Keeping Connected and the Weekly Update
College News
January 8, 2026
Happy New Year and Welcome Back!
We hope you all had a restful break and are stepping into 2026 with renewed energy. As we begin the new term, we’re excited to embrace our theme: “You belong here. You matter. We’re listening.” This will guide everything we do as we continue building a community where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and heard.
We’re also pleased to share that our monthly newsletter, Keeping Connected, is now out. This edition includes ideas on how to become more physically active, tips on taking charge of our own health, and a heartfelt farewell message from Rachel as she leaves us this month after nearly a decade of dedication and contribution. She’ll be greatly missed, and we wish her all the very best.
Here’s to a meaningful and connected term ahead!
Keeping Connected January 2026
Why Your Feedback Matters
Here at the Recovery & Wellbeing College, we’re passionate about making our courses the best they can be, for you and for future
learners. That’s why we ask for feedback after every course.
We know life is busy, and filling in a form might feel like just another job on the to-do list, but your feedback really does matter. If a course met your expectations, please tell us. If it didn’t or you decided the course wasn’t for you and didn’t complete it, then we especially want to hear from you! Digital forms are quick and easy, and paper copies are still available if you prefer. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts. We know it’s not personal – it’s progress. With your help we can make the Recovery College even better! So please make your voice count.
Have you tried your Recovery College Learner Portal yet?
If not, you’re missing out! It’s the easiest way to:
✔ Browse all our courses
✔ Request a place
✔ Let us know if you can’t attend a session
…and much more – all in one handy place.
Look out for an email from ‘heiapply’ with a link to set your password and start using your Portal Monday 22nd December. (Check your spam/junk folder if you don’t see it.)
📖 For full details and guidance, take a look at our User Guide here:
https://www.calderdalekirkleesrc.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Learner-Portal-guide.pdf
Can’t find the email or having trouble getting set up? Get in touch – we’re happy to help! 😊
07717 867911 or ckrecovery.wellbeing@swyt.nhs.uk
Spaces on courses – book now to avoid disappointment:-
Yoga in Chairs
Tuesday 13 January 2026 – 10am – 11.30am – Mirfield Community Centre – 6 weeks
Join our fabulous Peer Worker, Laura for this fully accessible course, where we’ll discover how yoga can prove to be a helpful wellbeing tool and ways to incorporate this practice into our everyday lives. Yoga can help calm the mind, improve sleep, increase concentration and could even relieve symptoms of Depression. All movements are done from the chair, with some standing options. Please wear loose comfortable clothing during sessions and you will be required to complete a health questionnaire before attending.
Climbing Development at ROKT
Tuesday 13 January 2026 – 11.15am – 12.30pm – ROKT, Brighouse – 6 weeks
This beginners climbing course is aimed at anyone who would like to use climbing to improve their wellbeing and have some fun. If you’ve never been climbing before this climbing development course is for you. You will learn about climbing safely, belaying and tying knots. You will be amazed at how much fun it is and how good you get.
Please wear warm clothing (layers or thermals) and a woolly hat since ROKT is quite cold at this time of year.
You will be required to complete a health questionnaire before your booking is confirmed.
Emotional Balance: Music & Mood
Wednesday 28 January 2026 – 2pm – 4pm – Online
Join us for this enlightening workshop where we delve into the transformative power of music. This session is designed to help us understand how music can be a magical tool used to enhance our sense of wellbeing. This session forms part of a series of Emotional Balance Workshops. You are welcome to attend all these or individual ones according to your needs or interests!
My Meds, My Life
Friday 30 January 2026 – 10am – 1pm – Folly Hall, Huddersfield – 2 weeks
Mental health medication can be a lifeline — but it can also raise questions, concerns and side effects. Whether you’re currently taking medication, have done in the past, or are simply curious, this two-week course offers a welcoming and safe space to explore how medication fits into your life and recovery journey.
