Life Rooms Course Prospectus Jan-Mar 17

THE RECOVERY COLLEGE Your Future, Your Way

January - March

Courses

2017

Our Recovery College is a college like no other…

Recovery College at The Life Rooms is where people have positive experiences that impact on their wellbeing. We have a variety of sessions and courses so you can decide which you would like to try.

With us you can learn more about supporting recovery, living with and managing mental health conditions, or exploring creative opportunities which may reignite a passion or find a new one.

The tutors on these courses bring their own lived experience of mental health; they understand.

We will support you so that you can gain the confidence you need to do things you want to…

Recovery College Team “I can only thank the Recovery College for the excellent care and support it has given me... I hope to one day put my own lived experience to use in helping other service users’ recovery.” (Recovery College Student)

Our Student and Staff Charter • We keep open minds and are willing to learn new things • We work together to help each other to achieve personal recovery goals • We respect confidentiality • We care about protecting people through safeguarding • We learn through shared experiences • We think about how our words may affect others • We show everyone respect, understanding and compassion • We believe in hope • We believe in opportunities • We believe in making choices that suit us and getting the support that we need • We follow all health and safety regulations on each site – including not attending sessions under the influence of alcohol or illicit drugs.

Sound good?

The easiest way to enrol onto our courses is by visiting www.liferooms.org and completing our online enrolment form.

Why not come along to our enrolment sessions where you can become familiar with the staff and environment. You can ask questions about the courses and complete the enrolment forms with support on the day.

22 December 2016

Enrol at Crown Street

10.00 - 12.30

9 January 2017

Enrol at Crown Street

10.00 - 12.30

9 January 2017

Enrol at St Andrews

10.00 - 13.00

10 January 2017

Enrol at Life Rooms

10.00 - 12.30

12 January 2017

Enrol at Life Rooms

14.00 - 16.00

You may also attend the Life Rooms to request an enrolment form in person or call us on 0151 330 4140 to express your interest and we will send an enrolment form out to you.

When you enrol you will be asked for some details including contact information. We must be able to contact you to let you know when you have been enrolled on our courses or if there have been any changes to the planned course delivery. We care about all of our students’ safety and need to be able to contact someone who will know what to do in case of emergency. This information is very important so that we can provide the best possible service to all of our students so it is essential that you book in advance and receive confirmation of enrolment before attending.

No pressure…

At the Life Rooms, it’s our job to understand. We understand that you may not feel the same way when you sign up as you do when you have a session to attend. It’s ok to cancel!

Please do let us know if you can’t attend a course or a session. That way, we can allow another student to come along. Don’t worry; you can re-enrol in the future when you are able to attend..

What is recovery learning?

Recovery doesn’t always mean without ever experiencing symptoms. Through periods of mental distress or illness, we can experience feelings of hopelessness, a lack of control over our lives and that we have no opportunities available to us.

• Choice – the programmes you attend are chosen by you! We believe you are the person who knows best what can aid your recovery. We don’t replace any medical treatment or advice but we can be a useful accompaniment and you choose what you want to know more about • Hope – lots of our staff will be able to share some of their experiences of living with a mental health diagnosis. Our courses aim to teach strategies to help you to manage symptoms and improve your quality of life • Opportunities – we aim to ignite passions and provide you with chances to expand on your learning; you can pursue these in the wider community.

We are here We have four centres where you can attend sessions – you choose which you’d like to attend, no matter where you live in Merseyside. Please feel free to contact the team if you would like to discuss the possibility of putting on sessions for inpatients, staff or in a community-based setting.

Life Rooms, Walton Train: Rice Lane, Walton Bus: 20, 21, 345 Parking: On street spaces available Post code: L9 2AF Crown Street Resource Centre, Liverpool City Centre Train: Edge Hill, Lime Street, Central Bus: 76, 139, C4, C5, 73 (some) Parking: Car park available Post code: L7 3LZ

Southport Fire Station, Southport Train: Southport Bus: 300, 47 Parking: Limited venue parking available, on street available locally Post code: PR9 0LH St. Andrew’s Business Centre, Garston Train: South Parkway Bus: 80, 82, 86 Parking: Local parking available Post code: L19 2NL

We have provided travel information here, correct at the time of print, but please check with the Merseytravel website or call their helpline on 0151 227 5181 before you start your journey.

Recovery Learning Disclosure Do you know what Recovery Learning is? Would you like to become a student of Recovery College but have questions about what we do?

If you would like to know more about our college and the courses we offer please attend this introduction to the Recovery College We will discuss how recovery learning can benefit you and those you care for.

