Barnsley Recover College - Summer 2014 programme

Summer 2014 Programme

Welcome to The Exchange Recovery College Welcome to the Summer Programme at The Exchange, offering courses and workshops from May-July 2014.

The College continues to build on its success by offering an increased range of interesting and inspiring courses. We continue to run the most popular courses and have included new courses based on feedback and requests from our learners.

All of these courses can help you explore and learn new ways of understanding how to manage your own recovery & wellbeing, and also help support someone with their journey. There will be courses and events at the college that can help empower you to find and maintain HOPE, to see and embrace OPPORTUNITY and, by learning new skills, gain CONTROL by putting these skills into practice in your own life.

Courses at The Exchange are designed and developed (co-produced) and delivered (co-facilitated) with people with lived experience. Every course is designed to provide opportunities for discussion and enhance a person’s learning and understanding.

Working together and sharing expertise will help us to continue to ensure the college builds on learners’ success and celebrates the diversity of each person.

The Recovery College continues to build stronger links with other organisations such as The Job Centre Plus, WEA (Workers Education Association), Northern College & Adult Learning. We are also part of LearnBarnsley! Community Learning Trust which aims to raise awareness and develop skills for people in lifelong learning. The trust is working closely with all local colleges to identify how people can learn whilst managing any physical or mental health problems they may have.

LearnBarnsley!

Creative Minds

2

Volunteering at The Exchange The Exchange is leading the way in developing people in their volunteering role. A new volunteer pathway has been developed that will start with your registering as a South West Yorkshire Partnership Foundation Trust (SWYPFT volunteer). We will support you to plan your volunteering journey that will incorporate training development and support. We recognise that people volunteer for a variety of reasons, whether that be to; gain employment, give back to your community or to take part become active and improve your wellbeing. It may be you have experience of a mental health issue yourself, this means you are an expert and this expertise can help others.

Whatever your motivations, if you are considering volunteering why not meet with Nick, our new Volunteer Development Worker to discuss your future working professional environment to enhance your skills.

Nick can be contacted via email: nick.sennitt@swyt.nhs.uk.

We have a cafĂŠ where you can purchase hot & cold drinks and snacks. The cafĂŠ is run by volunteers and is open when courses are running. You are welcome to bring your own packed lunch.

Learning support We offer information, advice and guidance about our courses and their content.

Together with you, we will go through an Individual Learning Plan prior to the start of your learning with us. As your course(s) progress, we will help you to identify your goals, hopes and ambitions for your recovery journey and to help choose courses which best meet those goals. Within the learning plan there is an opportunity to discuss any learning support needs you may have. We will then do everything we can to support you.

We want to create an environment that is conducive to learning and where learners feel they are supported. Feedback from learners, visitors, volunteers and staff is vital to how we develop the college and the courses we deliver. We hope to do this through regular evaluation and welcome your comments and ideas. If you do have any feedback, please speak to a member of the team or contact us via telephone on 01226 730433.

3

Our Values and beliefs People with lived experience of mental health have a wealth of specialist knowledge and valuable expertise.

We believe in the effectiveness of working together in delivering courses at the Recovery College.

Everyone has the equal right to enjoy all the opportunities that life can provide.

The principle that hope, mental health and wellbeing are essential to every person.

What can you expect of us?

We will respect you as an individual at all times. We will do this by: Respecting your values and opinions.

Ensuring you are able to access courses at The Exchange and in other venues.

Accommodating people that support you in accessing courses eg carer, friend interpreter etc.

What we expect from you Respect the rights, choices, beliefs and opinions of others.

Commit to attending courses you have enrolled on. We ask that you contact us on the college phone number if you cannot attend a session.

Refrain from the use of alcohol or un-prescribed medication.

Not use violent or offensive behaviour or language.

Equality and Diversity At all times we will respect you as an individual. Your rights will be given equal opportunities to succeed. The Exchange has access for people with disabilities and we are committed to providing accessible services to all.

