Bromley Recovery College Spring 2021 Prospectus
Like many other institutions, Bromley Recovery College has had to respond to a very different environment in the past ten months. Sadly, this means that for the time being we are unable to offer our traditional, classroom-based courses and workshops. We are, however, able to offer a rich variety of alternatives.
Our courses are free and are open to all those who live, work or are registered with a GP in the London Borough of Bromley. At the present time we are also accepting students from neighbouring London boroughs. The courses below run between January and April 2021.
Recovery College Open Forum
When: ongoing, every Thursday
Time: 12pm – 1pm
Location: online (Zoom)
This lively weekly space is for information and discussion about the Recovery College, its courses and its development. The Open Forum is an interactive experience that welcomes diverse views about the experience of and desires for the Recovery College. It offers an opportunity to deepen participants’ understanding and awareness of different topics and how we can relate to each other from diverse perspectives.
Speakers who wish to share or focus on a particular issue are welcomed by the Recovery College team.
Stress: friend or foe?
When: 3 x 1.5Â hour sessions, Tuesdays 2021
Start date: TBC
Time: 11am
Location: online (Zoom)
Course tutor: Charlie Carpenter
As humans we respond to stress in many different ways, but in almost every case our response is triggered by biological processes which have evolved over millions of years and which create within us a predictable pattern of psychological responses. How we react is often controlled by deeply embedded processes.
Through understanding these processes we can acquire strategies which enable us to manage our stress levels. This is very much a practical course for those who would like to manage their personal stress in a more effective way.
Connecting in Crisis
When: 4 x 1.5 hour sessions, Thursdays 2021
Start date: TBC
Time: 2pm – 3.30pm (45 mins/15 min break/30mins)
Location: online (Zoom)
Course tutor: Roxanna Graves
In times of crisis it is more important than ever to connect with others, and yet opportunities to make and sustain connections with friends, family, neighbours colleagues or the wider community have been enormously reduced. The last ten months have had a huge impact on our lifestyles, which have had to adapt at a very rapid rate. It is understandable, if not inevitable, that this may affect our relationships and our ability to maintain them.
In this course we will explore and share what we have experienced in these last few months, and what we can learn from that experience to help us better manage our relationships.
Writing a Journal for Recovery
When: 4 x 2 hour sessions, Mondays, 5 April – 26 April 2021
Time: 2pm – 4pm
Location: online (Zoom)
Course tutors: Carly Taylor and Megan McGery
This course is for more experienced writers, those who have begun to explore the rich world of the creative writer and who are looking to develop their style further or simply exchange ideas. The course will include an opportunity to investigate a variety of different fields. This is a chance to explore fresh ideas within the context of a friendly and relaxed group who share a passion for writing.
Understanding Anxiety
When: 3 x 1.5 hour sessions, Wednesdays 2021
Start date: TBC
Time: 10am
Location: online (Zoom)
Course tutor: Lorraine Gordon
Anxiety can have a considerable impact on the human mind and the way we live our lives. Fear and worry are a representation of mental conflict, which we all experience in varying degrees throughout our lives. Our understanding of anxiety, its expression and reality impacts the energy we utilise in everyday life. Over three sessions we will explore how anxiety manifests itself and share the challenges we have experienced. We will also share strategies that enable us to adjust our behaviours and coexist with others. Â
Change: a Fresh Look
When: 4 x 1 hour sessions, Tuesdays 2021
Start date: TBC
Time: 10.30am
Location: online (Zoom)
Course tutor: Charlie Carpenter
From the moment that we are born we are set on a path which involves constant change, some of which is forced upon us by circumstance and some of which results from our own voluntary decision making. It is impossible to avoid the need for change; the world in which we inhabit is constantly changing as are the communities of which we are a part. Change is unavoidable and yet far too often we see it as a threat.
This course examines how we as humans respond to changes, both those which are forced upon us by circumstance and those which we choose to make. The group will explore ways of finding an appropriate way forward through what is often a challenging and painful situation.
Understanding Depression
When: 3 x 1.5 hour sessions, Thursdays, 4 March – 18 March 2021
Time: 2pm
Location: online (Zoom)
Course tutor: Roxanna Graves
Depression can take many distinct forms; it is often complex and deeply intrusive. For those fortunate not to have experienced depression, it is frequently misunderstood.
This course sets out to explore current thinking on the various ways in which depression can present, along with some effective strategies for learning to overcome or at least minimise its impact on our lives. This is essentially a practical course for those who want to move forward.