We will also look at how we share our experiences in a safe and controlled way.

After completing these sessions you will be able to: • Understand what recovery learning is • Learn about safe disclosure • Support your own recovery journey.

Who should attend?

This course is for anyone who would like to know more about Recovery Learning and sharing your story.

Who will be there?

Peer tutors and volunteers will support the session.

Duration This is a two hour session.

Key: Living with / understanding conditions Health and wellbeing Taking back control Knowledge and skills

Venue

Date

Time

Life Rooms

Thursday 12 January 2017

10.00

St Andrews

Monday 16 January 2017

14.00

Southport

Monday 16 January 2017

14.00

Life Rooms

Tuesday 17 January 2017

10.00

Life Rooms

Friday 26 January 2017

14.00

Living Life to the Full

Creating a Positive Body Image

Our lives are full of opportunities – but we need to be able to recognise them when they come along. Do you feel that you have a negative thinking style that gets in your way? This could be the course for you.

Do you feel that society and the media affect how you feel about your own body? Do you wish that you could have more control over feeling good about your own body?

This course recognises the connection between a negative body image low self-esteem. It aims to explore some of the social factors that impact on body image. Come along to learn ways to promote positive body image in a safe supportive environment.

This six week programme is full of practical exercises, tools and insight that can help you to build confidence, improve problem-solving skills, address bad habits, and more.

After completing these sessions you will be able to: After completing these sessions you will be able to:

• Receive advice to manage negative behaviour or thinking

• Identify the things that affect body image

• Create plans to implement changes to improve your life

• Track how society can influence our perceptions of ourselves

• Reflect and review on steps you have taken.

• Identify strategies for creating positive body image.

Who should attend?

Anyone who wants to better manage negative thoughts to get more from life.

Who will be there?

Our peer tutors have received specialist training to deliver this course and will be supported by a volunteer at the sessions.

Duration This programme is six sessions lasting two hours each.

Who should attend?

Anyone who wants to explore why so many of us feel negatively about our bodies.

Who will be there?

A tutor and a volunteer who can share their experiences and knowledge.

Duration This is a programme of four sessions which last two hours each.

Venue

Date

Time

Southport

Monday 9 January 2017

10.00

Life Rooms

Thursday 16 February 2017

14.00

Crown Street

Wednesday 22 February 2017

10.00

Venue

Date

Time

Life Rooms

Thursday 19 January 2017

10.00

Self Esteem

The Whole of Me

This course helps us to learn what qualities we appreciate in people and begin to recognise them in ourselves.

Spirituality isn't just for people who think of themselves as religious. It is about how we better connect to ourselves, each other and the world around us. Nurturing the spiritual aspects of ourselves can support our recovery and help us to do that.

Using discussions and classroom activities, students of all levels of skill can find out what self esteem is, how it develops how to begin to fight back against their own ‘inner critic’. Walk away from these sessions armed with a toolkit to begin boosting your own self esteem in your day-to-day life.

Through group discussion and individual exercises this course will explore topics of wellbeing, identity, compassion, thankfulness and sharing.

After completing these sessions you will be able to: • Discuss what self esteem is what impacts it

After completing these sessions you will be able to:

• Identify positive qualities in yourself

• Have developed increased self-awareness

• Fight your inner critic through positive actions.

• Learnt how spirituality can support your recovery and gain confidence.

Who should attend?

This free course is for anyone who wants to build their self esteem.

Who should attend?

All are welcome regardless of their religion or belief.

Who will be there?

Our peer tutors and college volunteers will support you during the session.

Who will be there?

A Mersey Care chaplain with lived experience of mental health challenges and an expert by experience with an interest in spirituality.

Duration Please attend both two and a half hour sessions.

Duration This programme runs for five weeks with each session lasting two hours.

Venue

Date

Time

Crown Street

Friday 20 January 2017

14.00

Southport

Monday 23 January 2017

14.00

Life Rooms

Thursday 26 January 2017

14.00

St Andrews

Monday 6 March 2017

10.00

Venue

Date

Time

Life Rooms

Monday 16 January 2017

14.00

Mental Health Awareness

Having the Conversation

Mental health is becoming more important in our daily lives. Its time to put aside what you hear on the news and make up your own mind. This course offers you the opportunity to learn more about the issues surrounding ill mental health. Come along if you:

This course is designed to empower people who use NHS services to employ strategies to get the most from their care and to make sure their voice is heard.

Want to increase your knowledge of mental health Wish to offer support to someone who has ill mental health.

