A COLLEGE set up to help people recover from mental illness will be running new courses this summer.

After a successful first year in 2013, the Severn and Wye Recovery College is now able to run further courses this summer thanks to a grant from 2gether’s own Charitable Funds committee.

Courses will be held in Gloucester, Hereford, Tewkesbury and Stroud from May onwards, and taster days are being held from next week to enable prospective students to find out more.

Jo Denney, project lead from 2gether NHS Foundation Trust, said the college’s first year of courses were a great success.

“Our courses offer a different approach to recovering from mental illness,” she said.

“It’s about teaching people the skills to manage their own condition and stay well, as well as gain the confidence, life skills and knowledge to live their lives to the full.

“Some of our first students have used it as a springboard onto other things – some are now in employment or have signed up for other educational courses. Many of our first students said it helped them to transform their lives.”

Courses are aimed at anyone with experience of enduring mental illness and who is registered with a GP in Gloucestershire or Herefordshire and receiving services from 2gether NHS Foundation Trust.

Places are also available for carers and professionals working to support people with mental illness.

Taster days are being held in Gloucester on April 15, Cheltenham on April 22, and in Hereford on April 28 and May 12.

For more information, visit www.swrecovery.org.uk or call 01452 894269.