H.O.P.E. Learning Centre

H.O.P.E. Learning Centre (Recovery College)
Helping Others through Peer Education

What is a Recovery College?

A Recovery College can be described as a unique learning centre where people with lived experience of mental health issues, peers, family members and mental health professionals use their knowledge and experience to work collaboratively and on equal terms to co-develop and co-deliver courses on a range of topics that support well-being and recovery (Perkins, Repper, Rinaldi, & Brown 2012).

A Recovery College is a place of self-discovery where people come together to gain knowledge, learn new skills, and explore new roles for themselves in a supportive environment. Here a “student” is not a passive recipient of information or advice; they are actively engaged, valued and empowered within a culture of mutual respect. A Recovery College is a learning environment where people with lived experience are equal partners in developing and delivering learning opportunities that open the door to new aspirations and personal growth. Recovery Colleges offer a new way to support recovery and can be transformative for both individuals and organizations. Within the Recovery College model, there is a focus on bringing together the expertise of both professionals and people with lived experience in a process of co-production, co-delivery and co-learning.

Who Are Recovery Colleges For?

One of the key features of Recovery Colleges is that they are open to anyone. This includes people with lived experience of mental health or substance use issues, family members, peers, friends and other supporters as well as community members, and people who work in a professional role in mental health.

There have been a number of benefits identified by students, primarily people with lived experience and staff/professionals, based on this mixed student group learning model offered at a Recovery College. Some of the ways in which students benefitted from the diverse student group included: learning new knowledge, reduced stigma, decreased isolation, increase in hopefulness and empathy, and enhanced understanding of others’ perspectives and recovery (Meddings, Guglietti, Lambe, & Byrne, 2014; Perkins Ridler, Hammond, Davis & Hackmann, 2017).

A recent review by Toney and colleagues (2018) aimed at discovering how Recovery Colleges work and benefit people, suggests that four specific sub-groups of people who use mental health services may particularly benefit from the Recovery College model:

People who may be early on in their recovery and could benefit from the support and guidance in making choices
Those who find it challenging to engage in any mental health services and who may benefit from the warm welcome of a College
Those who have high self-stigma are likely to benefit from exposure to peer trainers
People whose social connectedness is limited to formal services and who would benefit from meeting others outside of that context (Toney et al., 2018)

Why Do We Need Recovery Colleges?

The main aim of Recovery Colleges is to provide an opportunity for people to discover their true potential; to use their life experience in positive ways to promote their recovery and to be able to share that knowledge and expertise for the benefit of others in the community.

Recovery Colleges fill a gap in current service delivery models and structures. People living with mental health and substance use issues have long sought an environment where they are viewed and respected as whole individuals, not “broken” beings needing to be fixed. The Recovery College environment is different in that respect right from the outset. There is a belief that every student has strengths, capabilities and aspirations; the approaches taken within the College support that belief. The College process and environment assists students in finding and bolstering their strengths and leveraging them to achieve meaningful personal goals.

6 Critical Dimensions of Successful Recovery Colleges

COMMUNITY FACING.
There is active engagement with community organizations and mainstream education facilities in the local community and an emphasis on partnership working.

EDUCATIONAL.
Based on educational principles and a co-produced, recovery-focused curriculum with each student having an individual learning plan based on their wishes and aspirations. Students choose the courses they are interested in attending. Not referral-based.

COLLABORATIVE.
Based on co-production in all facets of their operation, curriculum and course development, co-facilitation and co-learning that brings together lived, life, professional and subject expertise.

STRENGTHS-BASED AND PERSON-CENTRED.
The strengths, skills, qualities and possibilities for staff and students are identified, built upon and rewarded. For both students and staff, achievements, strengths, skills and qualities are identified, built upon and rewarded.

PROGRESSIVE.
Actively support students to move on in their lives, to achieve their own identified goals and explore possibilities outside services.

