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the things that have changed the most? Facing things. Asking for help. Admitting how low I had become. Admitting vulnerability. Doing something positive, and acknowledging what a state I was in, and having people there who care for me.
K.W.

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the sessions I attended were informative. interesting and gave me an insight into further learning. The tutor was very good, she was professional and well prepared.
P.W

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A new activity to get me back to learning, meet new people, and gain confidence to do other things.
S.S.

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I really enjoyed doing this course. I learnt a lot of new skills, confidence, speaking in front of people, sharing new ideas, working in a team and communication skills. These really improved and I would like to do some more learning.
F.I.

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I have thoroughly enjoyed the 3 weeks here. It has given me food for thought, and how I can try to apply what I have learned to my personal situation.
M.H.

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I enjoyed this course because I have not been employment for some two years due to illness. I feel that I have regained some of my confidence. The activities enabled me to re engage with others and work in groups which I have not done for some time. I met the most wonderful people on this course and the tutors have been excellent. I want to take the opportunity to continue learning but also to venture out to see what type of work I can do in the near future.
G.G

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Loved the course. The tutor instilled confidence in us, helping when asked, checking progress/giving advice. Being given the chance to join in with an unknown group - I've now volunteered to help at a local gallery.
J.K.

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This has been a great experience - I've gained ideas for future projects, inspiration in other areas that have long been at a standstill and met a wonderful group of people which otherwise I never would have, so thankyou very much x
K.T.

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I really enjoyed the course. Great environment, material, structure + people! I loved being in a group of people, working independently but collectively.
About half way through the course I started to reduce my anti-depressants - this is a massive positive.
K.P.

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Please see feedback below from learners who took part in Year 1 of the project

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May Newsletter 2017

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Research volunteer's blog - Stained Glass course

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Research volunteer's blog - Stained Glass course

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Support to Recovery (S2R) have been working with Kirklees College to offer great community courses and a fun way to get back into learning skills and making friends, courses have included clothes up cycling, sign language and millinery, however, today I want to tell you about the stained glass course, which looked so interesting, I actually signed up to attend it myself!
The course was advertised as being 6 evening sessions, one each week and as someone would need to stay to oversee and lock up the building, what better way to pass the time than joining in

Week one was amazing, we learn how to cut glass in straight lines and to break it safely using the correct tools, then moved on to cutting to a defined pattern. Once we had completed it and we're all feeling pretty proud of ourselves, our tutor ( who is otherwise, a lovely man ) told us it had been a practise run and to throw it all way, as we were now going to cut the same pattern again but down to millimetre precision to allow for the foil

We are now on week 5 and all attendees have managed to make something they are delighted with and that other people look in awe at and wish they could make one. The group has a lovely relaxed feel and all offer each other good conversation, support and solutions on how to achieve a particular result with glass or soldering

We are nearing the end of our 6 weeks course yet none of us want it to end, so are hoping to continue by offering follow on sessions for course completers, which could ensure continued peer support, opportunity to experiment and access to glass and tools in a safe environment

We already have another confirmed stained glass course through Kirklees College Wiseminds Project in May, which is already fully booked and are hoping to arrange another before summer

Support to Recovery is a charity, promoting positive mental health and independence, based in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire (Kirklees) and I have seen the results of joining in such an interesting course first hand, it's not always scary to try something new, this has been a pleasure!

For more information on S2R, check out our website on http://www.s2r.org.uk&nbsp;

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Stained Glass course through Kirklees College Wiseminds Project

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Support to Recovery (S2R) have been working with Kirklees College to offer great community courses and a fun way to get back into learning skills and making friends, courses have included clothes up cycling, sign language and millinery, however, today I want to tell you about the stained glass course, which looked so interesting, I...

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January/February Newsletter 2017

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The WISEMINDS Project offers FREE training courses to adults aged 19+ as part of a National Research project. There are a wide range of courses available including Art Combo, Tai Chi, Stained Glass, Family First Aid and Confidence Building.

The project, funded by the Department For Education, aims to find out if community learning supports those with mild to moderate mental ill health. The project is open to volunteers over the age of 19yrs who feel relatively well, to those who maybe experiencing (but not limited to) low mood, anxiety, depression or those suffering from long term physical health problems which, in turn, are impacting upon their mental wellbeing.

Courses are easily accessible being held mainly in Huddersfield and Dewsbury town centres, with some courses at the college campus.

For further details please take a look at our Calendar of Events

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Check out our Calendar for upcoming courses

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Check out our Calendar for upcoming courses

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December Newsletter 2016

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November Newsletter 2016

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October Newsletter 2016

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This is Sarah.  She started with Wiseminds in September and has really hit the ground running!

She is doing the vast majority of our IAG - so we hardly ever see her!

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This year we have decided to work in a smaller number of venues to reduce variables to the research.  So we are working on the college campus and two local venues. Thrive in North Kirklees and Support to Recovery in South Kirklees.

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See just some of the learner feedback from year 2 of the project.....

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This article was published on our website and also in the local newspaper.
Beat the January blues with Wiseminds

Categories: Adults Published: January 18, 2016

In January the weather is at its worst, the days are dark, our bank accounts empty and our New Year’s resolutions, however well-intentioned, have already gone by the wayside.

Carrie Hanson is one of many students to have benefited from the Wiseminds scheme

So it is no surprise that some research has suggested that the third Monday in January is the most depressing day of the year.

However, we are encouraging people to try and beat the winter blues and improve their wellbeing and self-esteem by learning something new and connecting with others who have similar experiences through the WISEMINDS Project which is being led by Kirklees College and its partners on behalf of the Kirklees Community Learning Trust.

Indeed, one of the learners reported a positive effect on her wellbeing. Carrie Hanson, from Slaithwaite, said: “The project helped me with confidence issues, it gave me an aim and showed me that I am able to get myself motivated to do something with my day.”

Since taking part in the project not only has she gone on to further education but she has also become a volunteer with Proper Job Theatre Company.

“Before attending these courses I felt that I had no direction and didn’t think that I had anything positive to look forward to,” said Carrie.

“Now I have a future and am beginning to feel more positive and confident that I will be able to find a job and use my newly discovered skills.”

So don’t be beat by the winter blues, sign up for a course today or find out more by simply contacting Wiseminds@kirkleescollege.ac.uk or call 01484 437156.

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‘I’ve noticed my mood has improved in general, I have a sense of empowerment about my future and what I am capable of.  I enjoyed connecting with the other participants sharing skills, knowledge and stories; this ‘community’ feeling was the most important factor for my positive shift in mood’
M.W.

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‘Absolutely amazing! I feel optimistic, happier and I really enjoyed meeting new people. I learnt from the other people on the course, shared my skills with them and improved my communication skills. I’m looking forward to the future and putting this positive mind set into practise.’
A.M.

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‘I’m now focused on what I can do rather than what I can’t do, the course made me think outside of the box, brought my confidence out and I engaged with the other people on the course more than I would have done before. I felt comfortable just being me and had support from all the other participants.’
D.G,

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‘Meeting the other participants was great, we all supported each other and I feel much happier knowing that meeting new people and having fun is possible.’
E.D.

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‘I’ve gained loads of confidence from the course, even my friends and family have commented on how much happier and brighter I am. The course taught me skills for everyday life, such as budgeting, and I feel I’ll be able to cope better in the future because of this. Although I had to step out of my comfort zone, this challenged me and I feel like I can go further with this by going on more courses or even volunteering’
T.A,  .