Weekly Update
College News
February 15, 2024
Welcome to the Weekly Update.
New courses for the spring recently announced!
Last week we added lots of new courses for the spring time to our website, ready for you to book onto. There’s everything from arts and crafts to self-development, communications skills to journaling, mindfulness to yoga, courses to help you get outdoors and active, and courses to help you learn new skills and interests – and of course they all aim to help you feel an increased sense of wellbeing. Click the timetable icon below to see the full list – and don’t delay, courses can book up fast!
We’ve been very moved this week by all the wonderful messages of support we’ve received from so many of our learners and partners after announcing the upcoming closure of our College building in Mirfield. 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 will start exploring them as soon as we can!
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!
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!
Get Animated: Stop Motion
Everybody Arts (formerly Artworks), Shaw Lodge Mills, Shaw Lane, Halifax, HX3 9ET
Thursday 22 February 2024 1pm – 3.30pm (6 weeks) – SPACES STILL AVAILABLE, book now!
Join us, as together we learn about the fun and playful art of stop motion animation. Over six weeks we will look at different animation styles, create our own unique character and story boards using stop motion animation, design a background set and make a short film incorporating sound and movement. This fabulous course, delivered by Jess from Creative Minds and Recovery College Volunteer, Laura, will enable us to release our inner child and have some creative fun while learning a new skill alongside other learners in a friendly and safe space. No previous experience necessary and all materials and equipment provided.
Creative Mandalas
Everybody Arts (formerly Artworks), Shaw Lodge Mills, Shaw Lane, Halifax, HX3 9ET
Thursday 22 February 2024 10:00-12:00 (5 weeks) – SPACES STILL AVAILABLE, book now!
Come and join us on our Creative Mandala mixed media course. Delivered by our fabulous, Creative Practitioner, Sarah O’Boyle, this five week, face to face course will introduce you to a series of techniques that explore stencils, scale, composition, layer processes and embellishment. We will also explore the gentle, relaxing benefits of creative mandala making and its positive outcomes on mental health and wellbeing.
No drawing experience is needed, and all materials will be provided. Suitable for beginners or learners that are more experienced.
Kayaking Taster Sessions
Calder & Hebble Navigation, Canalside, The Wharf, Sowerby Bridge, Halifax, HX6 2AG
Thursday 7 March 2024, 10:45am-1:00pm (1 week)
Thursday 21 March 2024, 10:45am-1:00pm (1 week) – fully booked
Thursday 11 April 2024, 10:45am-1:00pm (1 week)
Thursday 25 April 2024, 10:45am-1:00pm (1 week)
Thursday 9 May 2024, 10:45am-1:00pm (1 week)
Thursday 6 June 2024, 10:45am-1:00pm (1 week)
Thursday 20 June 2024, 10:45am-1:00pm (1 week)
Our partners Blackdog Outdoors are running separate ‘one-off’ Kayaking Taster Sessions on the Calder & Hebble Navigation Canal, for our Calderdale and Kirklees learners.
During this “one-off” taster session you will be introduced to Kayaking, and you will learn some basic paddling skills from a fully qualified instructor. You will then take a leisurely paddle down the canal, with the rest of the group and the instructors. This stretch of the canal is beautiful, passing through open countryside and parts of our industrial heritage, with regular sightings of moor hens, swans, geese, and other wildlife. These sessions are a great opportunity to try something new, see some interesting sights and have some fun!
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.
What’s on in Kirklees?
Managing Stress
Folly Hall, St Thomas Road, Huddersfield HD1 3LT
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
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.
African Drumming
Kirklees Recovery College, Kirklees Recovery & Wellbeing College, Pathways, Nettleton Rd, Mirfield, WF14 9AQ
Thursday 14 March 2024 12.30pm -2.00pm 2 weeks
The benefits of djembe drumming in a group is widely recognised. This can prove to be a joyful and therapeutic experience bringing a sense of belonging and harmony to all involved. This fun, two week interactive workshop is a great introduction to African drumming and provides the opportunity to play some simple beats and rhythms in a supportive space. All abilities welcome including beginners and instruments are provided.
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!
Covid rates are high. Please don’t spread your germs if you have any symptoms remember to stay at home! Thanks
Other Community Offers:
Celebrating Creativity in Dewsbury
Dewsbury Town Hall, Wakefield Old Road, Dewsbury WF12 8DG
Join in a celebration, creativity and community at Dewsbury Town Hall from WOVEN in Kirklees and Dewsbury Taking the Lead. Enjoy free workshops and activities, a film screening and exhibition, skate park, music, community and makers market stalls and the chance to talk to the team behind the WOVEN festival about the future of WOVEN in Dewsbury.
Various events, runs until Sunday 18 February. Visit the link below for full details.
Celebrating Creativity in Dewsbury (creativekirklees.com)
Men’s Talk Digital Showreel Event
There are still some places left on this event taking 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
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.
Free Drumming for Wellbeing courses
Holmfirth Tech – Wednesdays 10-11.30am
21st & 28th February
Denby Dale Methodist Church – Thursdays 10-11.30am
22nd & 29th February
Did you know that group drumming reduces stress, strengthens the immune system and boosts fitness?
These two hands-on courses teach participants the benefits of playing percussion together. Learn to play the different Samba percussion instruments as a group supported by members of Valley Beats Samba Band. This very friendly class is run by professional Community Percussionist Katie Mallard. Suitable for adults or all ages and all abilities. Absolutely no experience needed.
BOOKING ESSENTIAL:
Visit: www.rhythmstick.co.uk/book-a-course
or contact Katie 07736 049089
Wellbeing walk or outdoor activity with S2R Create Space
Wednesdays in February
Huddersfield Leisure Centre, Spring Grove Street, Springwood, Huddersfield, HD1 4BP
Greenhead Park walk – every Wednesday in February. Meet us at the entrance of Huddersfield Leisure Centre for a gentle walk to and around Greenhead Park, and back. Booking for first session essential.
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
Warm spaces in libraries
Libraries in Kirklees are warm spaces and everyone is welcome. All of our libraries are heated, so are comfortable to stay in for long periods of time. Every building has a range of both comfy seating, and more functional furniture for study or computer use. They are a place to keep warm, meet friends, sit and read and take part in activities.
Warm spaces – Kirklees Libraries
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
Calderdale Cost Of Living Newsletter
We have lots of helpful information about local organisations to support you with the Cost of Living:
Calderdale Cost of Living Newsletter November/December
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