Emotional Balance: Breathe Deep
Monday 23 February 2026 – 6pm – 8pm – Online
It’s time to harness the power of the breath to support us through difficult times. In this one-off session, which forms part of our Emotional Balance series, our fab facilitators will provide guidance and support as we learn the techniques to breathe into our diaphragm.
PLEASE NOTE: This workshop will involve deep breathing and a guided relaxation. Please consult your doctor before taking part if you have any issues with breathing or psychosis.
View our full course offer here:
You can click the icon or link below for details of all our upcoming courses:
Click to book – View all courses – Calderdale and Kirklees Recovery College (calderdalekirkleesrc.nhs.uk)
How to book your place
If you are already enrolled with the college, please email us to request a place on your chosen course(s) at: ckrecovery.wellbeing@swyt.nhs.uk or call us on: 07717 867911 or you can use your learner portal to express your interest. 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
If you have enrolled with us within the last 2 years or so you will have access to our learner portal. This makes booking onto courses even easier! You can request to book onto courses and see what course you have attended. Use the links below to the portal and our user guide.
Community Offers
Disclaimer:
The community offers and activities shared in this update are provided by third-party organizations and are included for your information only. The Recovery & Wellbeing College does not endorse, guarantee, or take responsibility for the quality, safety, or suitability of these external services. Participation is at your own discretion, and we recommend checking details directly with the provider before attending.
What’s On in Kirklees
Click https://communitydirectory.kirklees.gov.uk/communityDirectory/whatsOn.aspx to browse a wide range of events.
You can also check Creative Kirklees What’s On as there are a wide variety of different events and activities listed.
Mindful Zentangle Taster session- 14th January
Wednesday 14th January from 10:30am – 12:30pm The 3 Strand Café, Longcauseway Church, Dewsbury WF13 1NH
Join us for a mindful drawing workshop led by Carolyn Hilton from Mindful Maker CIC. During this relaxing session, you’ll be guided to take ‘a line for a walk’ using a fine liner on plain paper, creating your very own unique piece of art. This FREE workshop is suitable for all abilities and offers the chance to learn a new skill while enjoying feelings of pride, accomplishment, focus and relaxation. Often described as ‘yoga for the brain’, Zentangle art can help reduce stress and anxiety, quieten the mind and support focus, concentration and better sleep. Originally arranged for an earlier date, this has now been rescheduled.
Please email us at: contact@s2r.org.uk to book your place. For more information, please contact Cathy Deihim (Wellness Worker)
by emailing: cathy@s2r.org.uk or calling: 07729 262 741
Mindful Zentangle2 Taster Session (PDF, 1 MB)
New Calderdale carers group- starts 10 February
Starts Tuesday 10 February 2026, 11am – 1pm
Laura Mitchell Health and Wellbeing Centre, Great Albion Street, Halifax, HX1 1YR
To attend, contact Zahrah or Jade on 07918608131
New Calderdale carers group poster (PDF, 734 KB)
Creative Minds Kirklees newsletter
Click on the link below for the latest newsletter. Learn about the latest projects, artwork from a local artist Howard Cheslett, and a call for new artwork and poetry for Folly Hall Mills NHS premises- especially from people with lived experience of mental health issues and/or their carers.
https://sway.cloud.microsoft/uhBRoyn6lOR8tjCs?ref=Link
Drum for Wellbeing free courses January and February- Holmfirth and Denby Dale
Holmfirth Tech: Wednesday 10-11.30 am
Denby Dale Methodist: Thursday 10-11.30 am
To book: phone 07736049089 or visit https://www.rhythmstick.co.uk Online booking form direct link at https://www.rhythmstick.co.uk/book-a-valley-beats-course.html
Waythrough – What’s On January – March 2026 timetable
These activities are open to everyone aged 18 or over who lives in Kirklees and experiences mental health issues, problems, or concerns. You do not need to be seeing an employment advisor to join. Simply call the number below or email and ask for Karl Jackson-Lander the Peer Support Coordinator who will assist you to fill out a short referral form so you can attend.
