WELCOME TO

OXFORDSHIRE RECOVERY COLLEGE

Education for good mental health

COURSES
NEWS & STORIES
VIDEOS: LIBRARY OF LIFE
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A SHARED JOURNEY OF RECOVERY

300+

Courses per year

3000+

course attendances

70%

felt GREATER HOPE

At the Oxfordshire Recovery College, we offer free courses on mental health and well-being. Many of our students face challenges with their own mental health, but courses are also open to family, friends and carers of anyone struggling, and to mental health professionals.

All courses are interactive and based on learning together with others. Courses are based on the recovery approach – we believe that people can and do recover from mental ill health to lead full and satisfying lives.

We support people to find hope for the future, to regain a positive sense of self, to develop a sense of personal control and find opportunities to reach their own personal goals. We believe all of us are experts in our own experiences.

Our co-produced mission statement: ‘Through learning together, we support each other to grow in hope and confidence and develop skills to better manage our own mental health’
"The tutors had a great deal of insight into the subject, were very compassionate and warm"

Student, Oxfordshire Recovery College

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WHAT IS OXFORDSHIRE RECOVERY COLLEGE? 

It’s a unique educational approach to recovery and mental health support, that works well alongside other treatments or therapies. You can refer yourself, you don’t need a diagnosis and can make your own choices about the courses you take.

The College is a welcoming space for everyone: people experiencing mental health challenges; plus carers, friends, family, staff and volunteers. Sharing what we’ve learnt from our individual experiences is central to our courses. Learning more about a diagnosis and hearing about tried-and-tested strategies can help individuals struggling (and others) to be equipped with knowledge, empathy and helpful strategies.

Our  key value is co-production: we do everything alongside people with their own lived experience of mental health challenges. All courses are designed and delivered by both an Expert by Experience (someone with lived experience), and an Expert by Training (someone with a professional background in that area). So on every course you attend with us, people there will have experienced their own mental health challenges and found their own ways to cope and go forwards.

Whatever you are experiencing, you are not alone and someone can help.

"I have learnt that I need to trust myself and my recovery journey more. Keep experimenting with coping strategies, and if something doesn't work it's okay to try something else. Finding out other people struggle with similar problems to me really helps."

Student, Oxfordshire Recovery College

Who can come? 

Anyone facing challenges to their own mental health, worried about someone else they care about or support, or working or volunteering in local mental health services. We encourage all students to self-refer. You must be over 18 and living in Oxfordshire. 

Course examples

Understanding Mental Health. Sleep & Wellbeing. Wildlife & Wellbeing. Coping with Stress and Anxiety. Understanding Psychosis. Parenting in Recovery. Understanding Personality Disorders.

Co-production

All of our courses are designed and delivered by both an Expert by Experience (someone with lived experience) and an Expert by Training (someone with a professional background in that area).

Does it cost?

No, courses and workshops are free.

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COURSES & VENUES

Banbury, Didcot, Oxford, Witney and online.

Upcoming 

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FULL LIST OF COURSES
ORC Map
ORC Main Office

Elder Stubbs, Rymers Lane, OX4 3DY

The Straw Bale

Restore, Manzil Way, Oxford, OX4 4JP

ORC at Witney Mind

65 Moorland Road, OX28 6LS

ORC at Banbury Mind

Britannia Road, Banbury, OX16 5DN

Online

Online courses hosted on Zoom. 

ORC at Didcot Civic Hall

Britwell Road, Didcot, OX11 7JN

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Once enrolled for ORC, students can review courses above, and enquire about attending a course here.

STORIES & NEWS

Library of Life - video stories of recovery

Library of Life

The Library of Life is a collection of video stories offering unique personal perspectives on difficult experiences. The stories share journeys towards recovery, of overcoming life's hurdles, of how individuals navigated towards safe harbour when seas were rough.
EXPLORE THE LIBRARY OF LIFE

Blogs and Content

ALL ORC BLOGS

MEET THE TEAM

Oxfordshire Recovery College
Stephanie - Head of College
Stephanie has been Head of the College since 2018. She is passionate about using storytelling and the creative arts to increase a sense of hope and fresh perspectives. Stephanie takes an active role in co- tutoring and course development, and works to increase co production across mental health services. Stephanie also loves cycling and baking cakes.
Debbie ORC team
Debbie - Tutor Coordinator
Debbie supports our large team of enthusiastic tutors in a variety of ways, including delivering regular supervisions and training. Debbie has worked in education for over 20 years. She is passionate about increasing opportunities for those with lived experience to share their knowledge. Debbie also loves walking her dog and bell ringing.
Clare ORC team
Clare - Student Coordinator
Clare uses her experiences as a service user and an ORC student to support current students on their journey through the College. She is responsible for the student support team and for creating our schedule of courses each term. Clare is passionate about supporting everyone as individuals. She also loves spending time with her grandchildren and dogs.
Alice ORC team
Alice - Student Support Officer
Alice supports students in many ways and is often the voice at the other end of the telephone. She tutors on a range of our courses and is passionate about offering students a wide variety of opportunities to build their confidence, sense of identity and self esteem. Alice also loves books and films.
Sally ORC team
Sally - Student Support Officer
Sally supports students in various ways including booking students onto courses of their choice. She is an accredited Mindfulness and Self- Compassion teacher and uses her expertise on a number of ORC courses, as well as leading regular courses, retreats and mindful walks in her own practice. Sally also loves cooking and walking.
ORC tutoring

Tutor with the Oxfordshire Recovery College

Volunteer tutors with Oxfordshire Recovery College are the life-force of the College. Whether you bring lived experience or a professional background, get in touch to discuss ORC tutoring.

BECOME A VOLUNTEER TUTOR