Recovery and Wellbeing College celebrates its latest graduates
Recovery and Wellbeing College celebrates its latest graduates
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board is honoured to celebrate the 2023 Recovery and Wellbeing College’s Peer Support Graduates. The Recovery and Wellbeing College have successfully conducted three distinct Peer Support Courses, resulting in the graduation of 255 students over the past three years.
Dan Crossland Head of Operations Mental Health, Ceri Phillip’s Vice Chair & HEIW and Social Care Wales Strategic Mental Health Workforce Plan Peer Support Lead’s attended this celebratory event.
What is Peer Mentoring Accredited Course Level 1?
In partnership with Growing Space, the Peer Mentoring Accredited Course Level 1 is a virtual course comprised of three Teams sessions. A peer mentor is an individual who has ‘lived experience of mental health issues’, trained and works (paid or voluntary) in a role to support others in recovery. As a peer mentor, you offer support through shared personal experiences of recovery to inspire hope and empower others.
You don’t have to be in a peer mentor role currently to enrol on this course, as it is an introduction to peer mentoring skills.
Graduate, Dave Jones is a stroke survivor and was a volunteer at ‘Down to Earth’ before completing his Peer Mentoring Accredited Course Level 1, but thanks to his hard work, he’s now found paid employment in peer mentoring;
“I had two strokes, one in 2017 and another in 2018. I went from a healthy 36-year-old who ate healthily and exercised regularly, to a hospital patient losing 85% control of my right side and couldn’t walk or talk.
Fast forward to a few years later, and having completed the Peer Mentoring Accredited Course Level 1, I was offered paid employment from the Stroke Association as a Support Coordinator as a result. I can now help others on their stroke journey and their family members as well.”
What is ImROC?
ImROC Peer Support Training is a course created for peer support workers to nurture and develop their practices and skills to aid the recovery of those living with long term mental and physical conditions.
Successful ImROC graduate, Selina, shared her experience;
“On my journey, I was looking into doing a counselling course. Having participated in some of the Recovery College courses myself, I found the ‘I Just Can’t Sleep’ and ‘Understanding Anxiety’ courses most helpful. I joined the Recovery and Wellbeing College mailing list having completed the courses, one thing led to another and here I am, graduating today!”
“I have completed ImROC and I’m looking to start Peer Support level 1 next. It’s really appealing to me because you can work around your family. I’m also hoping to get employment off the back of this.”
What is Intentional Peer Support
Intentional Peer Support (IPS) is training for peers working in mental health services across Wales, facilitated by The National Recovery College.
The training provides new ways of learning and developing relationships for peers to build mutual support. To attend an IPS training course, peers must have lived experience of mental health challenges or trauma and intend to use the experience in peer support or volunteering roles in Wales.
Hugh is a Digital Peer at the Recovery and Wellbeing College who recently undertook the IPS training within his working capacity at the College, “Everyone was very supportive. The trainers and fellow students on the course too – everyone supported each other which was really great.
I have learnt so many techniques on how to have conversations to build trust with people, break down barriers and create connections with people and understand people better. I can see that I can use that with family and friends as well as at work.”
Vice Chair, Ceri Philips presented the cohort with their certifications; “I am delighted to present at the Peer Graduation and it is great to see so many successful graduates. The Recovery and Wellbeing College is a unique and impactful initiative, delivering free courses on mental and physical health topics to anyone who is interested in learning. Cardiff and Vale University Health Board is proud to support individuals who are eager to upskill and broaden their understanding of mental health and I wish them the best of luck in their future endeavours.”
Cardiff and Vale Recovery and Wellbeing College
The Cardiff and Vale Recovery & Wellbeing College provides free educational courses on a range of mental health, physical health and wellbeing topics. Our courses take place online or in-person at venues across Cardiff and Vale.
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