
Our Recovery College Program is changing: Read updates here.


We have an Important Update on Our Recovery College Program: Please see a message below from Andrew Ward, REACH Recovery College and Wellbeing Hub Service Manager.
As we continue to evolve and improve our services, we are excited to share some important changes to our Recovery College provision that are designed to enhance our members’ experience and support their journey more effectively. At the earliest opportunity I’d like to confirm this does not impact our social groups.
Why We Are Changing
Over time, we have listened to our members’ feedback and observed their journey through the various courses and support options we offer. We have become aware of some areas for improvement and challenges our members are facing within our current Recovery College structure. Members have indicated to us that with the current number of courses available, course selection is confusing, there is substantial overlap between courses, and they would like a more structured pathway that clearly guides progression through recovery and personal development.
To address these needs and make our support as impactful as possible, we are introducing a new more streamlined and focused Recovery Program. This new structure is designed to:
- simplify the process of choosing the right support at the right time
- promote independency
- and ensure every member receives a comprehensive and cohesive learning experience within the recovery college.
What’s Changing?
The new Recovery Program will be organized into three main modules: Understanding, Managing, and Maintenance. Each module consists of 5 weekly sessions, carefully developed to build upon each other and support our members at every stage of their recovery journey. This approach not only enhances clarity and direction but also encourages a deeper engagement with each topic. It also removes the repetition of content.
The modules will include the following:
Module one – Understanding
- What is Mental Health? What is Recovery?
- Understanding Anxiety, low mood and depression
- The Fight/flight/freeze/fawn responses – Brain and Body Connection
- Neuroscience and the Nervous System
- Going forward with new awareness and an introduction to Module two – ‘Managing’ Mental Health.
Module two – Managing
- Anxiety Management Tools & Techniques
- Introduction to Self-Compassion and Journaling
- Healthy Sleep Habits
- Introduction to Mindfulness
- Grounding techniques and introduction to Module three – ‘Maintenance’
Module three – Maintenance
- Routine, Physical Wellbeing, Food and Mental Health
- Boundaries and Healthy Relationships
- Recognising Strengths and Achievements and Protective Factors
- Resilience and Self Compassion
- Moving Forward – Your Next Steps and What’s in the Community?
As well as the recovery program we’re introducing a new and improved Personal Progression Program, a Peer Mentoring Programme and ever growing our Co-Production team. These additions aim to support our members’ journey beyond recovery, focusing on education, volunteering, employment, and the opportunity to contribute to the community and help others.
“Your Journey, Your Pace“
We understand the importance of flexibility and personal choice in recovery. As such members are not required to complete all three modules consecutively and can choose to engage with each module as they feel ready, with a six-month period between repeats to encourage new learning and experiences.
Our Commitment to our members
These changes reflect our commitment to providing Trust Links members with the best possible support, informed by evidence-based practices and valuable feedback we’ve received. Our goal is to empower members with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to navigate their mental health journey with strength and resilience.
We will be introducing the new recovery programs in stages which is detailed below.
As we introduce new sites, the old sessions will be replaced, and the new programme will start on the following dates.
- Rochford – Monday 8th April, 10:00-12:00
- Canvey – Wednesday 10th April, 10:00-12:00
- Westcliff – Thursday 23rd May, 1:30-3:30pm
- Rayleigh – Friday 24th May, 10:00-12:00
- Thundersley – Tuesday 9th July, 1:00-3:00pm
- Online – Thursday 11th July, 7:00-8:00pm
- Shoebury – Friday 12th July, 10:00-12:00
The booking process for these sessions will remain exactly the same as it is now and again, I would like to confirm does not impact our social group sessions.
To our members – We look forward to embarking on this journey together and are here to support you every step of the way. Thank you for being a valued part of our community. Your strength, courage, and feedback inspire us every day, and we are excited to continue supporting you with these improved services.
Warm regards,
Andrew Ward
REACH Recovery College and Wellbeing Hub Service Manager