Have a mental health diagnosis and want to learn more.

After completing these sessions you will be able to: • Be able to identify and reflect on your own strategies for communication

After completing these sessions you will be able to: • Have an increased understanding of mental health its surrounding issues • Have the ability to recognise the crucial warning signs of ill mental health.

Who should attend?

This free session is for anyone who wants to understand more about mental health.

Who will be there?

Our peer tutors and volunteers will support you during the session.

• Understand key approaches that enable positive relationships with people who provide services and deliver care • Measure the quality of our relationships against the commitments set out in NHS England’s ‘6 Cs’ statement of values.

Who should attend?

Anyone who uses health services.

Who will be there?

Experienced facilitators from Mersey Care.

Duration This session lasts for two and a half hours.

Duration This session is three hours long.

Venue

Date

Time

Venue

Date

Time

St Andrews

Monday 23 January 2017

14.00

May Logan

Friday 10 February 2017

10.00

Life Rooms

Friday 27 January 2017

14.00

May Logan

Friday 24 March 2017

10.00

Understanding Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Understanding Depression A diagnosis of depression can be frightening but with the right information on your side, things can get easier.

OCD is a form of anxiety disorder, but many people find it difficult to understand or explain it. In this workshop we will discuss what OCD is, it’s possible causes and some treatments and coping strategies. The session will cover some theory plus its practical application to real life.

Explore some of the myths and facts associated with depression and learn a little more about what depression is. You may be surprised that experiences which feel so isolating can be shared by so many people. The workshop then helps you to start to look at how you can contribute to improving quality of life whilst living with a diagnosis of depression.

After completing these sessions you will be able to:

After completing these sessions you will be able to:

• Understand more about OCD

• Complete a quiz on depression myths and facts

• Explore coping strategies.

• Identifying signs symptoms of depression • Discuss strategies for coping with depression.

Who should attend?

Anyone with an interest in or experience of OCD. Who will be there?

Experienced and knowledgeable tutors who live with or work with people with OCD Duration This session is two hours

Who should attend?

Anyone who is living with depression or those who would like to learn more about it.

Who will be there?

Peer tutors with lived experience will be accompanied by a volunteer.

Duration This session is two hours.

Venue

Date

Time

Venue

Date

Time

St Andrews

Monday 30 January 2017

13.30

St Andrews

Monday 9 January 2017

14.00

Southport

Monday 20 February 2017

13.00

Crown Street

Friday 13 January 2017

14.00

Life Rooms

Thursday 16 March 2017

13.30

Life Rooms

Friday 3 February 2017

14.00

Understanding Psychosis

Understanding Substance Misuse

Being told that you or a loved one have had an experience of psychosis can be overwhelming. But psychosis is surprisingly common.

Alcohol and drugs seem as though they are everywhere. There are so many different types; it’s hard to know what is what and whether it is safe.

Are all the rumours you hear true?

Challenge what you think you know about psychosis and how recovery can work for people who have experiences of psychosis. Learn more about why it happens as well as what the symptoms can be. Sharing experiences and discussing how symptoms are managed can be really helpful.

Join us in a judgment free environment to filter out the facts from the myths. Chat with others who want to learn more about acceptable use levels and the risks of addiction.

After completing these sessions you will be able to:

After completing these sessions you will be able to:

• Complete a quiz on psychosis myths and facts

• Identify the facts myths of drugs alcohol

• Outline what psychosis is and its key symptoms

• Discuss levels of use risks of addiction

• Explore treatments and lifestyle changes that may help.

• Identify different drugs and their properties.

Who should attend?

Anyone who has experienced psychosis or those who would like to learn more about it.

Who should attend?

Anyone who wants to learn more about how drugs and alcohol can affect our lives in a safe controlled environment.

Who will be there?

A facilitator living with the condition and someone with professional knowledge of it.

Duration This session is three hours.

Who will be there?

Tutors experienced in working in addictions services will be supported by volunteers.

Duration This session is three hours.

Venue

Date

Time

Crown Street

Monday 30 January 2017

13.00

Venue

Date

Time

St Andrews

Monday 6 February 2017

10.00

Life Rooms

Thursday 16 February 2017

10.00

Southport

Monday 27 February 2017

13.00

St Andrews

Monday 27 March 2017

10.00

Life Rooms

Tuesday 21 March 2017

10.00

Confidence Building

Confidence through Drama

Confidence is a skill people take for granted until it’s gone. The good news is we can help you regain that vital confidence.

