Keeping Connected and the Weekly Update
College News
February 22, 2024
Welcome to Keeping Connected and the Weekly Update. As usual we have some inspiring articles in our Keeping Connected Newsletter this week written by people that have bravely shared their stories of how they have overcome adversity. They have faced both emotional and mental health challenges to find confidence and their place in life again.
As a college we are facing some challenges of our own, losing our base at Pathways, Mirfield; the final course running on the 24th April! We are relocating our office to Ravensleigh Resource Unit, Oxford Road, Dewsbury and will be around and running courses at Calderdale and Kirklees for years to come. In fact our team in Kirklees is expanding and doubling in size!
Thank you to everyone who has been in touch, we appreciate your messages and kind words. We’ve also received lots of suggestions for alternative venues across Kirklees where we could potentially deliver our courses in future – thanks for these ideas, we are exploring them! In the meantime we would like to invite you, our learners, to an event we have called Pastures New on 9th April. This will be a chance to hear about our plans, meet our new staff members and ask questions. Find out what part you can play in helping us continue the success of the College and how these new changes will affect you.
We continue to deliver our courses at community venues in Calderdale, including with partners Everybody Arts and Unmasked Mental Health. To find out more please do drop into our session at Unmasked Mental Health on 28th February.
Keep checking the Weekly Update for all the news as we develop our plans and widen our reach across Calderdale and Kirklees!
Click below to go to our monthly newsletter and thanks to all the contributors.
Keeping Connected March 2024 (PDF, 698 KB)
Pastures New: Plans for the future – Kirklees
Kirklees Recovery College, Kirklees Recovery & Wellbeing College, Pathways, Nettleton Rd, Mirfield, WF14 9AQ
Tuesday 9 April 2024 1.00-3.00pm 1 week
We are growing and developing our college here in Kirklees despite recent challenges! We know many of you, our learners are anxious about the closure of the Pathways site but want to reassure you that we have plans to continue running our courses across all of Kirklees.
This session will be a chance to hear about our plans, meet our new staff members and an opportunity ask questions. Find out what part you can play in helping us continue the success of the College and how these new changes will affect you.
Our college is not made of bricks and mortar but of the people within it.
This session will be held in the large meeting space in the Pathways building
Pastures New: Plans for the future – Kirklees
Please book on to this event in the usual way you would book onto a course and we will sent you reminders as usual!
To see what’s new in our current timetable – just click on the icon below:
What’s on in Calderdale?
Don’t miss out on these upcoming courses!
Gratitude Jar Workshop
Unmasked Mental Health, 20-26 Commercial Street Halifax Town Centre Halifax HX1 1TA
Holmfirth Tech, 140 Huddersfield Road, Holmfirth, HD9 3AR
Unmasked Mental Health – Monday 18 March 2024 12.30pm – 3pm 1 weeks SPACES STILL AVAILABLE, book now!
Holmfirth Tech – Wednesday 20 March 2024 6.30pm – 9pm 1 week SPACES STILL AVAILABLE, book now!
Come along and step into gratitude – both for those around you and as part of your own self-care. In this one-off workshop we will learn about the science of gratitude jars, how they can support our happiness, build positive relationships, and help us to appreciate all the good things in life. We will each build a jar for someone special in our lives and start to create a jar for ourselves which we can use and build on throughout the year ahead.
Before attending this session, please think about who you want to gift the jar to and bring along any pictures, photos, or small mementos that you would like to include. You can also bring a jar that is special to you, or alternatively we can provide one for you.
8th March International Women’s day:
Find Your Inner SHERO
Unmasked Mental Health, 20-26 Commercial Street Halifax Town Centre Halifax HX1 1TA – SPACES STILL AVAILABLE
Online – SPACES STILL AVAILABLE
(Please note that the Mirfield session is now fully booked)
Friday 8 March 2024, 10am – 12pm, 1 week
On International Women’s Day we will be celebrating the power of the female voice. Using inspiration from the ‘100 Women Who Changed the World’, we will unearth our stories of change with the support and guidance of our wonderful Recovery College Facilitators. Through group discussion, games, art and writing we will showcase ordinary women, like us, living extraordinary lives. We will celebrate the challenges we have grown through, whether it be a personal conquest, the skills we might share as mothers, the time we have given back to the community. We are all extraordinary women making positive change in our homes, communities and the lives of others. This is your time to be heard and to celebrate you!
