28th September 2026
Dear Student,
We would like to thank you for your continued support.
Below is our course prospectus for October 2026, with a range of courses available. To reserve a space simply email or call the college.
For more information or if you would like to attend a course, please drop us an email at RecoveryCollege@belfasttrust.hscni.net or give us a call 02895 043059.
If you would like to chat to our Peer Educators about a course, please give us a call, or send us an email.
Please feel free to forward this information, to family members, friends, neighbours and colleagues. Everyone is welcome.
If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact us.
With thanks
The Recovery College
| Living with Personality Disorder | If you have heard the term Personality Disorder from a Doctor, Psychiatrist or Community Psychiatric Nurse (CPN) you might be left wondering what it actually means. This workshop is aimed at helping service users, mental health practitioners and carers understand what is meant by “personality disorder”. We will look at some of the myths and misconceptions we might have as well as increasing awareness of the struggles of living with a personality disorder. We also want to give people a chance to learn about some of the treatment options for people who have a diagnosis and how to help someone you know with a personality disorder.
This is a CPD accredited course. |
Thursday 1st
October 2026 11am – 2pm
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Belfast Recovery College
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| Walking Group | This is a four-week programme aimed at beginner to moderate ability for a led walking group in partnership with Belfast Recovery College & Health Improvement Team.
The walks will be planned and take place at different locations across Belfast. The group will begin at the College, travel onto each walking location and return to the College for a coffee and chat. If a walking location is near to where you live you can meet up with the group there. Please bring suitable footwear and clothing for walking activity when outdoors. This is not a CPD accredited course. |
Friday 2nd, 16th, 23rd & 30th October 2026
11am – 1pm |
Belfast Recovery College |
| Meeting People & Making Friends | Getting the confidence to meet new people can be difficult for anyone. This informal course aims to build your skills and learn tips to help meet new people and make new friends. You will learn some approaches for developing your conversation skills and managing your worries about going into a group for the first time. We will explore opportunities that can help you find people and places in your community to meet that might interest you. Come along and enjoy the craic in a friendly and supportive place.
This is a CPD accredited course. |
Friday 2nd October 2026
1:30pm – 4:30pm
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Belfast Recovery College
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| Basic IT Skills | Do you feel left behind by computers and the internet? Are you afraid of using computers and smart phones?
As the world of the internet expands, not having access to computers and an understanding of the internet can limit our life opportunities. This 3-week course is geared towards complete beginners looking to take their first steps into the world of Information Technology (AI). This course will explain in easy-to-understand language the basics of IT. We will explore Microsoft Word, E-mail, and Microsoft Teams as well as computer security and keeping yourself safe online. Join us for this gentle introduction to computers. This is a CPD accredited course. |
Monday 5th, 12th & 19th October 2026
2pm – 4pm |
Belfast Recovery College |
| Chairtastics | ChairTastics is a dynamic chair-based exercise programme designed to have a bit of fun whilst we move through various strengthening and mobility exercises. We use fun, simple routines to music.
This course is suited to everyone including those with limited mobility and disabilities. Please wear comfortable clothes and trainers and bring a water bottle for the class. This is not a CPD accredited course. |
Monday 5th, 12th & 19th October 2026
12pm – 1pm |
Belfast Recovery College |
| Understanding Advocacy | This course aims to help students understand the basic principles and the process of advocacy and how it can be beneficial to service users, carers/ supporters and mental health practitioners. The workshop will explore the effect of disempowering experiences on an individual’s life and discuss the positive impact the advocacy process has had for those who availed of advocacy services. In this course you will also learn communication and assertiveness skills that will assist you in self-advocacy. You will explore the importance of an advocacy partnership and examine how it differs from other relationships. Please note that this workshop does not train or qualify individuals as Independent Advocates. It aims to build knowledge and confidence to participate in the advocacy process either as a mental health practitioner, service user, carer or supporter. The course may also be of interest to those who wish to learn more about the field of advocacy.
This is a CPD accredited course. |
Tuesday 6th October 2026
10am – 3pm |
Belfast Recovery College |
| Getting the Most from Your Appointments | This course will enable service users, carers and practitioners to effectively prepare for and manage appointments, both face to face and virtual, including the before, during and after stages of an appointment process and to gain the knowledge of what may contribute or hinder effective appointments. The webinar will also explore such areas anxiety, confidence and assertiveness and how these can impact the success of appointments.
