Celebrating 15 years of our Recovery College
This year marks a special milestone as our Recovery College celebrates 15years of helping people learn more about mental health and wellbeing, build confidence and develop practical skills to support their recovery.
Since launching as the UK’s first Recovery College, its approach has reached far beyond south west London, with 221 Recovery Colleges now operating across 28 countries. Over the years, our college has welcomed visitors from around the world who have come to learn from its approach and use that learning to support the development of Recovery Colleges elsewhere.
The college is open to people who use our services, their friends, families and carers, and Trust staff. Courses cover everything from managing stress and anxiety to building confidence, improving sleep and practising meditation. There are also courses about medicines and dedicated sessions to help families, friends and carers navigate our hospitals and services.
Reflecting on the college’s 15-year milestone, Nisha Proietti, Recovery College Manager, said:
"When I joined the college in June 2025, one of the first things I noticed was the sense of hope that runs through everything we do. The college is much more than a service. It’s a community where people support one another, build confidence and discover what’s possible for their future.
“Over the past 15 years, we’ve helped many people on their recovery journeys through learning, shared experiences, and mutual understanding. Time and again, students tell us how they have rebuilt their confidence, felt less alone, discovered new strengths, and gained the skills and independence to move forward with their lives.
“They are powerful reminders that recovery looks different for everyone, but that with the right support, connection and opportunities, people can achieve things they once thought were out of reach.”
At the heart of the college is learning together. Its team of 10 trainers includes healthcare professionals and people with lived experience, who bring their different knowledge and perspectives to each course. Courses are offered across Wandsworth, Kingston, Richmond, Sutton and Merton, both face-to-face and online.
Over the past 10 years, the college has delivered more than
7,000 sessions to over 5,000 students. Each year, more than 300 new students sign up, with around 570 people taking part in courses annually.
Zoe, a former student who is now a qualified care coordinator, shares what joining the college meant to her:
"For so long, I felt completely lost behind a clinical label, feeling like a problem that needed to be solved rather than a person who wanted to live. Walking through the doors of the Recovery College changed everything, because for the first time I was met with open arms, understanding and immense hope. Sitting in a room where the instructors openly shared their own mental health battles was a profoundly healing moment. Seeing their strength made me realise that my struggles didn’t mean I was broken, just human. The support here didn't feel like a heavy hand pushing me along, but a gentle, steady hand holding mine, encouraging me to rediscover my own voice and worth.
“Being treated as an equal, worthy student gave me back the dignity that illness had stripped away. I left the college not just with a collection of wellness tools, but with a deeply restored belief in myself, a community that truly sees me, and a quiet confidence that I can safely navigate whatever lies ahead."
Nisha added: “As we celebrate this important milestone, I feel incredibly proud of everything our students, trainers and staff have achieved together. I am excited about what lies ahead as we continue to inspire hope, support recovery, and help people realise their potential.”
Watch a short video from a former student as they share their experience and what being part of the Recovery College has meant to them.