Have you ever wanted to try out drama but were too afraid to take that step? Maybe you are a drama fan but have not had the opportunity lately? Do you need to build your confidence skills but you’re unsure how to go about it? If you answer yes to any of these questions then this is the course for you.

This course aims to share ideas and tools to enable you to increase your confidence whilst supporting your recovery and improving your wellbeing.

A light hearted introduction to drama with fun activities designed to increase confidence.

Sessions are held in the privacy of the classroom so you can explore your creativity and develop confidence.

After completing these sessions you will be able to: • Identify how low self confidence affects our lives

After completing these sessions you will be able to:

• Understand confidence building actions strategies

• Participate in various drama activities

• Develop a more positive mind set and to reduce negativity.

• Engage in a social activity in the community

Who should attend?

These free sessions are for anyone who would like to increase their confidence.

Who will be there?

These sessions are delivered in small groups by out peer tutors and volunteers.

• Developed character building skills.

Who should attend?

This free course is for anyone who wants to build their confidence creatively.

Who will be there?

Our peer tutors and volunteers will support you during the session.

Duration This course is two, two hour sessions.

Duration This programme has five sessions lasting two hours each.

Venue

Date

Time

Life Rooms

Monday 16 January 2017

10.00

Venue

Date

Time

Crown Street

Wednesday 8 February 2017

14.00

Southport

Monday 27 February 2017

10.00

St Andrews

Monday 13 February 2017

14.00

Crown Street

Friday 3 March 2017

10.00

Understanding Anxiety

Managing Anxiety

Everybody gets anxious. It only becomes a problem when it affects what you do. Some people get severely anxious to the point where it affects their daily life.

Anxiety is an experience that we all endure at some time in our lives. It becomes a problem when it starts to have a negative impact. So what can we do about it?

This course aims to give you an understanding of what anxiety is, what the causes are, and what its effects are.

You will also look at how anxiety keeps itself going through the ‘vicious circle’.

This session is a great follow-on from attending Understanding Anxiety or as a standalone session for those who simply wish to learn the techniques, strategies and tips to help keep anxiety under control. Many choose to complete this course after attending Understanding Anxiety.

After completing these sessions you will be able to:

After completing these sessions you will be able to:

• Identify what anxiety is

• Identify some methods that can improve your wellbeing

• Discuss what causes anxiety

• Create weekly plans to use some of these tips

• Explore what keeps anxiety going • Most people who have attended this course like to further develop their knowledge by enrolling on our Managing Anxiety course.

• Reflect and review your progress.

Who should attend?

Anyone who wants to learn strategies to cope with anxiety better.

Who should attend?

The course is for anyone who wants to learn more about anxiety.

Who will be there?

Facilitators living with anxiety and who have professional knowledge of it.

Who will be there?

Peer tutors and volunteers with experience in trying out some of these methods in their own lives.

Duration This session lasts for two hours.

Duration This session is two hours long.

Venue

Date

Time

Crown Street

Friday 20 January 2017

10.00

Life Rooms

Thursday 23 February 2017

10.00

14.00

St Andrews

Monday 27 February 2017

10.00

Friday 10 February 2017

14.00

Southport

Monday 20 March 2017

14.00

Life Rooms

Monday 20 February 2017

10.00

St Andrews

Monday 20 March 2017

10.00

Life Rooms

Friday 24 March 2017

10.00

Crown Street

Friday 24 March 2017

14.00

Life Rooms

Friday 31 March 2017

10.00

Venue

Date

Time

Crown Street

Friday 13 January 2017

10.00

St Andrews

Monday 6 February 2017

Crown Street

Journeys Through Film

Treasure your wellbeing

These monthly sessions give you a chance to view a current movie at a community cinema free of charge.

These sessions provide an opportunity for those who love film to spend time with each other in a safe environment.

We may think of our happiness as an internal process. This course is based on the five steps we can all take to improve our mental wellbeing:

You will have the final vote on the film, chosen from a selection available. After the film we take a short break before we share our thoughts of what we watched.

You can join in the discussion or just stay and listen, it’s up to you.

Connect, Be active, Keep learning, Give to others, Be mindful. Using group discussions, creative activities and personal reflections, we will explore ways to give our wellbeing a boost and improve our health and happiness.

After completing these sessions you will have:

After completing these sessions you will be able to:

• Participated in a socially inclusive activity

• Develop knowledge and understanding of the ways to wellbeing

• Participated / or observed a group discussion.

• Demonstrate an understanding of the key concepts of a gratitude journal through a craft-based exercise

Who should attend?

This free course is for anyone who wants to get out, see a film and experience group discussion.