Women’s Wellbeing: Pamper Me
Unmasked Mental Health, 20-26 Commercial Street Halifax Town Centre Halifax HX1 1TA – SPACES STILL AVAILABLE
Online – SPACES STILL AVAILABLE
(Please note that the Mirfield session is now fully booked)
Friday 8 March 2024, 1-3pm, 1 week
On International Women’s Day we will take some much-needed time out to create our very own self-care pamper package. In this one-off workshop, delivered by our wonderful Facilitators, we will discuss as a group the things we need on a daily basis to stay well. We will try out some pamper routines and create our very own pamper package to take home.
ROKT Climbing Development Course
ROKT Climbing Gym, Mill Royd St, Brighouse HD6 1EY
Tuesday 9 April 2024 11 am – 12.30 pm 7 weeks
Back by popular demand! Our Partners ROKT Climbing Gym are launching more free climbing courses for you our Calderdale and Kirklees Learners. During this Climbing Development course you will have a trained and experienced instructor with you to make sure that you are safe and you’ll be part of a group.
This climbing course is aimed at anyone who would like to use climbing to improve their wellbeing. Don’t be put off if you’ve never been climbing before-ROKT cater for every ability.
If you’re a beginner you don’t have to be fit to start climbing or bouldering, but a basic level of fitness and mobility is required. Bouldering is climbing without ropes or harnesses on low-level walls or boulders. If you’ve never been climbing before, bouldering is a great way to get into climbing, their instructors will show you the basics and how to problem solve on the walls.
If you want to try rope climbing ROKT have a 21.5 metre high lead wall and several 16 metre climbing silos. Their expert instructors will help you fit a harness and show you how to rope climb confidently and safely.
You will be amazed at how much fun it is and how good you get. Did you know climbing is good for your mental and physical health as well!
For more info about ROKT Climbing follow this link to check out our video https://youtu.be/LeRBFjj2GBw
What’s on in Kirklees?
Managing Stress
Folly Hall, St Thomas Road, Huddersfield HD1 3LT – SPACES STILL AVAILABLE
Tuesday 12 March 2024, 10.30am – 12.30pm, 1 week
This learning seminar will help you develop your knowledge and awareness of stress, how stress affects you and most importantly what you can do to manage it. The session will be facilitated by two friendly psychological wellbeing practitioners and it will introduce self-help techniques such as relaxation, problem solving and challenging negative thoughts, helping you to learn skills to manage your own symptoms and become your own therapist.
Declutter your life
Kirklees Recovery College, Kirklees Recovery & Wellbeing College, Pathways, Nettleton Rd, Mirfield, WF14 9AQ SPACES STILL AVAILABLE
Tuesday 12 March 2024 10am – 12pm 2 weeks
The stuff we buy and accumulate over time can clutter our minds as well as our homes. So, join us for this insightful two-week course as together we learn how to live with less and to regain control of our choices – and lives. With the help and support of our lovely Peer Worker, Karen we will discuss ways to simplify our lives, to focus on the things that are important to us and practical ways to rid ourselves of the chaos of our overfilled drawers, cupboards and minds!
Please be aware that this course is not suitable for those who have hoarding tendencies due to the specialised and complex nature of this condition.
Creating Cartoon Characters
Kirklees Recovery College, Kirklees Recovery & Wellbeing College, Pathways, Nettleton Rd, Mirfield, WF14 9AQ
Monday 18 March 2024 12pm – 3pm 1 week STILL SPACES- book now
Whether you want a space to explore your creativity, try out drawing and doodling your own characters (even if you think you can’t), or want to learn how to design your very own cartoon then join us for this brand-new, one-off creative workshop. With the help and support of our fab Facilitators, James & Ethan, together we will discover how to create our own cartoon characters and how to bring them to life using a range of emotions and scenarios.
No previous experience is required, as long as you’re willing to have a go! Templates and prompts will be provided, if required, as well as a brew and biscuits!
Anxiety & Stress Relief: Mind Body Connections
Kirklees Recovery College, Kirklees Recovery & Wellbeing College, Pathways, Nettleton Rd, Mirfield, WF14 9AQ
Monday 18 March 2024 6pm – 8pm 1 week
Come along and join us for this fascinating one-off workshop where we will learn about the mind and body connection. During this interactive session, together we will discuss how difficult emotions, such as anxiety and chronic stress, can affect us and what we can do to help manage them. Based on the most up-to-date neuroscientific studies, we will discover stress relieving techniques and ways to enable us to change our mindset in order to build resilience.