4

Hope Control Opportunity Courses Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway Course Overview This six week course could be for you if you feel anxious for no obvious reason and you want to understand how anxiety can affect your mind, body and lifestyle. The causes and symptoms of anxiety will be discussed, alongside practical steps that can change the way you think and how to relax more effectively.

This course will involve discussions, hand-outs, group activities and informal sharing of personal experiences if you are comfortable with this.

Dates/Times The course will start on Monday 02 June 2014 until Monday 7 July 2014 at The Exchange .

Monday 02 June 2014 10:30-12:30pm

Monday 23 June 2014 10:30-12:30pm

Monday 09 June 2014 10:30-12:30pm

Monday 30 June 2014 10:30-12:30pm

Monday 16 June 2014 10:30-12:30pm

Monday 07 July 2014 10:30-12:30pm

“This course has helped me to be more positive�

Men Behaving Better Course Overview This is a seven week drop-in course dealing with different health issues every week, designed specifically for men. This means you can attend for topics that interest you. This is an opportunity to share your own lived experience in a safe environment. There is also an opportunity to access our gym. Topics will cover prostate awareness, testicular cancer awareness, relationships & mental health, depression, domestic abuse anger, healthy eating, sexual health, erectile dysfunction.

Dates/Times The course will run for seven weeks starting on Monday 09 June 2014 until Monday 21 July 2014 at The Exchange Monday 09 June 2014 1:00pm-2:30pm

Monday 30 June 2014 1:00pm-2:30pm

Monday 16 June 2014 1:00pm-2:30pm

Monday 07 July 2014 1:00pm-2:30pm

Monday 23 June 2014 1:00pm-2:30pm

Monday 14 July 2014 1:00pm-2:30pm

Monday 21 July 2014 1:00pm-2:30pm 5

Food for Health Course Overview In this course you will explore the relationship between food and health and you will be encouraged to set your own personal goal whether that is: losing weight, reducing your cholesterol or improving mental health etc. This course will give you the skills and confidence to make positive changes to your diet and ultimately feel good about what you eat. It involves practical cooking sessions and a visit to the supermarket. A small charge of up to £2.00 will be requested on Week 5 to cover the cost of a cooked meal.

Dates/Times This is a six week course starting from Tuesday 02 June 2014 until Monday 07 July 2014 at The Exchange Monday 02 June 2014 10:30am-12:30pm Monday 23 June 2014 10:30am-12:30pm Monday 09 June 2014 10:30am-12:30pm Monday 30 June 2014 10:30am-12:30pm Monday 16 June 2014 10:30am-12:30pm Monday 07 July 2014 10:30am-12:30pm

“Loved it in the kitchen today, it’s where I feel at home”

Supporting People in the Caring Role Course Overview This is a six week course specifically focussing on the important role that family, friends and loved ones give as carers and the challenges you may face. Sessions will include effective communication, understanding and living with symptoms of mental illness, managing and coping with the caring role and the challenges this can often bring. Professionals and carers will explain the (CPA) Care Programme Approach and how we endeavour to involve families within the process. The course will include specific topics facilitated by Psychologists, Psychiatrists, Pharmacists, mental health professionals and informal carers.

The course has been designed from feedback from carers to help to appreciate the importance of looking after ourselves when in a caring role.

Dates/Times This is a six week course starting from Tuesday 02 June 2014 until Monday 07 July 2014 at The Exchange Monday 02 June 2014 1pm-3pm

Monday 23 June 2014

1pm-3pm

Monday 09 June 2014 1pm-3pm

Monday 30 June 2014

1pm-3pm

Monday 16 June 2014 1pm-3pm

Monday 07 July 2014

1pm-3pm

6

Living with Depression Course Overview This four week course is for you if you have experienced depression more than once in your life and want to protect yourself against future episodes of depression. We will look at lifestyle strategies to improve mood and gain a sense of control as well as cognitive and behavioural techniques to manage mood.