INCLUSIVE.
Recovery Colleges welcome students of all types, cultures, abilities and educational achievements. There are no diagnostic requirements or exclusions and no formal risk assessment. They also welcome mental health practitioners, other mental health staff, relatives, friends, carers and people in the local community and are free to all. Everyone learns together and from each other.

From Perkins R., Meddings, S., Williams, S., & Reppter, J. (2018). Recovery Colleges 10 Years On, Nottingham, ImROC. P.5

Virtual Course Catalog

November ONLINE Wellness Development
Tuesdays from 12:15pm - 12:45pm
Online Through Zoom

FREE but you must pre-register so we can send you the online link. Email Donna Bowyer with any topics you may want to learn about.

For more information, you can email hopelc@cmhask.com

Session Date: November 3rd
Training Session: Dementia
Trainer: Louise Svingen RN
Description: Will discuss some of the many misunderstood and generally not recognized signs and symptoms of dementia. She will point out how social isolation can impart the person living with dementia.

Session Date: November 10th
Training Session: Grief & Loss - Healing Power & Ritual Ceremony
Trainer: Della Ferguson
Description: With changing times and the issues of social isolation we may be putting aside some of the traditional ways we deal with grief and loss. Della will be discussing the Healing Power of rituals and ceremony.

Session Date: November 17th
Training Session: Surviving Suicide Loss
Trainer: Lori Meyer
Description: We will be speaking as someone with life experience of the path from the loss to suicide, and moving toward recovery. This is very timely as Nov 21st is Suicide Survivors Day and Journey to Hope will be providing an opportunity to meet with other people who have lost someone to suicide.

Session Date: November 24th
Training Session: Addictions
Trainer: Danielle Cameron
Description: We will talk about addictions and how to stop the stigma around it. We will also be quickly touching on what different drugs look like the methods used to achieve a high and the difference between a stimulant and depressant.

Canadian Mental Health Association has been providing services in Canada for over 100 years. We provide direct services for people that have experience with mental illness, peer support, education and training, advocacy, system navigation, Vocational programs and many other programs and supports. You can talk to us without any referrals. We are here for everyone.

December ONLINE Wellness Development Tuesdays from 12:15pm - 12:45pm Online Through Zoom

FREE but you must pre-register so we can send you the online link. Email Donna Bowyer with any topics you may want to learn about.

For more information, you can email hopelc@cmhask.com

Session Date: December 1st
Training Session: Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Trainer: Donna Bowyer
Description: SAD can start as soon as the leaves start to change colour in the fall. We will be talking about some of the signs and symptoms of SAD and some strategies to help you through the months of low sunlight.

Session Date: December 8th
Training Session:In-App Purchases and Addictive Behaviours in Games
Trainer: Bretton Hutt
Description: This topic will focus on in-app purchases (IAPs), randomness, and game design features that create "hooks" for players and inform their gaming and spending behaviours. The psychology of addiction and the fear of missing out will be examined in relation to gameplay and harm reduction strategies will also be discussed.

Session Date: December 15th
Training Session: Surviving the stress of the Christmas Season
Trainer: Donna Bowyer
Description: Christmas and other holidays can be very exciting but also very stressful. We will be talking about some of the causes of that stress and also some strategies to make it through the season with the ability to enjoy the holidays.

Session Date: December 22nd
Training Session: Facilitation Skills
Trainer: Jayne Whyte
Description: Are you leading groups? Would you like to? Are you adapting from in-person meetings to the Zoom format? Would you like to feel more comfortable in groups? The Facilitation Skills course offers ideas, examples, and opportunities for sharing what we've learned and what you've learned. Oh, and it's fun! The eight-week class starts on January 18, Mondays, 1:00 to 3:00. In this Lunch Byte, Jayne Whyte, one of the co-facilitators, gives you a "taste" of the class with ideas you can start using in your next meeting.

