Welcome to the Weekly Update. Did you know there is scientific evidence that being grateful can improve your wellbeing! Why not by join one of our Gratitude Jar Workshops in Halifax or Holmfirth that start next week to find out more. Be quick and book on! Please read below for information on courses with spaces and the usual community information and offers.

We may be losing our base at Pathways, Mirfield, but we are definitely NOT closing! The final course there is running on the 24^th April but we will be running more courses in more venues with more staff  increasing our offer considerably over the next year! So please bear with us over the short term. We will be running a lot of courses from Mirfield Community Centre – which is just up the road from us, which is disabled access friendly, has free parking and plenty of buses to get you there!

We know that leaving the building at Pathways is not easy. With this in mind we would like to invite you, our learners, to an event we have called Pastures New on 9th April.

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! 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 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.

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:

 

 

Brand new…

Letting go of loneliness

Kirklees Recovery College, Kirklees Recovery & Wellbeing College, Pathways, Nettleton Rd, Mirfield, WF14 9AQ

Monday 8th April 1-3pm (3 weeks)

Join us and let’s discover how to better connect with our communities and combat feelings of loneliness. Over three weeks, together with the help and support of our wonderful Peer Worker, Hannah-May we will discuss the difference between feeling lonely and being socially isolated. We will learn strategies that will enable us to feel content in our own company and to create our own individual plan to help keep us socially connected and engaged with others around us.

Letting go of loneliness

Gratitude Jar Workshop (Calderdale)

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.

Gratitude Jar Workshop

Creative Wellbeing Walks (Calderdale)

SPACES AVAILABLE FOR ALL DATES, BOOK NOW

Shibden Park, Halifax

Sowerby Bridge Canal, Sowerby Bridge Canal

Manor Heath Park, Manor Heath Park, Halifax

Ogden Water, Main Car Park, Ogden Lane, Keighley Road, Halifax HX2 8YA

Shibden Park – Thursday 11 April 2024 11am – 2pm 1 week

Sowerby Bridge Canal – Thursday 18 April 2024 11am – 2pm 1 week

Manor Health Park – Thursday 25 April 2024 11am – 2pm 1 week

Ogden Water – Thursday 2 May 2024 11am – 2pm 1 week

Come along and join friendly facilitators, Jess & Mick as we head out and enjoy the great outdoors for a walk in beautiful tranquil settings across Calderdale. Supported by Creative Minds, these sessions will also provide the opportunity to try some creative activities during the walks including, arts and crafts, photography and creative writing. So, please join us on this wellbeing adventure and learn some new ways to give your mood a boost.

There will be four walks in different locations across Calderdale over consecutive weeks, you can book on as many (or as few) as you like!

Please note that all the walks are designed to be gentle in nature and suitable for beginners with breaks for creative activities. Please bring a packed lunch and wear appropriate clothing and footwear according to the weather.

To read about a previous learners experience on these creative wellbeing walks click here: Wellbeing Walks: a beacon of hope – Calderdale and Kirklees Recovery College (calderdalekirkleesrc.nhs.uk)

Creative Wellbeing Walks (Calderdale)

Steps to Success

PLENTY SPACES AVAILABLE, BOOK NOW

Brian Jackson House, New North Parade, Huddersfield, HD1 5JP

Tuesday 9 April 2024 10.00am-12.30pm  8 weeks

This ever-popular and inspiring eight-week course delivered by Kirklees Success Centre introduces us to different strategies we can use to help develop our self-esteem, motivation and plans for the future.  It also looks at ways that we can make changes to our lives, if we so wish, either now or in the weeks, months or years ahead.  This course will help build confidence and teach us how to set realistic goals and empower us to take control of our futures in a positive and enlightening way.

Please be aware that due to funding from Kirklees Success Centre priority will be given to learners living in Kirklees. 

Steps to Success

 

Song Writing!

SPACES AVAILABLE, BOOK NOW

Mirfield Community Centre, Water Royd Lane, Mirfield, WF14 9SG

Tuesday 9 April 2024 10am – 12pm  6 weeks

Are you a music lover? Would you like to meet new people and collaborate in a creative setting with others? Have you ever fancied having a go at writing your own song? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then this is the course for you!

In this free 6-week course we will explore the basics of song writing and you will have the opportunity to create and play music in a group setting. This fabulous course, delivered by Jess from Creative Minds and RWC volunteer, Nick is open to anyone who would like to have a go at writing a song whether you are a complete beginner, or already have some musical abilities and would like to exercise these. You will also have the opportunity to record and keep a copy of your group song at the end of the course.

Song Writing!

