves exhibition at York Art Gallery and was inspired by the connections between traditional Japanese printmaking and the creative activities we enjoy at the College. Here, James shares some reflections from his visit.
Over to James…
I recently spent a lovely day at the York Art Gallery looking at the Making Waves exhibition. Since we often look at these kinds of Japanese woodblock prints in our creative groups, it was incredible to see real 300-year-old originals right next to modern pieces. Looking closely at the fine lines carved into the wood centuries ago really gives you a new appreciation for the dedication involved.
One of my absolute favourite bits was a hands-on “Great Wave” layered stamp activity. It works just like the famous “stamp rallies” they have across Japan, where people collect a different custom stamp at each small local train station along their journey. Layering up the different colours of ink to build the iconic wave image myself was a lot of fun.
Seeing the connection between historic art and modern practice made me think of our own college sessions. Whether we are trying out lino, etching, gel printing, woodblock, or cyanotype, the print process is just a really nice way to slow down, clear your head, and focus on making something unique with your hands.
There is a quiet, rhythmic pattern to carving a block or rolling ink that naturally helps you stay in the present moment, which is exactly what our creative spaces are all about. It is less about being a perfect artist and more about the simple focus of creating.
James in full swing!
Spaces on courses – book now to avoid disappointment:-
Understanding Self-Harm
Tuesday 10 November 2026 – 10am-12pm – Online
My Music Journey
Wednesday 25 November 2026 – 10am – 12pm – Howlands Centre, Dewsbury – 3 weeks
Alone together: Cutting ties and making new ones
Tuesday 1 December 2026 – 10.00am-12.00pm – Online
Navigating Celebrations and Expectations
Monday 7 December 2026 – 10.00am-12.00pm – Online
A Plan for Living Well – Information Session
Tuesday 8 December 2026 – 1pm-2.30pm – Project Colt, Elland
Just click on the timetable icon to see what courses are coming up.
How to book your place
If you are already enrolled:
Email: ckrecovery.wellbeing@swyt.nhs.uk or call us on: 07717 867911 or you can use your learner portal.
Please wait for confirmation that you are booked onto a course before attending.
If you are new to the College please enrol here.
Recovery College Learner Portal
Once enrolled, you can use the portal to easily request courses and view what you’ve attended.
Use the links below:
Community Offers
In the spotlight this week:
Umbrella Yoga Community Classes – November 2026
Please find below a list of current Yoga classes across Kirklees. Umbrella yoga teachers are skilled at adapting the classes for people with different needs and abilities, and the people in the groups could not be more welcoming to newcomers. These sessions are open to anyone over 18 (some are just for women).
The latest up-to-date timetable is found on the website : https://umbrellayoga.co.uk/community-yoga/
Also in Kirklees..
📅 Monday 30 November
🕚 11:00am – 1:00pm
📍 Carers Count, 4th Floor, Empire House, Dewsbury, WF12 8DJ
Hosted in partnership with Carers Count, this session will give carers the opportunity to share their experiences, discuss what matters most to them, and help shape future priorities for carer support. Your voice matters, and we would welcome your views on how organisations can better identify, involve and support carers across our communities.
To register your place or for further information, please contact InvolvingPeople@swyt.nhs.uk.
We hope to see you there.
Local community information – Calderdale and Kirklees Recovery College
Cost of Living Information:
Click the link below to find links to websites and workbooks that can provide help and advice with money, debt and the cost of living.
Cost of Living Information – Calderdale and Kirklees
Follow us on our socials here:
Have a great weekend
The Recovery & Wellbeing College Team
ckrecovery.wellbeing@swyt.nhs.uk
07717 867911
Calderdale and Kirklees Recovery and Wellbeing College
Correspondence address:
Ravensleigh Resource Unit
28 Oxford Road
Dewsbury
WF13 4LL
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