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Recovery Colleges
Learning and well-being come together at new learning centres
Mental health. It wasn’t a class at school. So where can adults in Canada go to learn about mental health and well-being? The answer is “recovery colleges.” The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) already operates 16 centres in communities across Canada. And, more will be popping up across the country, increasing availability and access to Recovery College courses.
So, what exactly is a Recovery College?
Recovery Colleges, based on a successful community mental health model from the UK, are focused on personal recovery in mental health and well-being. Recovery Colleges provide an innovative learning space where anyone can access free courses, webinars, workshops, and events to learn, gain new skills, and connect with others in their community.
In Canada, today, recovery colleges offer a new twist on the UK model. Here, these welcoming in-person and virtual learning centres are called by many different names. But whether they are called Recovery College, HOPE Learning Centre, Well-being Centre or Discovery College, they are all about establishing social connection, hope and optimism, identity, meaning, and empowerment through education.
They are modeled after a traditional college, with its large course offerings and vibrant learning environment. But there are no tests at a recovery college, admission is free and everyone is welcome.
What also sets them apart from traditional educational institutions are the subjects offered. Instead of language literacy, for instance, you might take a course in mental health literacy, or in health and well-being. Courses range from topics including ‘Understanding Anxiety’ to ‘Self-Help 101’ as well as cooking classes, walking groups, and mindfulness practices. Even the course curriculum is unique: it is developed by subject experts and mental health professionals, working together with people who have their own experience in personal recovery.
Is Recovery College right for you?
These centres are designed to be supportive learning environments, where you are welcome, whatever your mental health goals. You may have a mental illness, or a mental health problem, including a substance use issue, and you may be on a personal recovery journey. Or maybe you support someone who is. You may be looking for skills to enhance your self-care or your overall sense of well-being. Or maybe you need to develop a little confidence in facing life’s challenges. Whatever your reason, you might just find the right course for you. And you will find an empowering learning environment where the people are genuine, and the knowledge is practical.
Find a centre near you:
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Alberta
Camrose
CMHA Recovery College Camrose
https://recoverycollegecamrose.caCalgary
CMHA Recovery College Calgary
www.recoverycollegecalgary.caEdmonton
CMHA Recovery College Edmonton
www.recoverycollegeedmonton.caFort McMurray
CMHA Recovery College Wood Buffalo
https://recoverycollegewoodbuffalo.caGrande Prairie
CMHA Recovery College Grande Prairie
https://recoverycollegegrandeprairie.caLethbridge
CMHA Recovery College Lethbridge
https://recoverycollegelethbridge.caMedicine Hat
CMHA Recovery College Medicine Hat
https://recoverycollegemedicinehat.caRed Deer
CMHA Recovery College Central Alberta
www.recoverycollegecentralalberta.ca -
British Columbia
Kelowna
CMHA Discovery College Kelowna
www.discoverycollegekelowna.comVancouver
Recovery College YVR
https://recoverycollegeyvr.ca/ -
Manitoba
Portage La Prairie & Winkler
Thrive Learning Centre
https://central.cmha.ca/thriveSwan River & Dauphin
HOPE Learning Centre
https://parkland.cmha.ca/programs-services/hope-learning-centreWinnipeg
Well-Being Learning Centre
https://mbwpg.cmha.ca/programs-services/learning-centre -
New Brunswick
Fredericton
CMHA of New Brunswick Well-Being Learning Centre
cmhanb.ca/well-being-learning-centre -
Nova Scotia
Dartmouth
Thrive Learning Centre
https://novascotia.cmha.ca/thrive-learning-center-for-mental-wellness-and-well-being/ -
Ontario
Durham
Recovery College Wellness Centre
cmhadurham.ca/services/recovery-college-wellness-centreLondon
Thrive Institute – CMHA Thames Valley
https://cmhatv.ca/thrive-institutePeterborough/Kawartha Lakes/Haliburton
H.O.P.E. Learning Centre
cmhahkpr.ca/h-o-p-e-learning-centreToronto
CMHA Recovery College Toronto
https://cmhato.org/programs/recovery-collegeWhitby
Ontario Shores Recovery College
www.ontarioshores.caWindsor
CMHA Windsor-Essex County
https://windsoressex.cmha.ca/wellness-recovery-collegeYork Region & South Simcoe
CMHA College of Health and Well-Being
https://www.cmhacollege.ca -
Prince Edward Island
Charlottetown
CMHA Recovery College PEI
pei.cmha.ca/home/our-programs/cmha-learning-training-support-hub -
Saskatchewan
Regina
H.O.P.E. Learning Centre
https://www.skhopelearningcentre.ca
Ontario Shores and CMHA are also working with interested parties to explore, mentor and support the planning of potential new centres across the Yukon, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador.
Contact information
For more information about CMHA’s recovery colleges, or to learn more about working with CMHA and Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences (Ontario Shores) to open your own local learning centre, please contact us at [email protected].