Dates/Times The course will run for four weeks starting Tuesday 10 June 2014 until Tuesday 01 July 2014 at The Exchange.

Tuesday 10 June 2014

10:30am-12:30pm

Tuesday 24 June 2014

10:30am-12:30pm

Tuesday 17 June2014

10:30am-12:30pm

Tuesday 01 July 2014

10:30am-12:30pm

“When I first came onto the course I felt nervous, anxious & scared about how I would fit in with other people. After I got upset a few times I found it helped greatly hearing other people’s stories and how they have coped. This course helped me to be able to talk openly about my experiences, Thank you”.

Understanding Diabetes Course Overview Are you Diabetic? Do you know someone who is? Do you want to know more about it? If the answer is yes, then this is the course for you. It will provide a brief insight into living with diabetes and will help to enhance your wellbeing.

Dates/Times It is four week course starting from Tuesday 10 June 2014 until Tuesday 01 July 2014 at The Exchange.

Tuesday 10 June 2014 Tuesday 24 June 2014

10:30am-12:30pm 10:30am-12:30pm

Tuesday 17 June 2014 10:30am-12:30pm Tuesday 01 July 2014 10:30am-12:30pm

“Despite being diabetic for years, I’ve still learned so much more. The course came up with a lot more than I expected”

7

Introduction to Computers Level 1 This six week course is specifically designed for new beginners/learners who want to learn how to use a computer. At the end of the course you should be confident enough to understand basic skills that include:Start up, log onto and close a computer down.

Learn how to use the keyboard and mouse.

Learn how to use Microsoft Word Processing and formatting text.

How to save and print off documents.

Introduction to Microsoft Publisher.

Dates/Times This course will run for six weeks starting from Tuesday 03 June 2014 until Tuesday 8 July 2014 in the computer suite at The Exchange.

Tuesday 03 June 2014 1pm until 3pm

Tuesday 10 June 2014

1pm until 3pm

Tuesday 17 June 2014 1pm until 3pm

Tuesday 24 June 2014

1pm until 3pm

Tuesday 01 July 2014

Tuesday 08 July 2014

1pm until 3pm

1pm until 3pm

“I’ve really enjoyed the Computer Course. I’m amazed at how many new things I have learned and how well I have done!”

Assertiveness & Confidence Building Course Overview This six week course will help you to develop your confidence and assertiveness in a safe and comfortable environment, to understand a bit more about why people behave in certain ways, to develop your ability to change the way you respond to some situations and to help you to plan your next steps.

Dates/Times It is six week course starting from Tuesday 03 June until Tuesday 08 July 2014 at The Exchange.

Tuesday 03 June 2014 1:30am-3:30pm

Tuesday 10 June 2014 1:30am-3:30pm

Tuesday 17 June 2014 1:30am-3:30pm

Tuesday 24 June 2014 1:30am-3:30pm

Tuesday 01 July 2014 1:30am-3:30pm

Tuesday 08 July 2014 1:30am-3:30pm

“I’m really enjoying the Confidence & Assertiveness course. It’s very enjoyable and they were such nice people at The Exchange. I also feel as though this service is rapidly improving , it’s very positive for Barnsley”

8

Introduction to Creative Writing Course Overview This six week course is an introductory which will focus on the creative writing process to help generate ideas and stimulate imagination. Students will be encouraged in a safe friendly environment to learn through practice, discussion and feedback.

Dates/Times This course will run for six weeks from Wednesday 04 June 2014 until Wednesday 09 July 2014 at The Exchange.

Wednesday 04 June 2014 10:30-12:30pm

Wednesday 11 June 2014 10:30-12:30pm

Wednesday 18 June 2014 10:30-12:30pm

Wednesday 25 June 2014 10:30-12:30pm

Wednesday 02 July 2014 10:30-12:30pm

Wednesday 09 July 2014 10:30-12:30pm

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Recovery Through Reading Course Overview Recovery through Reading is a six week course designed to bring people together to enjoy listening to a variety of short stories and poems within a friendly group setting. Each session lasts 2 hours and is led by a health professional and a reading volunteer. There is no pressure for anyone to read aloud or contribute to the discussion as the aim of Recovery through Reading is to provide a safe and supportive environment where people can develop improved levels of concentration and self-confidence and to relax and enjoy being part of a group.