• Complete an action plan for achieving a wellbeing goal identified over the course of the programme.

Who will be there?

Our peer tutors and college volunteers will support you during the session.

Duration This session runs on the second Thursday of each month and lasts for around three hours, dependant on which film is chosen.

Venue

Date

Time

Plaza Cinema*

Thursday 12 January 2017

10.30

Plaza Cinema*

Thursday 9 February 2017

10.30

Plaza Cinema*

Thursday 9 March 2017

10.30

Thursday 20 April 2017

10.30

Plaza Cinema* *

Plaza Cinema, 13 Crosby Road, North Liverpool L22 0LD

Who should attend?

People who want to explore the importance of life-balance to our wellbeing.

Who will be there?

Peer tutors with lived experience of using these methods to create balance.

Duration This is a five week programme, each session lasting two and a half hours.

Venue

Date

Time

Life Rooms

Monday 16 January 2017

14.00

Feel Better through Comedy

Yoga

Do you love comedy but don’t feel ready to complete a conventional stand-up course? Do you want to improve skills for speaking in public? Do you want to practise techniques for building self esteem and confidence, as well as for managing anxiety; all whilst having fun and making new friends?

If you’ve never done yoga before and would like to give it a try this is your chance!

We’ll go from the very start, the absolute basics, so you don’t need to have any experience. We’ll talk you through your yoga practice every step of the way; the word ‘yoga’ means ‘connection’ or ‘union’ so our yogic practice is a journey we go on together.

At the end of the course, you will be able to chat to professionals and special guests from the comedy industry to discuss next steps if you wish to continue on your journey in comedy.

The class will start with some very simple relaxation and breathing exercises and move into some gentle ‘asanas’ or postures, these are similar to stretches.

Anybody can do them, whatever your age or fitness.

After completing these sessions you will be able to: Yoga, has many benefits, it can help us become more aware and connected with ourselves and life around us. It helps us develop mental peace and allows for a more joyful and blissful existence. So, if you’d like to start your journey into yoga just bring yourself (and a friend if you like).

• Discover more about the local comedy community • Participate in activities designed to manage anxiety and develop selfesteem confidence using stand-up comedy.

Who should attend?

People who want to improve their wellbeing by developing stand-up comedy skills.

Who will be there?

A peer tutor and volunteer with comedy experience. Plus special guests from the Liverpool comedy community in the first and final week.

Duration This five week programme runs for two hours each week, with the last week extended to three hours.

Who should attend?

Anyone can participate, just bring a small bottle of water and wear some loose fitting clothes. We’ll have a mat ready for you.

Who will be there?

A trained yoga instructor and a college tutor.

Duration These sessions will last around 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Venue

Date

Time

Venue

Start Date

Time

Crown Street

Friday 17 February 2017

14.00

Life Rooms

Wednesday 1 March 2017

15.30

Life Rooms

Tuesday 28 February 2017

14.00

Supersing

Creative Writing

Liverpool Philharmonic Supersing is a fun and friendly course where you will meet people, learn new skills and sing some amazing, well known and much loved classical choral music.

Would you like to develop skills in creative writing?

Evidence suggests that creativity can help to improve low mood, increase self esteem and boost confidence.

You could discover a passion for writing you never knew you had. If you’ve been a writer for some time, you could learn new skills.

We’ll provide audio tracks for you to practice at home and no previous singing experience is required. At the end of the course we’ll celebrate with an informal performance for your friends, families and carers in Liverpool Philharmonic’s newest venue, the Music Room.

You will develop a story and start to express individuality through your writing. This is suitable for all skill levels but please do let us know in advance if you have difficulty reading or writing.

After completing these sessions you will be able to:

After completing these sessions you will be able to:

• Develop expression through writing

• Sing choral music together as a group

• Begin to develop personal voice style

• Receive guidance on improving singing skills • Create a draft short story (revise and edit).

• Have the opportunity to take part in a final performance.

Who should attend?

Anyone who enjoys singing and would like to explore choral music in a safe supportive group.

Who will be there?

Liverpool Philharmonic singing specialists and a conductor, supported by a volunteer.

Duration You will build up confidence and skill over six weeks. Each session lasts for two hours.

Who should attend?

People who want to begin to express themselves through writing.

Who will be there?

An experienced writer and someone with lived experience of mental health issues.

Duration This programme is set over six weekly sessions that last for two and a half hours each.