What’s On – January-March-2026 (PDF, 218 KB)
For more information or to book a place please contact: Karl Jackson-Lander on:
Mobile: 07909 993203
Email: Karl.Jackson-Lander@waythrough.org.uk
For more information, to see our online calendar, or to complete our online application form follow the QR Code, or visit: https://rfkirkleesemployment.org.uk/
Growing Works Outdoor Therapeutic Activities- January
It is a cold start to the New Year, which makes getting outdoors even harder, but it is more important than ever to get enjoy the outdoor world when we can.
Young Shoots 9-week course starting on Saturday 17th January 2pm – 4pm for the teenagers with SEND/SEMH to build skills, confidence and independence focusing on making allotment crafts, including a traffic light system for our growing beds, tree notice board and big outdoor games equipment. Places are free but booking is essential, diagnosis not required.
Sprout, family sessions for SEND/SEMH for 12 year and below, continues every Saturday morning 10.30am – 12.30pm. It’s a relaxed, accessible space for families to get together, have fun and share experiences, booking required.
Bud, adult volunteering sessions run every Tuesday and Thursday 10am to 1pm, it is a community of people getting together to make the Wakefield Road site an engaging and productive space to connect to nature. Tasks are appropriate for every skill and ability, travel expenses available and soup at lunchtime.
All activities are at Wakefield Road Allotments, Dalton, HD5 9XN at our outdoor, therapeutic site, check out our website, Directions and contacts – Growing Works
Holmfirth Tech
Visit https://holmfirthtech.co.uk/whats-on/ for the events listings
For more activities to do with health and wellbeing visit: https://communitydirectory.kirklees.gov.uk/communityDirectory/ThingsToDo.aspx?q=health
https://www.kirklees.gov.uk/beta/community-plus/our-events.aspx
What’s On in Calderdale
Visit https://www.visitcalderdale.com/whats-on/ for a wide range of events and activities.
Also check Calderdale Forum 50 plus events calendar at https://calderdaleforum50plus.com/events-activities/
For the Hebden Bridge area, also check https://www.hebdenbridge.co.uk/events/index.html
What’s On at Project Colt, Elland
Housed within the historic walls of Elland’s Bridgefield Mills, Project Colt is a safe space full of understanding and open to people who may need extra support.
More than just a building, our mill is a thriving hub brimming with activities, workshops, a bustling cafe, and unique shopping experiences. People can connect, learn, create, and support one another.
Browse the link at https://www.projectcolt.org.uk/whats-on/ for their activities calendar.
3-2-1 Walks: Get outdoors and enjoy easy to follow routes in Calderdale!
Build your fitness and improve your health with 3-2-1 Walks from Active Calderdale and Calderdale Forum 50 Plus. Choose from easy-to-follow routes and see how far you can walk in a week or a month. Getting active by walking regularly can improve both your physical and mental health. Our short, easy-to-follow walks can be enjoyed alone or in the company of family and friends.
More information at 3-2-1 Walks – Calderdale Forum 50 Plus
You can also find more information on walking in Calderdale at https://www.visitcalderdale.com/visitor-information/walking-in-calderdale/ – you can also view shorter walks at https://heartofthepennines.org.uk/shorter-walks/
Physical Activity Ideas: Mixenden, Illingworth, Ovenden & Boothtown
Active Calderdale have published some very useful physical activity guides for Mixenden, Illingworth, Ovenden and Boothtown.
See https://calderdaleforum50plus.com/2025/08/05/physical-activity-ideas-mixenden-illingworth-ovenden-boothtown/ for more information.
Grow Well
Get your hands mucky, get active and meet new people every Wednesday from 9am – 12pm at the Outback Community Garden, Halifax. For details click here: Grow Well Gardening for Wellbeing sessions – Halifax Opportunities Trust
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:
Happy New Year!
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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