This course will run for six weeks from Wednesday 11 June 2014 until Wednesday 16 July 2014 at The Exchange.

Dates/Times Wednesday 11 June 2014 1pm-3pm

Wednesday 02 July 2014 1pm-3pm

Wednesday 18 June 2014 1pm-3pm

Wednesday 09 July 2014 1pm-3pm

Wednesday 25 June 2014 1pm-3pm

Wednesday 16 July 2014 1pm-3pm

Live Arts Cafe This is an opportunity to immerse yourself in creativity, share food and meet people. The Arts CafĂŠ inspires you to try new creative ways to help you to recognise the benefits of creativity and how this can promote Wellbeing and Recovery. This is run in partnership with Action Space Mobile and with Creative Minds funding. The Arts CafĂŠ offers a diverse range of experiences from guest musicians and artists, where you are encouraged to participate and contribute to the evenings events. The focus is about self-expression, nurturing talent and building a creative community.

Held every Wednesday evening from 5pm until 8:00pm 9

A Good Night’s Sleep—ways of managing sleep problems Course Overview This five week course aims to provide people with information on how to find strategies to cope with poor sleep, learn how to develop healthy sleep routines and learn how to overcome sleep problems. There will also be new techniques for you to try out at home and opportunities to learn relaxation methods.

Dates/Times This course will run for five weeks starting on Wednesday 04 June 2014 until 2014 at The Exchange Wednesday 04 June 2014 10:30am-12:30pm

Wednesday 11 June 2014 10:30-12:30pm

Wednesday 18 June 2014 10:30am-12:30pm

Wednesday 25 June 2014 10:30-12:30pm

Wednesday 02 July 2014 10:30am-12:30pm

“The Men’s Health course helped me tremendously. It helped me understand relationships and feel more confident of how to look after my wife”

Men’s Health—TACKLE…ing the subject!

This is a humorous no holds barred approach to men’s health and related issues. This course does exactly what it says on the tin and is finally a place where it is O.K. to talk balls!

This is a three week course and will be held at Barnsley Football Club (address on Page 18) Dates/Times Thursday 05 June 2014 Thursday 12 June 2014 Thursday 19 June 2014

12:30pm-1:30pm 12:30pm-1:30pm 12:30pm-1:30pm

This course will also be held at Better Prospects (address on Page 18) Thursday 26 June 2014 12:30am-2pm Thursday 03 July 2014 12:30am-2pm Thursday 10 July 2014 12:30am-2pm

“The sleep course helped me devise a proper sleep routine, in a non-judgemental atmosphere”

10

General Wellbeing Course Overview This five week course will look at all aspects of physical and mental health, and how it impacts on our lives. It is a very interactive and fun course that helps you to make small but significant changes to your lifestyle that are long lasting. Each session will give you tips and ideas to take home with you.

Dates/Times This is a five week course starting on Thursday 2014 until 2014 at Prospect Road (address on Page 18) Thursday 05 June 2014

10:30-12:00pm

Thursday 26 June 2014 10:30am-12:30pm

Thursday 12 June 2014 Thursday 19 June 2014

10:30-12:00pm 10:30-12:00pm

Thursday 03 July 2014

10:30am-12:30pm

This course will also be held at YMCA (address on Page 18) Thursday 05 June 2014

1:30-3:00pm

Thursday 26 June 2014 1:30am-3:00pm

Thursday 12 June 2014 Thursday 19 June 2014

1:30-3:00pm 1:30-3:00pm

Thursday 03 July 2014

1:30am-3:00pm

_____________________________________________________________________________ Introduction to Computers Level 2 Course Overview This course is ideal for anyone who already have a basic understanding of computers and want to develop their skills further.