Venue

Start Date

Time

Venue

Start Date

Time

Life Rooms

Monday 20 February 2017

14.00

Life Rooms

Thursday 2 February 2017

14.00

Poetry

Walking Group

Have you ever wanted to learn more about writing poetry? No need for previous experience. These sessions are designed to be an enjoyable and life-enhancing introduction to poetry and writing techniques.

Walking is one of the easiest ways to get more active, lose weight and become healthier. Regular walking has been shown to reduce the risk of chronic illness, some cancers and dementia; it helps to manage weight and is great for boosting energy and mood.

We aim to build your confidence using words, while learning about contemporary poetry drawing on your experiences to create your own piece of writing.

It's underrated as a form of exercise, but walking is ideal for people of all ages and fitness levels who want to be more active. It is also a great way to socialise and meet new people.

After completing these sessions you will be able to:

After completing these sessions you will be able to:

• Build confidence around using words

• Feel more confident about exploring local parks and greenspaces

• Explore contemporary poetry

• Meet new people

• Write group poems as well as individual poems.

• Improve your health and wellbeing.

Who should attend?

People who want the opportunity to write/discuss poetry. No experience needed.

Who should attend?

This free course is for anyone interested in exploring local parks and greenspaces, meeting new people and improving their wellbeing.

Who will be there?

Mersey Care’s poet-in-residence and a cofacilitator.

Duration This programme is six weeks long, with each session lasting three hours.

Who will be there?

Our friendly qualified walk leader (and college volunteer) will be there to support you during the session.

Duration This is a one hour session.

Venue

Start Date

Time

Venue

Start Date

Time

Crown Street

Wednesday 22 February 2017

13.00

Life Rooms

Every Thursday starting 2 February

12.15

Nordic Walking

Gardening Group

Nordic Walking is an easy Scandinavian walking technique which is twice as effective at burning calories as regular walking and gently improves fitness.

New to The Life Rooms, this gardening group is for anyone interested in growing plants and food who would like to help us bring to life a brand new growing and learning space. If you would like to share Ideas, learn new skills and grow this could be the activity for you. We will need to build some new features too so If you would like a more physical challenge there’s something for you too.

Using special, light weight poles, Nordic Walking allows you to work the upper body, as well as the legs, whilst supporting the joints. It is a great social activity too. So if you are new to fitness, returning to fitness from injury, or fancy a challenge and want to try something a little different then Nordic Walking could be just for you.

We are hoping to bring a splash of colour to make The Life Rooms even more blooming marvellous.

After completing these sessions you will be able to: • Have learnt a new skill

After completing these sessions you will be able to:

• Feel more confident about improving basic fitness

• Have learnt a new skill

• Enjoy a new outdoor activity.

• Feel more confident about improving basic fitness • Enjoy a new outdoor activity.

Who should attend?

This free course is or anyone interesting in improving their basic fitness and trying something a little different.

Who will be there?

Our friendly qualified Nordic walking fitness instructor will be there to support you during the session.

Duration This is a one hour session. On completion of the first four introductory sessions you will receive a Freedom Pass.

Who should attend?

This free course is for anyone interested in plants, gardening and bringing a splash of colour to The Life Rooms Who will be there?

Our friendly gardeners, Julie and Steve (and college volunteers) will be there to support you during the session.

Duration This is a two hour session

Venue

Start Date

Time

Venue

Start Date

Time

Life Rooms

Every Thursday starting 2 February

10.30

Life Rooms

Every Tuesday starting 14 February

14.00

Mindfulness Taster

Mindfulness Explored

This session is to introduce what mindfulness is and whether you are ready to learn about mindfulness practice.

This course offers an introduction to the concept of mindfulness and the opportunity to try out some of the various meditation techniques. Fall awake into the present moment bringing gentle curiosity and kindness into the here and now.

If you’re interested in mindfulness, this course practises techniques and about the seven pillars.

After completing these sessions you will be able to:

After completing these sessions you will be able to:

• Discuss what mindfulness is

• Discover more about the history of mindfulness how it is used

• Focus on whether you are ready to try mindfulness practice.

• Bring awareness to physical and sensory sensations in mindfulness exercises.

Who should attend?

Anyone who has an interest in mindfulness and would like to discuss whether they should enrol on the Mindfulness Explored sessions.

Who should attend?

Beginners in mindfulness practice or knowledge of the subject.

Who will be there?

Trained mindfulness practitioners with lived experience of mental health conditions.

Who will be there?

Trained mindfulness practitioners with lived experience of mental health conditions.

Duration These two hour sessions are delivered weekly over four weeks.

Duration This one session lasts for two and a half hours.