This is a CPD accredited course. |
Tuesday 6th October 2026
2pm – 4pm
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Online via MS Teams
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| Compassionate Listening Skills | This practical workshop helps to develop the skills and qualities needed to become a compassionate and skilled helper to facilitate wellbeing and recovery. The course is suitable for any person in a support role such as mental health practitioners, service users, carers, loved ones, family, friends and clients. It will give knowledge and practice of active listening and communication skills. You will learn and practice a three-step model to develop better helping skills and know the different types of questioning and following skills to enable the person to think things through.
This is a CPD accredited course. |
Wednesday 7th 10am – 3pm & Thursday 8th October 2026
10am – 1pm
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Belfast Recovery College
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| Movement & Mood | We are all told to exercise daily, but why? This course aims to explore the positive effects of physical activity on your mental wellbeing. The course will provide information on incorporating movement into our daily routine and provide signposting on how to get yourself involved in physical activity both in your own home and in the community. This course is informative, interactive and we look forward to seeing you there.
This is a CPD accredited course. |
Thursday 8th October 2026
2pm – 4pm
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Belfast Recovery College
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| World Mental Health Day | To mark World Mental Health Day 2026 and celebrate this year’s theme, “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change,” join us to hear from members of staff who first connected with the Recovery College as students. They will share their inspiring stories of personal growth and how their experiences with the Recovery College have helped bring about positive change in their lives. There is no need to book a place. Simply come along, and you are very welcome to bring a friend | Friday 9th October 2026
10am – 12pm |
Belfast Recovery College |
| Understanding Medications | Are you or someone you know, or help affected by medications for treating mental health issues? Would you like to know more about common side effects and what may help? If you have answered yes or would simply like to increase your knowledge of this area you are invited to come along to our course on understanding medications.
This is a CPD accredited course. |
Friday 9th October 2027
1pm – 4pm
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Belfast Recovery College
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| Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) | This course will explore what Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is and what it isn’t. Students will learn about common misconceptions that are associated with the term OCD. We will explore why someone might experience OCD. We will look at strategies and treatment options that can support someone with OCD, for both those who have OCD and those who may know someone with OCD. The course is suitable for those who experience OCD and for those who would like to understand it better.
This is not a CPD accredited course. |
Monday 12th October 2026
1:30pm – 4pm
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Belfast Recovery College
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| Living with Anxiety | This course will help you develop an understanding of what anxiety is, why we experience it, and how it may affect us. We also explore practical strategies to manage anxiety, including basic cognitive behavioural and relaxation techniques. If you or someone you know struggles with anxiety or panic, this course may be useful for you.
This is a CPD accredited course. |
Tuesday 13th October 2026 10am – 12:30pm
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Online via MS Teams
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| Building Resilience | Resilience is how we adapt in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats or sources of stress. By working out what we find stressful and by building on our inner strength we are more likely to be able to adapt to these sources of stress. Someone who is resilient has the knowledge, skills and attitude that help maintain their wellbeing.
This course explores the benefits and barriers to becoming more resilient and how we can support ourselves. This is a CPD accredited course. |
Tuesday 13th October 2026
1pm – 4pm
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Belfast Recovery College
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| Living with Depression | Depression is increasingly common in today’s society, yet it is still greatly misunderstood and there remains a significant lack of awareness around it. Through this course we will discuss the definition, signs and symptoms of depression and the negative views that can sometimes be held about those living with the condition. We aim to dispel some of the myths around depression and provide information on where help and support can be found. We hope to provide a better understanding of treatment options and how to maintain our wellbeing. This course is open to all students, whether they are people who experience depression, families, carers or mental health practitioners. We hope you will find this course informative and empowering.
This is a CPD accredited course.
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Wednesday 14th October 2026 10am – 1pm
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Online via MS Teams
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| WRAP | WRAP is a self-management tool, designed to support people to understand and manage their mental health. WRAP can be used to help support people deal with challenging situations. This course will assist you to identify what wellness tools work best for you and help you establish your own personalised Wellness Recovery Action Plan. Through a series of tools and action plans students can make their life more the way they want it to be. This is ideal for anyone who wants to make positive changes in the way they feel and live.