The course will be held in the Computer Suite at The Exchange and will include:Using Microsoft Word processing and formatting documents also inserting tables and pictures.

Introduction to Microsoft Excel, Powerpoint and Publisher Conducting internet searches and browsing webpages. Setting up a web based email.

Sending and receiving emails with and without attachment.

After completing this course learners will be able to access intermediate computer courses through Northern College and Adult Learning through BMBC on Eldon Street if they wish to continue learning.

Dates/Times This course will run for six weeks starting from Thursday 05 June 2014 until Thursday 10 July 2014 Thursday 05 June 2014 Thursday 19 June 2014 Thursday 03 July 2014

1pm-3pm 1pm-3pm 1pm-3pm

Thursday 12 June 2014 Thursday 26 June 2014 Thursday 10 July 2014

1pm-3pm 1pm-3pm 1pm-3pm

“I have gained a lot more confidence by doing this course, it was very helpful , I’m amazed how much I’ve picked up and remembered!”

11

How to write your Life Story (W.E.A) Course Overview This is a seven week course designed to encourage and support the learner to develop confidence in being able to write or share their own life story in a relaxed and non- judgemental environment. It can help people to talk and write about key turning points in their lives, how to reflect on them and how to write about them.

Sharing your own experiences through story telling can also help others who may have shared similar experiences. This course is run by a very experienced tutor from WEA. Dates/Times This course will run for Seven weeks starting from Thursday 05 June 2014 until Thursday 17 July 2014 Thursday 05 June 2014 Thursday 19 June 2014 Thursday 03 July 2014 Thursday 17 July 2014

1pm-3pm 1pm-3pm 1pm-3pm 1pm-3pm

Thursday 12 June 2014 1pm-3pm Thursday 26 June 2014 1pm-3pm Thursday 10 July 2014 1pm-3pm

_____________________________________________________________________________

Sugarcraft (W.E.A) Sugar craft is the art of using icing to cover and decorate cakes and buns and to create novelty cake decorations, sprays of sugar flowers and edible ornaments. This class caters for beginners who have little or no experience of Sugar craft and is suitable for all adults. The class will be delivered by a very experienced tutor from WEA

Dates/Times This is a seven week course starting from Thursday 05 June 2014 until 17 July 2014 at The Exchange.

Thursday 05 June 2014 10:30-12:30pm

Thursday 12 June 2014

10:30-12:30pm

Thursday 19 June 2014 10:30-12:30pm

Thursday 26 June 2014

10:30-12:30pm

Thursday 03 July 2014

10:30-12:30pm

Thursday 10 July 2014

10:30-12:30pm

Thursday 17 July 2014

10:30-12:30pm

12

The Exchange is offering workshops in different locations to offer learners a choice in where they want to learn. We hope we will be able to offer more variety across the whole of Barnsley.

Depression Awareness Course Overview This 4 hour session will introduce and explore the nature of depression. It will consider the impact that depression has on all aspects of your life including diagnosis and medication. We will look at practical ideas. You will be invited to share your experiences if you feel comfortable doing this.

Dates/Times There will be two workshops each four hours in duration at The Exchange on:Friday 06 June 2014 at 11am-3pm

Friday 11 July 2014 at 11am-3pm

and one workshop at YMCA on:- (address on Page 18) Friday 13 June 2014 1pm-4pm

“This course helped me realise that the emotions I have felt are not stupid, but part of everyday life for many people. I learned more than I imagined I would. The course was presented in a really relaxed friendly atmosphere and enjoyed watching everyone reals & feel safe with each other”

Alcohol Awareness Course Overview Do you know how much you are drinking? Do you know what a unit looks like and how long it takes to get over a hangover?

This fun and interactive workshop will help you calculate units and feel what it’s like to wear “beer goggles” whilst sober.

This workshop will involve discussion, group and individual activities with handy resource’s and practical tips for you to take away.