Delivered by Amy at Sublime Minds, this fun and informative session will help us look at a variety of ways to improve and maintain a sense of balance and wellbeing. The session will conclude with a guided relaxation practice to instil calmness and feelings of new possibilities.
Anxiety & Stress Relief: Mind Body Connections
If you are new to the College please enrol here
If you are already enrolled with The College please express your interest by email us at: ckrecovery.wellbeing@swyt.nhs.uk
Please don’t spread your germs if you have any covid symptoms remember to stay at home! Thanks
Other Community Offers:
Movies at Dewsbury Town Hall- new season of films
Saturday 2nd March 10am – Chicken Run
Wednesday 27 March 10pm – Minions (Easter holidays)
Saturday 6 April 10am – Wizard of Oz
Saturday 20 April 6pm – English Vinglish
Monthly movies at Dewsbury Town Hall, supported by Dewsbury Taking the Lead! We’re launching a Spring / Summer season of films, screened in our beautiful Victorian hall.
Check our website & Facebook for dates and films. Tell us what you’d like to see! Films will have a short interval and ice-cream, fresh popcorn and drinks will be available to buy.
Read on for our first four films in March and April…book in advance or buy on the day! (tickets £5 * – under 3s free)
Long-COVID: Recover Together Programme – Calderdale
Do you have after effects of Covid, also known as Long COVID Such as breathlessness, tiredness, aching muscles, or brain fog? If so, you may be eligible for our new Long-COVID: Recover Together physical activity sessions.
The programme consists of 8 weekly sessions held at a community venue. Each session will focus on:
• gentle exercise
• an education/peer support element to discuss the condition
• ways to self-manage symptoms
• signposting to relevant services.
We will support you to exercise at your own pace and learn how to work with your body, so that by the end of the programme you have the skills, knowledge and confidence to continue exercising in whatever way you want!
To register your interest, or find out more, please contact
shanti.bradley@calderdale.gov.uk or call 0784 1 792177.
Men’s Talk Digital Showreel Event
This event takes place on Thursday 29th February.
Men’s Talk is Community Links’ project for men who are managing long-term mental health issues. It is a creative advocacy project for men with lived experience of mental health difficulties. Men’s Talk works with men to develop new skills, build confidence and create platforms for their voices. Central to Men’s Talk is encouraging other men who are experiencing mental health issues to seek the support that they need.
Men’s Talk Digital uses film making to engage men who have experienced mental health issues. The project provides equipment, training, support and opportunities to create short films and campaigns. Co-produced by the men, at the Showreel we will be taking a look at the films created by MT Digital during 2023.
To reserve a seat at the Showreel email stuart.hawkes@commlinks.co.uk or mens.talk@commlinks.co.uk
Also coming up- Men’s Talk at Dewsbury Rams -12th March 24 at 7.30pm
Men’s Talk will be performing at Dewsbury Rams -12th March 24 at 7.30pm. This is a great opportunity for the men to have an impact in their local community. It would be great if we could get a good audience for this rare evening performance. Please encourage anyone who hasn’t been able to see the performance to come along – your support would be much appreciated.
More information on Men’s Talk at https://www.facebook.com/people/CLEAR-Mens-Talk/100082411594145/
FreeKlime – free climbing sessions
Friday 23rd February – and the last Friday of each month
Come along to FreeKlime in Huddersfield for a free introduction to bouldering session with a qualified instructor. The session lasts around 45 minutes. After this you are free to continue to use the centre as you wish.
Sign up by emailing – john@blackdogoutdoors.co.uk
More details can be found via the Facebook Event page here – Free Bouldering Sessions at FreeKlime
Mondays at the Museum (Huddersfield)
A weekly Monday opportunity to take part in various activities designed with your health and wellbeing in mind, all within the inspirational setting of Tolson Museum and Ravensknowle Park.
Join us to find out more and have a go! Suitable for all ages and abilities – everyone is very welcome.
Currently every Monday at 11.00am, except Bank Holidays.