Introduction to Meditation
When: Thursdays, 7 January – 25 February 2021
Time: 1pm – 2.30pm
Location: online (Zoom)
Course tutor: David Powell
Introducing approaches to meditation and practicing them in order to gradually integrate them into our lives.
The key factor is to be as natural as possible, by releasing and relaxing effortlessly. There is a very strong sense of loosening up, of releasing the heart and mind in deep ease and relaxation in a very spacious, carefree way, without trying to do anything.
Many people find that by far the most important feature of this approach is its attitude, and its feeling, qualities which bring tremendous relief in the ease and freedom they bring, and the absolute humour they shine onto our lives. The profoundness of the teachings lies in its tremendous clarity and vividness, its power to resonate the truth, as a living, vital experience.
Autism
When: 4 x 2 hour sessions, Wednesdays 2021
Start date: TBC
Time: 2pm
Location: online (Zoom)
Course tutor: Enda Burca
This course takes a fresh look at autism as ‘a mode of being in the world’ that is intrinsically linked to one’s identity. We will look at the particular way the subject of autism creatively builds the identity of autistic people with regards language acquisition and expression, and how this affects social relations. We will also look at the neuro science of the autistic brain and we will consider the current movement that champions neurodiversity.
ADHD
When: 5 x 2 hour sessions, Wednesdays, 3 March – 31 March 2021
Time: 2pm
Location: online (Zoom)
Course tutor: Enda Burca
ADHD was only recognised as a valid condition in the UK in 2000, so it is all the more remarkable that in the UK today ADHD affects around 3-5 per cent of children and 2 per cent of adults.
So what exactly is ADHD and what challenges does the disorder present to those individuals who have it, and to their families and society as a whole?
In this five-session course we will explore the behavioural symptoms and diagnostics of ADHD, how symptoms differ in boys and girls and how symptoms may change in adulthood, as well as looking at the neuroscience and neurodiversity behind the disorder.
The course will help us cultivate the self-awareness required to understand ADHD and to work with our own unique subjectivity, thereby celebrating and sharpening our strengths and creativity to help us achieve lifelong wellbeing.
Art Connect
When: Tuesdays, 2 February – 23 February 2021
Time: 1pm – 3pm
Location: online (Zoom)
Course tutor: Enda De Búrca
Engaging in creative activity can increase your sense of wellbeing, help put you in touch with and express blocked feelings, and enable you to access a state of ‘creative’ flow which calms the mind and allows you to look at the world in a fresh perspective.
This four-week course includes a series of explorative workshops experimenting with different art techniques (drawing, collage, painting, automatic writing, mixed media).
Yoga
When: Tuesdays, commencing 26 January 2021
Time: 7pm – 8pm
Location: online (Zoom)
Course tutor: Jane Robb
Enjoy an hour of relaxing yet invigorating yoga for all bodies and minds. Move through yoga poses, and use the focus of the movement to release your mind. Wear comfortable clothes you can move freely in, and have a large towel or yoga mat to hand.
Tai Chi
When: ongoing , Fridays, 10am – 11am
Time: 1pm – 3pm
Location: online (Zoom)
Course tutor: Nicki Fawcitt
Learn the soft, graceful movements of the ancient Chinese healing art of Tai Chi (meditation in movement), and the soulful healing of Qigong. Learn breathing and relaxation techniques, and meditation in motion that relaxes and creates stillness of the mind. The gentle activity and movements of Tai Chi and Qigong can reduce stress and depression and soothe the mind. They can also reduce high blood pressure and improve the immune system.
Outdoor groups: Gentle Walking, Walking for the More Experienced, Personalised Walking Sessions and Gardening
Under the new current lockdown restrictions, we are constantly reviewing delivery of our outdoor courses, to ensure they are provided safely. The courses will restart as soon as possible. Please contact Charlie Carpenter on 07745 182738 / Charlie.carpenter@blgmind.org.uk to register your interest or if you require more information.
Upcoming courses
We hope during the coming months to provide an increased range of courses and workshops. For up-to-date information or to discuss any ideas that you may have for future courses, please contact either Charlie Carpenter on 07745 182738 or Lorraine Gordon (Deputy Recovery College Principal) 07718 445559.
This version of the Bromley Recovery College programme was last updated on 29 January 2020.
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Bromley Recovery College,
Bromley, Lewisham & Greenwich Mind, 38 Mason’s Hill, Bromley, Kent, BR2 9JG
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020 8289 5020
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