We will resume courses once again on January 12th

FREE Stand Alone Courses

The Art of Friendship (8 sessions)

Face to Face Training

Dates:
Sept. 10th - Class 1: Orientation to “Art of Friendship”
Sept. 16th - Class 2: Understanding Human Behaviour and Basic Needs
Sept. 24th - Class 3: Responsibility and Commitment
Oct. 1st - Class 4: Values and Integrity
Oct. 8th - Class 5: Boundaries
Oct. 15th - Class 6: Self-Disclosure and Trust
Oct. 22nd - Class 7: Communications and Resolving Conflict
Oct. 29th - Class 8: Intimacy and Group Closure
Time: 3:00pm-4:30pm.
Location: 1888 Angus Street Regina Sask.
Cost: Free

Description:

Strong friendships give us the power to be our try selves; when we have strong friendships, we feel respected and valued and we work hard to find ways to show our friends that we respect and value them. Strong friendships take work! This course will help you learn about yourself – what you say, the way you act, ad how all of your actions can affect relationships with others. Focusing on these aspects, helps us gain confidence in our relationships and we will be more likely to achieve our friendship goals. Each session covers a different topic. Each participant must make a commitment to attend all 8 sessions.

Due to restrictions regarding Covid-19, we are limiting the class to 8 people and it is on a first registered basis. There are no qualifications or pre-requisites. It is open to everyone.

Please email registration to Hopelc@cmhask.com.

Building Better Boundaries (3 sessions)

Face to Face Training

Dates:
Oct. 27th - Class 1:
Nov. 3rd - Class 2:
Nov. 10th - Class 3:
Time: 2:00pm-3:30pm.
Location: 1888 Angus Street Regina Sask.
Cost: Free

Description:

Boundaries aren’t just the maps! Building better boundaries involves learning how to set boundaries, talking to others about your boundaries, and showing others you respect their boundaries. This course will help you build better boundaries, so you can feel happier and healthier.

Facilitation Skills Training (6 sessions)

Online Training

Dates:
Oct. 19th - Class 1:
Oct. 26th - Class 2:
Nov. 2nd - Class 3:
Nov. 9th - Class 4:
Nov. 16th - Class 5:
Nov. 23rd - Class 6:
Time: 1:00pm-2:30pm.
Location: Online with Zoom
Cost: Free

Description:

This training is for people that will be facilitating groups. You will learn: styles of learning and how to incorporate them into your sessions, how to build safety into your groups, stages of group development, group achievement, group dynamics, problem solving with difficult group members, group evaluation. You will have an opportunity to practice the skills as you learn them.

We have limited availability for is this class, it is being offered on a first registered basis. There are no qualifications or pre-requisites. It is open to everyone.

Please email registration to Hopelc@cmhask.com.

Strategies for Managing the Impact of Psychosis and Schizophrenia on the Family (5 sessions)

Online Training

Dates:

TBA - Class 1: Overview of Psychosis and Schizophrenia
TBA - Class 2: Living with Psychosis and Schizophrenia
TBA - Class 3: Managing Crises
TBA - Class 4: Lived Experience & Recovery
TBA - Class 5: Building Strengths and Going Forward

Time: TBA

Location: Online

Cost: Free

Description:

What is the Family Recovery Journey?
AprogramoftheSchizophreniaSocietyofCanadatoeducate families and friends and provide tools for managing the impact of psychosis on their lives.

This program updates and replaces the Strengthening Families Together program.

Who Should Attend?
Family members, friends and caregivers of people who experience psychosis.

Each participant must make a commitment to attend all 5 sessions.

Space is limited and spots will be given on a first registered basis. There are no qualifications or pre-requisites. It is open to everyone.

To Register:

Phone: (306) 584-0755
Email: maria@schizophrenia.sk.ca

Stand Alone Courses w. Fees

Mental Health First Aid (2 days of training)

Face to Face Training

Dates:
Nov. 4th - Class 1
Nov. 5th - Class 2
Time: 8:30am-4:30pm.
Location: 1888 Angus Street Regina Sask.
Cost: $185 Per Participant

Description:

Mental Health First is the help provided to a person developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. Just as physical first aid is administered to an injured person before medical treatment can be obtained, MHFA is given until appropriate treatment is found or until the crisis is resolved.