Venue

Start Date

Time

Venue

Start Date

Time

St Andrews

Monday 13 February 2017

10.00

Life Rooms

Friday 3 March 2017

10.00

St Andrews

Monday 6 March 2017

14.00

Expressive Arts

Fed Up

Have you always been passionate about art? Is it an overlooked interest that you would like you get back into?

Sometimes we stop doing what we love. This course is designed to ease us back into doing things that we enjoy in a safe environment.

Would you like to learn how to cook cheap, nutritious and tasty meals? We’ll show you how to prepare and cook easy, healthy and affordable meals.

Learn about different styles and techniques each week.

Create a portfolio of your work with the support of the Peer tutors and peers at your sessions. Most importantly, start creating artwork and find your passion again!

All of the meals on this course will be made in a slow cooker and you will be shown a different recipe each week. Students are encouraged to taste the dishes and discuss cooking experiences. When you have completed the four week course, you will receive a slow cooker and larder pack to start your own slow cooking adventure.

After completing these sessions you will be able to:

After completing these sessions you will be able to:

• Create a ‘this is me’ collage

• Demonstrate basic cooking skills

• Meet artists from other mediums ask them about their work

• Identify health wellbeing benefits of nutritious food

• Visit a gallery and create a bio about a chosen artist.

• Develop an awareness of food safety.

Who should attend?

Anyone who would like to get back into creating visual artwork.

You will be supported by our tutors to work towards a certificate in Expressive Arts should you choose to.

Who should attend?

Anyone new to slow cooking from absolute beginners to those wanting to learn basic cooking skills.

Who will be there?

Tutors and volunteers with experience of creating artwork to express themselves.

Who will be there?

A professional chef will deliver this course alongside a volunteer with lived experience.

Duration This programme lasts for six weeks and each session lasts for two and a half hours.

Duration This programme runs for four weeks each session is three hours long.

Venue

Start Date

Time

Venue

Date

Time

Life Rooms

Friday 13 January 2017

10.00

Crown Street

Wednesday 11 January 2017

13.00

Life Rooms

Tuesday 7 February 2017

13.00

Health Wellbeing for Carers

Exercise Nutrition for Health

Do you have a family member, friend or loved one who is experiencing a period of mental distress? Taking care of someone can have an impact on your wellbeing. It’s important to take care of yourself, too.

Regular periods of activity and the correct amounts of food are essential for our long term health and wellbeing.

This six week course will give you the tools to allow you to instil positive habits and make good lifestyle choices for you and your families.

You will meet others who are also caring for someone to explore how caring can impact on emotions and wellbeing. You will look at how to balance commitments better and receive practical tips for dealing with emotions. You will learn methods for relaxation and how to take time out for yourself!

The six week course is designed to give you new skills each week that can be implemented straight away and practised, so by the end of the course you will have the confidence to set your week out in a way that promotes activity and healthy eating.

After completing these sessions you will be able to: • Discuss training facilities in your area and how accessible they are

After completing these sessions you will be able to:

• Understand different physical activities you can do at home or whilst out and about

• Discuss how caring affects your life and how to have balance

• Enjoy food based on what your body needs from day to day • Identify emotions you may feel methods to cope with them

• Know when you can eat pizza and not feel bad.

• Explore relaxation techniques.

Who should attend?

Anyone who has a loved one who is managing a mental health condition.

Who will be there?

Facilitators with professional knowledge and lived experience in care.

Duration This session is three hours.

Venue

Date

Time

Life Rooms

Tuesday 24 January 2017

14.00

St Andrews

Monday 27 February 2017

14.00

Whalley

Tuesday 14 March 2017

13.00

Who should attend?

Anyone interested in nutrition and improving their personal exercise regime.

Who will be there?

Leading the course will be Richard Franklin who is the managing director of a Personal Training and Rehabilitation Facility in Crosby called Banhus Health and Fitness. He is a qualified Precision Nutrition Coach a Level 3 Personal Trainer and a Biomechanics Trainer Duration This six week programme takes place weekly and each session is one and a half hours long. Upon completion of the course you will be given a certificate to show you now have the sills needed to lead a long and healthy life.

Venue

Start Date

Time

Crown Street

Wednesday 11 January 2017

10.00

Create Your Own Comic Book Hero

My Teenager and Me

This six session programme aims to give you the skills to not only draw comic book characters using step to step instructions, but to create your own villain or hero.

This seven week course aims to improve the relationship between parents/carers and teenagers by exploring what it is like to be a teenager.

We provide a safe environment for parents to meet and share experiences. And provide information of support agencies available for teenagers in Liverpool.