Find out about the Recovery College in Kirklees

Howlands Centre, School Street, Dewsbury, WF13 1LD

Connect Housing – Thrive, 21 Bond Street, Dewsbury, WF13 1AX

Dates

Howlands Centre – Tuesday 23 April 2024 10.30am – 12pm 1 week

Connect Housing – Thrive – Tuesday 23 April 2024 1.30pm – 3pm 1 week

Come and join us and discover more about the Recovery & Wellbeing College in Kirklees. Hear about our planned courses in local venues in Dewsbury (and beyond) designed to support your wellbeing. Our courses are free and open to anyone aged 18 plus. Our courses are designed and delivered by people with a lived experience of a mental or physical health issue supported by professionals. Feel free to ask our friendly facilitators questions and learn how to enrol and access our courses.

While there is no need to enrol, places are limited so please call or email us to book your place.

Telephone: 07717867911 email: ckRecovery.Wellbeing@swyt.nhs.uk

 

If you are already enrolled with The College please express your interest by:

email: ckrecovery.wellbeing@swyt.nhs.uk

Telephone: 07717 867911

Or use your learner portal

If you are new to the College please enrol here

Yoga for the Spring Equinox

This course is running in the Morley area on Saturday 23rd March at 1.00- 4.15 pm

Venue: St Francis of Assisi, Church Hall, Westfield Street, Morley, LS27 9FW

Great British Spring Clean

Back for its ninth year, the Great British Spring Clean is the nation’s biggest mass-action environmental campaign.  The Great British Spring Clean and Great Big School Clean run from 15 – 31 March, and you can pledge to pick up a bag of litter – or more.

If you, your organisation, or your community group wish to organise a litter pick, our Recycling Team may be able to support you. Please contact litterpicking@kirklees.gov.uk to let us know what you’re planning, and our team can run you through what support is available,

Food Waste Action Week

Food Waste Action Week runs from 18-24 March and the theme this year is “Choose what you’ll use”.

Research from WRAP has shown that buying loose fruit and veg not only reduces unnecessary and often hard-to-recycle packaging but also reduces food waste. WRAP concluded that if all apples, bananas, and potatoes were sold loose, we could save 60,000 tonnes of food waste by enabling people to buy closer to their needs.

Learn more about FWAW here

PeerTalk

PeerTalk offers free peer support groups for adults experiencing anxiety, depression and/or similar distress. Two of our groups run in Batley and Huddersfield.

In Batley, the group meets every Wednesday morning, 11am – 12.30pm at Jo Cox House 90 Commercial Street, Batley, WF17 5DS. For a flyer, click here.

In Huddersfield, the group meets every Thursday evening, 7.30 – 9pm in the Lounge at The Lounge, St Paul’s Methodist Church, Wakefield Road, Dalton, Huddersfield, HD5 8DE. For a flyer, click here.

The volunteer-led groups take place weekly, and are a safe and confidential space for people with lived experience to share and support one another. There are no bookings or referrals necessary, attendees are more than welcome to just show up.

Creative Scene – Art in the Park

Join our friendly, creative Tuesdays to explore the benefits of both art and nature at Earlsheaton Park.

We will use our natural surroundings as a starting point for a range of creative art projects.  For both beginners and experienced creators alike.

Work with local, professional artist Rachael Gorton whose work investigates connections with nature and wellbeing.

Come along to as many sessions as you like but places are limited, so please book by emailing: henry@creativescene.org.uk

Sessions for adults run on Tuesdays, 12.30 – 2.30: 19^th March, 16^th April, 14^th May, 18^th June, 23^rd July

Also available, drop-in sessions for families in Earlsheaton Park on: 28^th March, 4^th April, 30^th May – no need to book, just come along between 10am & 3pm!

 

Richmond Fellowship courses

Stress Management

11th April  1-3pm (2 weeks)

Online

Examines all aspects of how Stress can affect us and how it has a negative impact on your mental
wellbeing, looking at methods and new ways of thinking that can drastically reduce stress levels in our
daily lives.

Food and Household budgeting

25th April 1-3pm (2 weeks)

Media Centre Huddersfield

Offers practical advice and tips on how to make large savings on your food shop and how to make sure that your household bills don’t cost a fortune

Confidence to work

22nd April 1pm-3pm (2 weeks)

Online

Explores all aspects of getting into employment after being out of work for any length of time due to poor mental or physical health.

For more information or to book a place please contact:
Karl Jackson-Lander on:
Mobile: 07909 993203
Email: Karl.Jackson-Lander@richmondfellowship.org.uk

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)

Apna Staying Well Hub- Halifax Opportunities Trust

Apna means “ours, yours or everybody’s” in many South Asian languages. The Hub is a welcoming space for communities to visit and attend weekly events and activities, at Hanson Lane Enterprise Centre. These include Chat and Chai, Knit and Natter, Mindful living, Yaadein Reminiscence Group, Listening sofa and coffee morning.

