“I can’t express enough how much the recovery college has done for me” – Wendy’s volunteer story

Wendy first arrived at our Calderdale and Kirklees Recovery and Wellbeing College as an anxious learner. Now having grown in confidence, she runs her own craft course at the college.

She said: “I first came to Calderdale and Kirklees Recovery and Wellbeing College as a learner.  I have been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and ADHD.

“I also have anxiety, which I have overcome since attending the recovery college. The recovery college has helped me so much since I started, and it has had a massive impact on my health and wellbeing. It’s changed my life; it’s become so much better because of the support I have received.

“I became a ‘friend of the recovery college’ at first and did lots of courses. This helped to build my self-confidence, and I then became a volunteer at the college in November 2024. This is my first role within the NHS, and it’s been a really positive experience for me.

“At the college I co-facilitate courses and support learners in class. The course that I run, deco-patch craft, has been of my own design and production. I am very proud of this because it shows just how far I have come since my arrival at the college as a learner. Someone co-facilitates/supports me when I run it which is fabulous and very helpful. All the staff, the peer workers, the friends of the college and all the volunteers are all amazing people.

“Deco-patch involves glueing tissue paper over objects to make new objects. It’s very satisfying. I like teaching the crafts to other people, I’m teaching them a new skill and they enjoy it. I’m passionate about sharing my skills with others and they love it!  It’s very varied.

“I spend a lot of my time at the recovery college. I’m not working at present, but if I were to go back to work, I would want to work at the recovery college. After I received my diagnosis and subsequent treatment, I needed to focus on making changes.  The recovery college has helped so much with that, and the changes made have worked for me.

“The recovery college is a huge part of my life, it’s had a significant impact on my life, my health and wellbeing. I’m off my medication. I’m not having any side effects from this or relapses. That’s down to the recovery college and their time and patience.

“The Trust is a great place to volunteer. Everyone is supportive and understanding. I’m accepted, I can be who I am. I am open and honest about my mental health. I don’t have to hide my mental health issues here. In every job I’ve had I’ve been bullied, pushed out, not accepted, so it’s good to feel accepted by everyone and I feel safe. It’s a safe place.

“I’m a walking advocate for the recovery college.  I tell everyone about it. I can’t express enough how much the college has done for me. It is a magical place for me and is filled with very special, very supportive people. It never ceases to amaze me.”