REGARI Recovery College, a community-based service that aims to support, maintain and promote positive mental health, will be returning to Ballinasloe this autumn with a series of eight workshops. The modules are open to everyone over the age of 18 and attendees don’t need a mental health diagnosis. “All you need is an interest in mental health and wellbeing,” says Dermot Flatley, a Recovery Education Facilitator with REGARI.
REGARI stands for Roscommon and East Galway Advancing Recovery in Ireland. It is one of three sister colleges in the West of Ireland, along with one in Castlebar and another in Galway City. Recovery colleges use an adult-learning educational approach to support mental health and wellbeing rather than a clinical model.
Dermot explains that another key feature of REGARI is that its modules are “co-produced and co-delivered. This means our modules are shaped by a diverse range of voices, including people with lived experience of mental health challenges, family members and carers, people working in mental health services, and anyone with an interest in mental health and wellbeing. Rather than seeing people simply as recipients of information, we value everyone as having knowledge, experience and something to contribute.” From late September – November, REGARI will be hosting eight workshops including: “Finding My Spark”, “From Anxious to Anchored”, “A Somatic Approach to Wellbeing”, “Changing My Mindset”, “Building Healthy Boundaries”, “Social Media & Digital Skills”, “Roots and Relationships”, and “Art & Recovery”. Each module lasts three hours and offers a mix of education, reflection and practical exploration as well as mindfulness and other wellbeing practices.
While the sessions are interactive and include discussions, reflections and group activities, Dermot is keen to stress that “there is never any pressure to speak or share anything personal. Everyone can participate in a way that feels comfortable for them.” Participants do not need to speak in front of a group, and the atmosphere is welcoming and inclusive. Attendees can join the workshops at any point during the term, and there is no requirement to complete the full programme.
There is a registration fee of €5 for the term, and all modules are free to attend after that. For further details, please contact Regari Peer Educator Amanda Hunt on (087) 968 4352 or email regarirecoverycollege@gmail.com. You can also check the Facebook timetable for details of upcoming workshops: www. facebook.com/Regarirecoverycollege.
