Northern Trust Recovery College reflects on a decade of success
The Northern Trust Recovery College – a place where everyone is a student, with learning from each other at the heart of its approach – is celebrating a decade of supporting wellbeing in the community.
Established in 2015, the College marked its 10-year milestone this month with a special anniversary event at the Dunsilly Hotel in Antrim.
Ahead of its time in many ways, the college delivers a wide variety of free mental health and wellbeing courses across the Northern Trust area, both face-to-face and online, co-produced and co-delivered by people with both lived and learned experiences.
Explaining more, Service Manager Janice Gray said: “Our approach to the courses we offer means that our students benefit from core information alongside lived experiences and practical advice, and a message of hope is paramount to all we do.
“At the minute we are offering 31 different courses, and we truly believe there is something for everyone. As the College is all about each individual, it’s up to you to decide the courses that may benefit you and your personal circumstances.
“Engaging with the Recovery College is a journey of self-discovery. It involves learning more about yourself and the tools you can use for support, when life gets challenging. Regardless of who we are, we are all human. Life can continue to throw unexpected curve balls at us, so it is important to think about our personal health and well-being, and how we can enhance it.
“Attending the college supports connection and it allows us to meet likeminded individuals who may be experiencing similar circumstances to ourselves. Learning from others, sharing ideas and fostering support are all part of the student journey and we are very proud of the difference this has made to so many lives.”
Courses
Over the past ten years, 5000 students have attended the college, and during this academic year (up until June 2026) courses on offer cover topics ranging from anxiety and building resilience, to managing fatigue, mindful self-compassion, and wellness recovery action planning. There are also more practical and hands-on opportunities, including arts and crafts for wellness.
Offering reassurance to anyone considering getting involved, Janice explained: “All of our courses are informal and relaxed. Anyone who attends our sessions can choose when and how they participate – participation is always voluntary! Everyone comes as a student – we are all there to learn. No one will be asked to identify themselves, their backgrounds or share anything about their personal story.”
If you’re interested in finding out more about The Recovery College, and how it might enhance your personal health and wellbeing, please email recovery.college@northerntrust.hscni.net or ring 028 9441 3449.
You can also search for The Northern Trust Recovery College on Facebook where you can keep up to date with the latest news and find upcoming course timetables.
12th December 2025