Once the workshop is completed you will be able to:

Assess the risk of suicide and/or harm
Listen non-judgmentally
Give reassurance and information
Encourage the person to get appropriate professional help
Encourage other supports

Due to restrictions regarding Covid-19, We are limiting space for social distancing and Masks will be required

Please email registration to Hopelc@cmhask.com.

ASIST (2 days of training)

Face to Face Training

Dates:
Nov. 25th - Class 1
Nov. 26th - Class 2
Time: 8:30am-4:30pm.
Location: 1888 Angus Street Regina Sask.
Cost: $200 Per Participant

Description:

ASIST is a two-day, skills-building workshop that prepares caregivers of all kinds to provide suicide first aid interventions. Professionals, volunteers and informal helpers all need to know how to help persons with thoughts of suicide in ways that increase their suicide safety.

Participation in the full two days is required. Enjoy small group discussions and skills practise that are based upon adult learning principles; experience powerful videos on suicide intervention; feel challenged and safe; learn suicide first aid.

As an ASIST-trained first aid intervention caregiver, you will be better able to:

dentify people who have thoughts of suicide
Understand how your beliefs and attitudes can affect suicide interventions
Seek a shared understanding of the reasons for thoughts of suicide and the reasons for living
Review current risk and develop a plan to increase safety from suicidal behavior for an agreed amount of time
Follow up on all safety commitments, accessing further help as needed

Due to restrictions regarding Covid-19, We are limiting space for social distancing and Masks will be required

Please email registration to Hopelc@cmhask.com.

LivingWorks Start (1.5 hour course)

Online Training

Dates:
This Online Training Course is available to take at anytime
How to Register:
You can register for LivingWorks Start, or bring it to your team, by following our direct link:

CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION PAGE

The CMHA-Sk and LivingWorks team is also available to help provide step-by-step implementations for large numbers of participants.
Simply contact our the H.O.P.E Learning Centre Director Donna Bowyer at donnab@cmhask.com and we’ll be happy to help.

Cost: $20 Per License
Supporting CMHA:By registering with our link, 25% of the license fee will go directly to CMHA-Sk to help support the work we do.

Description:

In times of heightened isolation and anxiety, people’s thoughts of suicide can increase. Now, more than ever, it’s essential that we have effective skills to keep each other safe – even if it’s from afar. LivingWorks has suicide prevention/interverntion programs taught by CMHA-SK’s Suicide Prevention Master Trainer and H.O.P.E. Learning Centre Director, Donna Bowyer. While in-person training for this program is not currently available due to the current health crisis, we are pleased to announce an alternative.

LivingWorks Start is a 90-minute online program, which allows trainees to learn suicide prevention skills even while working from home or practicing physical distancing. It works on any computer, smartphone, or tablet, and it includes simulations, practice, and other skill-building activities. There are also ways to apply these skills via phone, text, and other remote methods.

A way to learn life-saving skills anywhere
LivingWorks is working hard to support suicide prevention efforts during this difficult time. With sensitivity to the current financial situation, they’ve made LivingWorks Start available at a reduced cost of $20.00 CAD per license. In addition, when you register through with our link below, 25% of the license fee will go directly to CMHA Saskatchewan Division to help support our programming.

The benefits of LivingWorks Start
LivingWorks Start enables people to recognize when friends, family members, co-workers, and neighbours are struggling and take meaningful actions to keep them safe. Trainees report feeling more confident and prepared to help someone, even during work-from-home and physical distancing. LivingWorks Start will help you build the necessary skills to support someone when they need it most.

Check Out This PDF Link

Below you will find the course list for all the available training sessions HOPE Learning Centre is currently offering. To Register for a session please either:

Downloadable PDF Registration Form
Online Registration

Download the PDF form and return it filled in by mail or email

Email: hopelc@cmhask.com
Mail: H.O.P.E. Learning Centre, 1888 Angus Street, Regina, SK, S4T 1Z4
Downloadable PDF Form: HOPE Downloadable PDF Registration Form