Bromley Recovery College Spring 2021 Prospectus

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.

When: 3 x 1.5 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.

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.

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.

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.   

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.