Wokingham Borough Connect
Welcome to our September newsletter!
While we’re still hoping for a few more days of sunshine, this month sees the launch of our autumn term. Check out the new prospectus below.
We had a busy few months last term delivering 16 courses and 35 peer support groups. We also welcomed 44 new students to the college.
To join our September courses and groups, click the blue 'book now' buttons and complete our booking form. If you’ve already received a confirmation for a session, you do not need to re-book. If you’ve booked onto anything and can no longer attend, please let us know so we can offer your space to someone else.
 Autumn prospectus
We are excited to share our new Autumn prospectus full of information about upcoming sessions including new courses ‘compassionate communication’ and ‘art for wellbeing’.
Download the Autumn Prospectus (Sept–Dec 2023)
Please use our booking form to book onto any of our September workshops, courses and groups. Once you have submitted this form, you will receive an e-mail confirming if you have secured a space or letting you know if you have been placed on a waitlist.
 Getting started in groups
An opportunity to learn more about how Wokingham Recovery College sessions are run, explore what it’s like to participate in a peer support group, and get answers to any questions you have about taking part in our courses and workshops.
The Getting Started in Groups sessions are open to all students and anyone who is considering joining WRC; you do not need to be registered to attend. Attendees are invited to stay for our drop-in session afterwards.
In person
Date: Thursday 7 September
Time: 10am to 11am
 Drawing for wellbeing
Take part in a calming, group drawing workshop taking inspiration from the sea, led by arts and wellbeing practitioner, Natalie. We’ll look at examples of artists work, study shapes and patterns in nature, and finish with a large collaborative drawing. No art experience required for this non-competitive, friendly creative workshop.
In person
Date: Friday 8 September
Time: 10am to 12 noon
 Managing anxiety
Living with anxiety can be challenging, but there are some things we can do to help lessen the impact it has. In these sessions we will look at different coping strategies to help us better manage our anxiety.
Online
Date: Wednesday 20, 27 September and 4 October
Time: 6.30pm to 8pm
 Understanding emotions
Do your emotions ever feel overwhelming? In these sessions, we explore what emotions actually are and identify techniques for responding to them.
In person
Date: Thursday 28 September and 5 October
Time: 10.00am to 11.30am
 Drop-in session
Do you know someone who is considering registering with the college? Would they like the chance to meet us first?
This session provides an opportunity to meet staff, get support to complete registration forms and ask any questions about our workshops.
If you’re already a student but have not attended anything yet, this is also the perfect chance to meet us and see one of our venues.
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Venue: Wokingham Carnival Hub, Library meeting room, Wellington Road, Wokingham, RG40 2AF
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Date: Thursday 7 September
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Time: 11am to 12 noon
 Have your say: aromatherapy
Have Your Say sessions are discussions between students, staff, and carers about different aspects of the Recovery College. They provide an opportunity for you to give feedback and shape what is on offer at the Recovery College.
Aromatherapy has been used for hundreds of years. Through this Have Your Say session, we would like to hear what you would like to learn about aromatherapy.
Would you like to learn what oils can help you feel calm or find out how to use essential oils in your day to day life to help with your mental health and wellbeing? Join us to share your opinion and have your input.
Online
Date: Tuesday 26 September
Time: 10am to 11am
 Co-production
At Wokingham Recovery college we consider the knowledge and strengths gained from lived experience is equal to knowledge of professionals. As such, we are always keen to develop courses alongside our students, volunteers, or other partners.
To help support this process, we have been working on the creation of a co-development ‘terms of reference’. These terms of reference include:
- A diagram outlining the co-development process
- What you can expect from us and what we expect from you
- Prompts to consider at co-development meetings
Please email us if you would like to find out more about this process and the opportunity to offer us feedback. We are also always open to hearing your suggestions of other workshops and courses we could offer at the college, so please get in touch to share your ideas!
 New peer support group: Journal together
This term we're launching our latest peer support group: journal together. This group provides a monthly shared space to journal with some friendly company. You are welcome to join whether you are new to journaling or have been scribing for years, adorn your pages with washi and stickers, or you keep it minimal with the simplicity of pen and paper. Bring your own journal and pen and join us for some dedicated journal time.
In person
Date: Friday 22 September
Time: 10am to 12 noon
 Peer support groups
Recovering Together
Recovering Together is our peer support group available to all students.
The fortnightly meetings are an opportunity for students to have topical discussions and share lived experiences in a friendly and welcoming environment. Our hope is, that as a community, united by each other's support, we journey through recovery together.
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In person: Monday 11 and 25 September, 11am to 12.30pm
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Online: Monday 18 September, 11am to 12.30pm
Hearing Voices Group
Do you hear or see things that other people do not seem to? This fortnightly group provides a safe space for people to share their experiences with one another.
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In person: Thursday 14 September, 11am to 12.30pm
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Online: Thursday 28 September, 11am to 12 noon
Family and Friends Support Group
Are you supporting a family member or friend with mental health concerns? Would you like the opportunity to talk about or share your experience with others in a similar position?
If so, then please come along to our Family and Friends Support Group. This group offers a safe, confidential, and supportive space to discuss anything and everything that is important to you.
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In person: Wednesday 6 September, 1.30pm to 3pm
BYOC (bring your own craft)
Open to anyone who would like to work on their creative pursuits in the company of others. These are not taught or guided sessions, and they are open to all abilities and disciplines. You may already have a project in progress or be embarking upon something new. Whether you want to develop new skills alongside peers, or simply craft quietly in a friendly shared space, everyone is welcome.
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In person: Friday 1 and 15 September, 10am to 12 noon
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Online: Wednesday 13 September, 6pm to 8pm
 Support spotlight: Cranstoun drug and alcohol service
Cranstoun Wokingham provide support and treatment to all Wokingham Borough residents wanting to change their alcohol and/or drug use in any way. The service assists recovery and promotes harm reduction through advice and information, one to one and group support and access to medical interventions. They also offer family and carer support for those affected by a loved one’s substance misuse.
You can find out more about Cranstoun Wokingham on their website. You can contact them via email or by calling (0118) 977 2022.
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