Dates/Time There will be two workshops and they will be held on:Friday 13 June 2014 at 11am -2pm at The Exchange Friday 27 June 2014 at 1pm-4pm at YMCA (address on Page 18)

“I’m so glad I enrolled for Alcohol awareness, it has highlighted a lot of things I didn’t know and I will definitely think twice” 13

Get Growing (W.E.A) Course Overview This is a practical seven week course on Friday mornings to help you get the skill and knowledge to grow your own vegetables, fruit, herbs and flowers in whatever space you have available. Gardening can give you some good food to eat, exercise, contact with nature and something to do with friends and family. The course will be run by a gardener from WEA and who has many years experience developing community gardens and allotments, and is head gardener at Heeley City Farm and at Wortley Hall Walled Garden.

This course will start on Friday 02 June until Friday 7 July 2014 at The Exchange.

Dates/Times This course will start on Friday 02 June 2014 until Friday 07 July 2014.

Friday 02 June 2014 10:30am - 12:30pm

Friday 02 June 2014

10:30am - 12:30pm

Friday 02 June 2014 10:30am - 12:30pm

Friday 02 June 2014

10:30am - 12:30pm

Friday 02 June 2014 10:30am - 12:30pm

Friday 02 June 2014

10:30am - 12:30pm

Friday 02 June 2014 10:30am - 12:30pm __________________________________________________________________________________

Digability (W.E.A) Course Overview: Digabilty is a fun way to learn the basics of archaeology. The course takes the learner back in time learning about artefacts and key periods in history through visiting local areas of interest around Barnsley and undertaking a field visits and landscape surveys. The course will be led by a University of Sheffield PhD student who will support the learner in being able to develop skills in fieldwork, archaeological techniques and create a timeline of important and historical buildings around Barnsley.

If this sounds interesting to you and you’d like to know more, a taster session will be held on the first enrolment day (Tuesday 6 May 2014) at The Exchange. This is a two hour taster session starting at 2pm.

Dates/Time There will be seven sessions, four hours each, at The Exchange.

Friday 16 May 2014 Friday 23 May 2014 Friday 06 June 2014 Friday 04 July 2014

10:30am-2:30pm 10:30am-2:30pm 10:30am-2:30pm 10:30am-2:30pm

Friday 13 June 2014 10:30am-2:30pm Friday 20 June 2014 10:30am-2:30pm Friday 27 June 2014 10:30am-2:30pm

14

English and Maths These courses will help you become more confident with reading, writing and using numbers. Both courses will be designed to meet your needs and will include:using punctuation effectively writing for different purposes proof reading and correcting own writing speaking, listening and confidence with communication calculating with money using shapes to solve everyday problems graphs and charts become more confident in using numbers If this sounds like it may be able to help you in everyday life then come along to the enrolment day and speak to the course leader from BMBC Adult and Family Learning for more information. Dates and times will be arranged following enrolment days. ________________________________________________________________________________________________

GYM Anyone who has a place on a course has access to the gym here at The Exchange. A full induction will be offered before attending the gym. Gym instructors will tailor programmes to individual’s needs and requirements, following an induction.

Cardiovascular and gentle strengthening programmes will be offered, after discussion with each individual.

Pathways to community facilities will also be discussed on completion of courses.

Tuesday 11am until 12 Noon MEN’s Gym 12 Noon until 1pm MIXED Gym

Thursday 12 Noon until 1pm LADIES Gym with Jane 1pm until 2pm MIXED Gym with Jane

____________________________________________________________________________________

The Rainbow Tick represents services and organisations that support and work with LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) people and communities. This Rainbow Tick show we have a commitment to the respect and inclusion of LGBT people. For further information please visit: www.barnsleylgbtforum.org.uk

15

Hearing Voices Group This is a support group to people who experience voices to share experiences and develop coping skills.

