Weekly Update

Welcome to the start of a new term at the Recovery & Wellbeing College.

Our new courses are now open for booking, with plenty of free opportunities to learn, connect and support your wellbeing. If you’ve not booked yet, now is a great time to take a look.

Today is World Suicide Prevention Day, a reminder of the importance of hope, connection, and reaching out when things feel difficult. As a team, we’ve recently completed safeTALK training and are committed to helping create conversations that reduce stigma and encourage support.

Don’t forget to explore the fantastic community groups, activities, and local organisations featured in this week’s update. Together, they offer many ways to stay connected, active, and involved.

Talking Saves Lives

10 September is World Suicide Prevention Day, a global opportunity to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage open conversations about suicide and mental health. The theme, Changing the Narrative on Suicide, reminds us that suicide prevention starts with understanding, connection, and hope.

Recently, our team at the Recovery & Wellbeing College completed safeTALK suicide prevention training. Together, we learned how to recognise when someone may be struggling and how a simple conversation can help connect people with support.

This is a topic that matters to me personally. Like many people, I have been bereaved by suicide and know the lasting impact it can have on families, friends, and communities.

One thing the training reinforced is that we need to be more open about talking about suicide, distress, and mental health. Periods of hopelessness and thoughts of suicide are more common than many people realise. The danger often comes when people feel they must hide their distress, withdraw from others, or believe nobody will understand.

Connection matters.

A conversation will not solve every problem, but it can restore hope, reduce isolation, and remind someone that they matter. And if you are the person who is struggling, please remember that you do not have to wait for someone else to reach out first. Asking for help is a sign of strength.

Today, why not make a simple pledge? Contact someone you have not heard from in a while. Send a message, make a call, or arrange a chat. Check in and really listen.

When we think about saving lives, we often picture doctors and surgeons using years of specialist training. Yet sometimes a life can be saved through something most of us can do every day:

Talk. Listen. Connect.

Take care

Matt

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.