After completing these sessions you will be able to:

After completing these sessions you will be able to:

• Understand the changes that happen physically and emotionally to teenagers

• Explore drawing techniques • Promote a positive approach to boundaries and household rules and chores

• Be creative whilst developing drawing technique

• Develop a positive and effective communication between adult and teens, and develop parents understanding of the importance of listening

• Explore comic book characters.

Who should attend?

This programme is free to anyone who has an interest in comic book drawing

• Explore ways of reducing stress within the home.

Who will be there?

These six sessions are delivered by a peer tutor and volunteer

Who should attend?

People who are raising a teenager.

Duration This programme is delivered over six sessions that last two hours

Who will be there?

These sessions are delivered by family support workers. If you use Mersey Care services, your attendance will be recorded on your clinical record.

Duration This programme is eight weeks in length and each session lasts for two hours.

Please contact us on

Venue

Start Date

Time

Life Rooms

Tuesday 24 January 2017

10.00

0151 330 4140

Assertiveness

IT for Beginners

Do you want to be able to stand up for yourself?

Do you feel the need to have your voice and your wishes heard? Are you ready to take a bold step towards a more assertive you?

Do you want them to learn how to use a computer? Or just unsure about your ability to use one successfully? Then this maybe just what you need to become confident in using a computer and PC. This course takes you from keyboard to the internet, social media and staying safe online. It’s delivered online and supported by a tutor.

Offering you the chance to learn more about situations where people are sometimes unable to speak up. Followed by the chance to learn new skills and techniques on the art of assertiveness.

After completing these sessions you will be able to:

After completing these sessions you will be able to:

• Be able to speak up in public

• Be able to use keyboard and mouse

• Feel more confident in difficult situations

• Be able to complete a number of certificated online modules

• Express your point of view.

• Become confident in your ability to use a PC.

Who should attend?

These sessions are for anyone who wants to develop their assertiveness skills.

Who should attend?

A professional tutor will work with small groups of people to access computer based learning.

Who will be there?

These sessions are delivered in small groups by our peer tutors and volunteers.

Duration This programme is delivered over three, two hour sessions.

Who will be there?

A tutor as well as a volunteer who can share their experiences and knowledge.

Duration Each session is two hours long and students are encouraged to attend weekly in order to progress their development.

Venue

Start Date

Time

St Andrews

Monday 16 January 2017

10.00

Venue

Crown Street

Friday 27 January 2017

10.00

Life Rooms

Life Rooms

Monday 6 March 2017

10.00

Date Every Wednesday starting 1 February

Time 13.30

Functional Skills: Basic Maths

Getting to know the internet

Improve your Maths and English up to (and including) Level Two standard. Learners initially undergo a simple assessment process to determine the appropriate desired level of achievement. Subsequently, the course is run partly on an online platform (accessible from any PC with an internet connection), and partly through taught sessions. Functional skills English is made up of three separate examined elements – Speaking and Listening, Reading, Writing.

Are you one of the many adults who have never used the internet but would like to? Do you use the internet but want to learn how to use it effectively? Do you worry about safety online? Improve your skills in a relaxed environment; our course for beginners could help you to get more out of the internet. Learn about Google, online shopping, social media and email.

Similarly, Functional Skills Maths is offered up to Level Two. The course is offered both online and through taught lessons

After completing these sessions you will be able to:

After completing these sessions you will be able to:

• Learn handy hints and tips for getting the most out of the internet

• Be able to achieve a Functional skills qualification

• Develop understanding of how the internet works

• Be able to improve your literacy written English

• Develop confidence with internet shopping and social network sites.

• Be able to improve your numerical abilities.

Who should attend?

Anyone who wishes to improve their Maths and English skills, whilst working towards a qualification.

Who will be there?

A professional tutor will work with small groups of people to access classroom and computer based learning sessions.

Duration Each session is two a half hours long students are encouraged to attend weekly in order to progress their development.

Venue Life Rooms

Date Every Wednesday starting 1 February

Who should attend?

Anyone who wishes to use the internet for their personal enjoyment and development.

Who will be there?

A college tutor will work with small groups of people to access classroom and computer based learning sessions.

Duration Each session is three hours long and students are encouraged to attend weekly in order to progress their development.

Time

Venue

Start Date

Time

9.30

Life Rooms

Friday 3 March 2017

13.30

The easiest way to enrol onto our courses is by visiting www.liferooms.org and completing our online enrolment form.

When you have finished with this prospectus, why not give it to someone you know? All our sessions are free and open to all.