First Wednesday of the month 45pm (before Arts CafĂŠ) at The Exchange Recovery College This Group is open to all. Contact:Assertive Outreach Team for further information (01226) 434197

Acting 4 Confidence Learn how to have the confidence to say NO. Learn how to feel and act more confident when talking with others. Feel like your voice is being heard. For fun, laughs and company in a relaxed atmosphere join Acting 4 Confidence Group.

We meet weekly at The Exchange from 1:30pm until 4pm.

Interested?

Contact Beth for more information on: 07895 273882

Volunteers for Mental Health The Exchange is proud to affiliate itself with Volunteers for Mental Health and supports the excellent work this charity carries out. Volunteers for Mental Health is a small UK based charity which sends experienced volunteers to work in the psychiatric department of an hospital in Transylvania in Romania for placements of between 2-6 months.

Volunteers for Mental Health is a registered charity (no. 1082385) run entirely by volunteers.

Volunteers for Mental Health, 7 Dewsbury Close, LONDON, HA5 5JG Website: www.vfmh.org.uk

16

How to enrol ...…….

If you find a course(s) that interests you, its easy to enrol—come along to one of our enrolment days

Tuesday 06 May 2014

2pm until 7pm

Saturday 10 May 2014

10am until 2pm

We recommend you try and attend these days so that you can meet the Exchange Team and visit the college and it’s facilities. However if you’re unable to attend, then Just complete the form attached to this programme and send it into our address. Your form needs to be with us by Friday 16 May 2014.

There may be a charge for people in full or part-time work wanting to enrol on W.E.A courses. All other courses, workshops and events are free to attend. (with the exception of the Food & Mood Course which is £2). You don’t need to be referred to The Exchange, you can just enrol on a course.

Our Courses are friendly and welcoming and available to the people of Barnsley, particularly if you have contact with Barnsley Mental Health Services, your family, carer or loved one and also people who work within these services.

The Exchange will be closed for Easter from Friday 18th April 2014 (Good Friday) re-opening on Monday 28 April 2014. We will also be closed from Monday 26 May 2014 and re-open on Monday 02 June 2014.

Wool required!

Do you have any wool that can be used for projects in Romania to support Volunteers for Mental Health?

We are currently looking for any type of wool, any colour, any quantity to use in a hospital knitting project. If you have any spare wool that you would be willing to donate, please leave your donations at The Exchange. All offerings will be gratefully received and will be used by some of the 180 patients, most of whom have spent their lives in institutions. If you require more information, please email Victoria Mansfield, at: victoriamanfield@vfmh.org.uk

17

Directions to The Exchange Barnsley’s Recovery College is based at “The Exchange”, 33 Gawber Road, Barnsley, S75 2AH. You can contact us on 01226 730433. It is open to learners from 9am-4pm (unless your course starts in the evening) from Monday to Friday. We’re also planning to open The Exchange on Saturdays — watch this space!

Bus services Buses leave Barnsley Bus Station from Stands 4, 5 and 6. Bus service numbers are 92, 93, 93a, 95, 96, 96a. These buses run regularly and you will need to get off at the Junction of Victoria Crescent and Gawber Road immediately after the bridge and before Barnsley Hospital. If you have mobility issues there is Barnsley Dial a Ride transport on 01226 298675.

On foot We are situated on Gawber Road. If you are coming from the Town Centre or from the Bus Stop on Gawber Road, keep walking towards the Hospital, you will pass Sykes Avenue on your right, and the Exchange is on the corner of Wellfield Road. It is a large cream coloured house set back off the road with a big brown fence surrounding it.

By car M1 - Northbound At Junction 37, Take the A628 Exit to Manchester/Barnsley. At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto Dodworth Road/A628. Turn left onto Pogmoor Road.

Turn Right at the crossroads onto Gawber Road, and we are on the left hand side.

M1 - Southbound At Junction 37, take the A628 exit to Barnsley/Manchester. At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Dodworth Road/A628. Turn left onto Pogmoor Road.