This is not a CPD accredited course. |
Wednesday 14th & Thursday 15th October 2026 9.30am – 4.30pm
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Belfast Recovery College
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| Understanding Menopause | Menopause is a major physical, mental and emotional transitional time in a woman’s life. Some women find the transition fairly straightforward whilst for others it can be a time of intense emotions, physical symptoms and mental challenges. The key message is that no woman experiences the transition the same. It is a unique journey and therefore, a very personal lived experience. This programme aims to provide you with up-to-date information on the menopause, its signs, symptoms, and ways to manage it. Life does not pause whilst you go through menopause as other life changes occur alongside such as loss, children leaving home and general aging issues. The programme will focus on the physical and mental health aspects of menopause and aims to inform and empower you as you navigate your own unique menopausal journey. Delivered over one session, in the first half, we define and explain menopause and its features. This will help normalise your reactions and demystify the various interventions available. In the second half of the session, you will learn how the dramatic shift in hormones during menopause can have a huge impact on mental health and wellbeing. This session will help you understand and manage your psychological and emotional reactions to help live well with the menopause, know that there are things we can do and how to access support. The course is open to everyone as we all need to learn more about this area to give ourselves compassion and give compassion to others.
This is a CPD accredited course. |
Thursday 15th October 2026
10am – 3.30pm
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Online via Ms Teams
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| Introduction to Psychological Therapies | Different styles of therapy can suit different individuals, situations and times, so further information may help to make the best choice. Staff who attend may want a better understanding of psychological therapies for themselves, or to
help when considering a referral to psychological therapies for someone they are working with. This is a CPD accredited course. |
Friday 16th October 2026
1:30pm – 4pm
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Belfast Recovery College
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| Return to Work with Care | Are you considering returning to the world of work or volunteering? Have you taken an absence from work because of mental illness or considering a new job? Or are you in the role of manager and looking for more information? The course includes things to consider before looking for employment, benefits of work, choosing your career, gaining qualifications, volunteering, your rights and what supports are needed to maintain wellness in work.
This is a CPD accredited course. |
Tuesday 20th October 2026
10am – 1pm
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Belfast Recovery College |
| Personal Independence Payment (PIP) | This course is co-produced in partnership with the East Belfast Independent Advice Centre (EBIAC). Do you think that you might have an entitlement to PIP? PIP IS A payment for those who live with disabilities. There have been many changes to benefits in recent years. This interactive up-to-date workshop will explain the criteria of entitlement to this benefit, the process for claiming and the appeals process if you are turned down. It will also outline the support that is available from advice services.
This is a CPD accredited course. |
Tuesday 20th October 2026
2pm – 4pm |
Belfast Recovery College |
| Understanding Postnatal Depression | After having a baby, it is normal to feel overwhelmed with the responsibility of this little person totally dependent on you. This course will explore when it is more than the ‘baby blues’ and is potentially leading to a more serious mental health condition. It will help you develop an understanding of what postnatal depression is (PND). It will also explore the symptoms of PND and the various treatment options and support networks available. If you or someone you know may be struggling with PND this course may be useful for you.
This is a CPD accredited course. |
Wednesday 21st October 2026
10am – 1pm
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Online via MS Teams
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| Living with Schizophrenia & Schizoaffective Disorder | Schizophrenia & Schizoaffective Disorder are diagnosis’ that can still be misunderstood & surrounded by stigma. Though this course we will explore the definitions and history of these conditions & the impacts it may have on an individual, including looking at how stigma and misconceptions of the conditions can impact someone. This course will also explore how to manage the conditions, what treatments are available & how to prevent a relapse.
This is a CPD accredited course. |
Wednesday 21st October 2026
2pm – 4pm
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Online via MS Teams
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| Crafting Creations | Are you craving for some creative crafts? Join us at Belfast Recovery College for some fun filled themed crafting activities. With simple and directed crafts for everyone to join in and fun along the way. All welcome to join in and learn new crafting ideas over a cup of tea or coffee. Our first session will be Halloween themed and our second session Christmas themed.
This is not a CPD accredited course. |
Friday 23rd October 2026
2pm – 4pm
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Belfast Recovery College
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| Movie Club | Its movie time at the Belfast Recovery College! Take a movie journey with Belfast Recovery College (films rated PG and above).
We’ve got a wide range of movies being shown for all tastes. So, enjoy a great time with fellow cinema lovers. There will be a movie showing every month. The group can be ideas for the movie of the month. Feel free to bring your popcorn. This is not a CPD accredited course. |
Friday 30th October 2026 1pm – 4pm
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Belfast Recovery College
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