Northern Trust Recovery College marks 10 years of supporting community wellbeing

Pictured at the Northern Trust Recovery College 10-year-anniversary event are Jacqui Armstrong, Transformation Lead for Intermediate Care and Integrated Discharge, Petra Corr, Director of Mental Health, Learning Disability and Psychological Services, Janice Gray, Service Manager, Joy Hammond, Head of Service, Mental Health & Recovery Services and Jen Hood, Interim Assistant Director.

The Northern Trust Recovery College is marking a decade of supporting mental health and wellbeing in communities across the Northern Trust area, reflecting on ten years of learning, connection and empowerment.

Established in 2015, the Recovery College has grown into a well-established and inclusive educational service, offering free mental health and wellbeing courses that place lived experience and shared learning at the centre of its approach.

The milestone was celebrated earlier this month at a special 10-year anniversary event held at the Dunsilly Hotel in Antrim.

From its inception, the College was ahead of its time, adopting a co-production model in which courses are designed and delivered by people with both lived and learned experience. Courses are available both face-to-face and online, ensuring accessibility for individuals across the Northern Trust area.

Margarette O’Donnell, Janice Gray, Gwen Blackwell, Audrey Montgomery, Katie O’Hara, Lesley Rogers, Claire Stuart and Paul McCarroll pictured at the Recovery College's 10th anniversary celebration.

Explaining the ethos behind the College, Service Manager Janice Gray said:

“Our approach to the courses we offer means that our students benefit from core information alongside lived experiences and practical advice, and a message of hope is paramount to all we do.

“At the minute we are offering 31 different courses, and we truly believe there is something for everyone. As the College is all about each individual, it’s up to you to decide the courses that may benefit you and your personal circumstances.”

Over the past ten years, more than 5,000 students have attended the Recovery College. During the current academic year, running up until June 2026, the programme includes courses covering a broad range of topics such as anxiety, building resilience, managing fatigue, mindful self-compassion and wellness recovery action planning.

More practical, hands-on opportunities are also available, including arts and crafts for wellness.

Ms Gray highlighted that engaging with the Recovery College is about far more than attending individual sessions.

“Engaging with the Recovery College is a journey of self-discovery.  It involves learning more about yourself and the tools you can use for support, when life gets challenging. Regardless of who we are, we are all human. Life can continue to throw unexpected curve balls at us, so it is important to think about our personal health and well-being, and how we can enhance it.

“Attending the college supports connection and it allows us to meet likeminded individuals who may be experiencing similar circumstances to ourselves. Learning from others, sharing ideas and fostering support are all part of the student journey and we are very proud of the difference this has made to so many lives.”

Northern Trust Recovery College Trainers Audrey Montgomery and Claire Stuart.

For those considering getting involved, reassurance is at the heart of the College’s approach. Courses are informal, relaxed and designed to ensure everyone feels comfortable.

“All of our courses are informal and relaxed. Anyone who attends our sessions can choose when and how they participate – participation is always voluntary! Everyone comes as a student – we are all there to learn.  No one will be asked to identify themselves, their backgrounds or share anything about their personal story,” Ms Gray added.

The Recovery College is a free, educational service and is not a clinical service. No referral is required, with individuals able to self-register for courses they feel may be beneficial to them.

The College is open to everyone, including people who use services, carers, service providers, students and members of the general public. Anyone aged 16 and over can attend workshops following a simple self-registration process.

Those interested in finding out more about the Northern Trust Recovery College and how it could support their personal health and wellbeing can email recovery.college@northerntrust.hscni.net or telephone 028 9441 3449.

Updates, news and upcoming course timetables are also available by searching for The Northern Trust Recovery College on Facebook.