For more information please visit https://www.regen.org.uk/wellbeing/apna-staying-well-hub/

Crafternoon Tea’ – with The Halifax Minster Broderers

If you struggle to meet people or are feeling isolated, come and get to know other people in a relaxed setting while learning a variety of craft activities. No previous experience of crafting required, all materials supplied including refreshments. Each session lasts 2 hours. Booking essential as numbers are limited
Who is it for? People who are isolated/lonely and find it difficult to meet people, people who love crafts
Contact: Annie Lancaster, RaggedyAnnie1@virginmedia.com 07810625010
When: 1st / 3rd Friday’s of the month, from 1.30 – 3.30pm There are 3 12 week blocks between February and November
Venue: The Halifax Minster, Halifax, Causey Hall, Dispensary Walk, Halifax, HX1 1QR

‘Fun, Friendship and Fashion’ – with The St Augustine’s Centre, Halifax

Creative Tuesdays Group for people seeking sanctuary. Group will design, sew and fashion based on recycling/ upcycling fabrics and donated clothes, building up to a delivering a fashion parade at People’s Park in August 2024 as part of Culturedale. Will introduce an additional, primarily peer-led sewing group on a Monday or Thursday afternoon. With the involvement of a new professional practitioner, we’ll encourage the design and making of outfits that can be proudly displayed at People Park, that showcase the rich diversity and skills of our community. After the People Park event the groups will continue to work on creations.
Who is it for? People seeking sanctuary (people seeking asylum and refugees) and others needing support living in Calderdale.
Contact: Sara Robinson 07974 253089 sara.robinson@staugustinescentrehalifax.org.uk
When: springtime 2024 date and time tbc
Venue: St Augustines Centre, Hanson Lane, Halifax, HX1 5PG , People’s Park, King Cross Street, Halifax, HX1 2TS

‘Machpelah Makers Quilt Project’ – with Reach4ward for Social Justice

In this year of Culturedale 2024 we are inviting anyone with an interest in our area of the upper Calder valley to join us every Friday to design and make a quilt that reflects interesting people and architecture who have shaped our local culture and history over time. The quilt will feature embroidery, needlepoint, tapestry, printing , quilting and applique, creative writing and will be facilitated by local artists and makers. No experience of crafting necessary. All materials supplied. Tea and home-made cake every week.
Who is it for? Anyone with an interest in crafting, the history and culture of the Calder Valley and interested in developing new skills.
When: Every Friday 2-4pm in term time till end of Jan 2025
Contact: Liz Anstee 0771 3338698 Lizanstee02@gmail.com  website at https://www.reach4ward.com/

Venue: Machpelah Mill, Station Road, Hebden Bridge, HX7 8AU

‘CULTURE CLUB 2024’ —with The Basement Recovery Project

We plan to create a Year of Culture 2024 Banner to display around events during Culturedale. We also plan to walk the Christopher Goddard routes starting in the Spring of 2024 – Incorporating his walks such as Cragg Vale Coiners Walk, Sowerby Bridge Industrial Heritage Walk and the Anne Lister Walk
Who is it for? Clients of The Basement Recovery Project, members of the Calderdale in Recovery community their friends and family. People from all cultural background and those addressing mental health and addiction issues.
When: Feb 2024 onwards
Contact: Lisa Whittaker – 01422 383063/07445 459666 lisawhittaker@thebasementproject.org.uk
Venue: please contact the above person

 

‘Family fun and friendships’ – with National Autistic Society Calderdale Branch

Calderdale NAS provides monthly family activities to support the social and sensory needs of autistic children and young people. Our youth group offers creative play opportunities for 8-18 year olds in an inclusive space. Activities include arts and crafts, cos play, board games and Wii games. Roller skating sessions for 8-19 year olds include support for those new to skating or who want to improve their technique, plus refreshments in the café area.
Who is it for? Autistic children and young people and their families
When: Please contact the branch for event dates and times.
Contact: calderdale@nas.org.uk and www.facebook.com/calderdalenas
Venue: Youth group: Forest Cottage Community Centre, Cousin Lane, Mixenden HX2 8AD Roller skating: The Halifax YMCA, The Marlborough Hall, 13-15 Crossley Street. Halifax. HX1 1UG

Free wellbeing activities every Friday 9.30am – 3pm- Focal Community Centre, Salendine Nook

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!

FOCAL Lindley Facebook

Call 01484 516444 for more details.

Coming up soon in Calderdale in April

2024 Anne Lister Birthday Festival

Monday 1st – 8th April

Full details available at https://www.annelisterofhalifax.co.uk/ along with how and where to book tickets for the events. Some events are free: for others there will be a charge. Includes exhibitions, walks, talks by local historians, guided heritage walks, and more. If you enjoyed the Gentleman Jack TV series, this is a must for you. You can read about Anne Lister here: https://www.annelisterofhalifax.co.uk/history

Culturedale opening weekend

Saturday 13th April

There is a campaign and competition-. You have to tell about your favourite cultural spot or activity in Calderdale. You will have 300 words to craft a compelling entry all about what it means to you personally- visit https://www.culturedale.co.uk/50-things-to-do for more info and to enter.

Website for all the Culturedale events is at  https://www.culturedale.co.uk/

 

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

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We hope you have a great weekend

The Recovery & Wellbeing College Team

ckrecovery.wellbeing@swyt.nhs.uk

 07717 867911