For more information, please email info@huddersfieldmission.org.uk
SSDW COMMUNITY DANCE4HEALTH
Mondays 1.30pm – 2.30pm at Thrive @ Connect, 21 Bond Street, Dewsbury, WF13 1AX
This 7-week dance project will be starting Monday 5th February 2024 and will run weekly on the following dates:
- 5th, 12th & 19th February (No session on 26th February)
- 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th March
Dance4Health is for you if you are struggling to get back into physical activity, feel like you have lost the motivation for exercise or even a little bit worried about having no coordination and or low confidence. Please do not worry, you’re in safe hands. The level of the class is accessible for all abilities (and can be done seated) – you have the freedom to work at your own pace and to your own capabilities. Come and “dance till you feel better” through a fusion of Urban Dance, Aerobics, 50s, 60s, 70s and International Dance – Feel the benefits of getting your body moving by improving your health and wellbeing.
Only 15 FREE places are available for this course – attend all of the sessions to receive a copy of my brand new Self-Discovery Wellness Workbook. If you are open to journaling, finding out about yourself and discovering what it is that you want you will definitely benefit. The purpose of the workbook is to guide you towards better awareness of your wellbeing and to create a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
Book a space on to this course via this link – https://ssdancewellbeing.co.uk/item/ssdw-community-dance4health
Free wellbeing activities every Friday 9.30am – 3pm
FOCAL Community Centre, New Hey Road, Salendine Nook, HD3 4DD (next to the Salvation Army)
Activities include: Mens’ group; Yoga; Craft; Adult learning sessions; IT support; Wellness Drop in – weight management, smoking; and so much more!
Call 01484 516444 for more details.
Kirklees Libraries
Friendship Café at Mirfield Library
1st Friday of every month 10.30-12.00
Come and have coffee, cake and a chat at the café drop-in café run by Soroptimist International of Dewsbury and District.. Bring a friend or make a new one
Mirfield Library East Thorpe Lodge, Huddersfield Rd, Mirfield WF14 8AN
01484 414868
Wellness Walk at Slaithwaite Library
Every Thursday 10.30-11.00
A gentle low-level walk lead by the Wellness team,
Low-impact weekly health walk to get people back into fitness. Meets at Community Café and comes back to the library where attendees then socialise and have a drink/lunch.
Slaithwaite Library, Town Hall, Cross St, Slaithwaite, Huddersfield HD7 5AF
slaithwaite.lic@kirklees.gov.uk
Birstall Library Book Club
Wednesday 10.30-12.00 – runs on the last Wednesday of every month.
An opportunity to read and discuss books, authors and genres with others in a friendly and informal group. Everyone is welcome and there is no need to book. Refreshments provided.
Birstall Library, Market St., Birstall, Batley WF17 9EN
https://www.creativekirklees.com/en-UK/page/64dca5a5ff14a4064af73cf9
Poetry Group at Lindley Library
Every Tuesday 10.30-12.30
A free drop in event to share and discuss poetry. Refreshments available.
Lindley Library, Lidget St, Lindley, Huddersfield HD3 3JP
https://www.creativekirklees.com/en-UK/page/655e040b2ab2fc749d82e9a8
Long Covid Support at Batley Library
Every Thursday 11.00-12.00
Support for people living with long Covid. Delivered by the Wellness Service, Kirklees Council.
https://kirkleeswellnessservice.co.uk/long-covid/
Batley Library, 14 Market Pl, Batley WF17 5DA
https://www.creativekirklees.com/en-UK/page/6565dc37af7ac91dacfabc7a
Calderdale and Kirklees Libraries – Reading Well
Public libraries offer Reading Well collections – books that support your health and wellbeing. It’s a scheme that’s endorsed by health professionals and supported by public libraries. Why not ask at your local library?
Health and Reading Well | Calderdale Libraries
Health and wellbeing | Kirklees Libraries
Books and audio books on your phone, through the Libby app
If you have a smartphone, you can read e-books and listen to audio books on your phone or tablet from your public library. Both Calderdale and Kirklees can offer this through the Libby app, see the links below for more information.
Libby and other online resources | Kirklees Libraries
Winter Warmth Sessions: Free Access To Creative Activity For All
Everybody Arts (Artworks) Halifax
For more info: Winter Warmth Sessions: Free Access to Creative Activity for All — Everybody Arts
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:
We hope you have a great weekend
The Recovery & Wellbeing College Team
ckrecovery.wellbeing@swyt.nhs.uk
07717 867911
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