– The purpose of this paper is to provide an introduction to recovery colleges, followed by an outline of the development and delivery of Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust (CNWL) Recovery College, as well as key lessons learned. In doing so the aim is to help inform members of mental health organisations involved in the design or development of a recovery college or who aspire to create a college. A secondary purpose is to highlight the positive effects of recovery colleges for people using mental health services.
– The paper draws upon interviews with recovery college students and staff members, as well as other CNWL staff.
– Themes emerging include: the significant role of peer trainers; the importance of strong organisational support; how challenges were overcome without losing recovery principles; the shift in mind-set from clinical to educational ways of working. Quotes from students demonstrate the positive experiences gained through attending the college.
– The paper provides an informative account of one large NHS Trust's experience of running a recovery college, covering its planning, development, delivery and evaluation. Lessons from this experience may be of value to organisations aspiring to develop or already involved in the running of a recovery college.