Turn Right at the crossroads onto Gawber Road, and we are on the left hand side.

Barnsley Football Club

YMCA

Better Prospects Community Centre

Grove Street Oakwell Barnsley S71 1ET

Blucher Street Barnsley S70 1AP

Prospect Road Bolton-on-Dearne Rotherham S63 8HJ

Tel: 01226 211211

Tel: 01226 213 123

Tel: 07525 246303

18

Frequently asked questions …..

By now, you may have lots of questions about The Exchange. Below are some of the most common questions that we have already been asked and hopefully these may be of use to you…….

Q : “Can I be a volunteer & attend courses?”

A:

Yes of course. You must complete an application form to undertake a volunteering role, this also includes being a co-producer and a co-facilitator. Regardless of who you are, or what your relationship is with Mental Health Services, everyone has the same opportunities and will be treated the same.

“Will it affect my benefits?”

No. Your benefits are only affected if you study over 16 hours per week or apply for a student loan.

Q:

“Will I definitely get a place on the course I want?”

In the last two terms we have been able to offer everyone a place, sometimes by running the same course twice. We aim to keep numbers to a maximum of eight per session and we shall continue to do so.

“What if I can’t attend one week?”

Because places are limited, we ask that people are able to commit to the full course, however, life being what it is, sometimes other things take priority. All we ask is that you let us know beforehand.

“I can’t read or write, can I still attend?”

Yes. We have support workers that will work closely with you and support you in any way they can. We will try our very best to meet your needs in the most appropriate way. Please give us a call if you require more information.

“Can I bring a friend or member of my family to support me?”

A:

Yes. But your friend or family member will also need to enrol. Please ensure that you let a member of the team know so that you can be placed together.

“Can I get help with child care?”

No, sorry, we aren’t able to provide a Crèche Area , you would have to make your own child care arrangements if you wish to attend the college.

If you have any more questions that are not covered here, then please don't hesitate to contact one of the team on:Tel:

01226 730433

Email: Lauren.Pooley@swyt.nhs.uk or jane.taylor@swyt.nhs.uk 19

Notes……. …………………………………………………………………..……………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………………..……………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………………..……………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………………..……………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………………..……………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………………..……………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………………..……………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………………..……………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………………..……………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………………..……………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………………..……………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………………..……………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………………..……………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………………..……………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………………..……………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………………..……………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………………..……………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………………..……………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………………..……………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………………..……………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………………..……………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………………..……………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………………..………………………………………………..

20

The Exchange Enrolment Form APPLICANT INFORMATION Title:

Surname:

Forename:

Date of Birth:

Gender:

Current Address:

Home Number:

Mobile Number:

Postcode: COURSE DETAILS Courses Enrolling on:

Date Courses Start

1…………………………………………………………………

1……………………….

Course Duration

1……………………………..

2…………………………………………………………………

2……………………….

2……………………………..

3…………………………………………………………………

3……………………….

3……………………………..

4………………………………………………………………..

4……………………….

4……………………………..

EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION Name of relative/GP or staff member that supports you:

Relationship to you:

Contact Number:

How did you hear about us?

Address:

What is your connection to the Trust?

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: FS Full Time Student

UN Unwaged not seeking work

FT Employed Full-Time

RT

PT Employed Part-Time

NS Not Specified

Retired

Is there anything else you would like us to be aware of?:

LEARNER SIGNATURE: Information contained in this form will be kept by the Exchange for monitoring purposes – by understanding how many people use the college and why, we can continue to improve what is offered.

01 02 03 04 05 06

White British White Irish Any Other White Mixed White & Black Caribbean Mixed White & Black African any Other White Mixed White & Asian

07 08 09 10 11 12

Any Other Mixed Background Indian Pakistani Bangladeshi Any other Asian background Caribbean

13 14 15 16 99

African Any other Black Background Chinese Any other ethnic group Not stated

21

The Exchange 33 Gawber Road Barnsley S75 2AH Tel: 01226 730433

22