Weekly Update

Featured article: Click Happy Photography Journeys

This autumn, I had the pleasure of facilitating Click Happy Photography Journeys alongside volunteer facilitator Russel. Through a series of guided walks in Greenhead Park, Crow Nest Park and Knowl Park, learners explored photography as a creative wellbeing tool, using it to connect with nature, their local environment and one another.

At the Recovery College, we believe that we can all learn new ways to improve our wellbeing, and photography offered a simple but powerful opportunity to do just that. Using a camera encouraged us to slow down, notice the details around us and see familiar places from a different perspective. The walks also provided opportunities to get outdoors, meet like-minded people and build confidence through shared experiences.

We finished the course with a photo editing session, where learners explored simple techniques to enhance their images and bring their creative ideas to life. It was wonderful to see the variety of photographs people had captured and to hear what the experience had meant to them.

“You have made such a positive difference to my life. I wish I could bottle the pleasure I get from this course. Pure joy!”

“Felt like a day out for me. Did wonders for my mental health, such a dopamine hit to get out and go to the park itself.”

“I enjoyed taking the time to notice and photograph nature.”

“It was a good initial course to get started with photography. Also to get out and about with like-minded people and get fresh air and exercise.”

For me, these comments capture what the course was really about. As well as learning new photography skills, people discovered a creative wellbeing tool, built connections with others and found new ways to engage with the world around them. The photographs below showcase the unique perspectives, talent and creativity learners brought to each session.

Jess Kelly
Creative Minds

Cuppa & Connect ☕💬

Join us for Cuppa & Connect, a relaxed and informal opportunity to meet other learners, chat with the Recovery & Wellbeing College team, and hear about what’s coming up. Whether you’re new to the College or have been learning with us for a while, we’d love to see you there. Come along for a brew, some refreshments, friendly conversation, and the chance to share your ideas and feedback. Matt, our College Principal, will be there — happy to chat, answer questions, and hear your thoughts on how we can keep improving the College experience.

📍 Project Colt
📅 Tuesday 1 December 2026
🕜 1.30pm – 3.30pm

Booking is essential. Please reserve your place here:
🔗 Cuppa & Connect – Calderdale and Kirklees Recovery College

We look forward to seeing you there! 😊

📅 Monday 30 November
🕚 11:00am – 1:00pm
📍 Carers Count, 4th Floor, Empire House, Dewsbury, WF12 8DJ