New courses to boost your wellbeing

AMY WILCOX-JONES

STUDENTS have been encouraged to enrol on a health and wellbeing college course.

New intakes are now being accepted at the Health and Wellbeing College for anyone over the age of 18 from Oldham, Rochdale and surrounding areas.

The free recovery-focused courses are geared towards teaching people self-management so they are able to make the most of their abilities.

Residents have until April 13 to apply, with the fun and interactive courses running from May to July.

Health and wellbeing project lead Katie Kay said: "Students have told us they like the friendly, positive nature of the courses and we know they've made a real difference to people's health and wellbeing."

Each course has been developed by an expert in the topic as well as someone who has lived through a given condition.

Amy Wilcox-Jones (23), from Oldham, helped design courses on healthy eating, helping students to believe in their abilities and overcoming anxiety.

She said: "I really enjoyed developing ideas for future courses, creating a whole timeline for the college and feeding back on how courses have gone so far."

The college, run by Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust, will provide courses on living with pain or caring for someone who does, loss and bereavement and helping people to increase their confidence.

Student Samantha Benedek-Chaplin (37), from Oldham added: "The college has been a godsend. It's a safe place where I can be myself, it doesn't matter that I am disabled. They accept me for who I am."

The main college campus is at Maple House, Southlink Business Park.

To enrol, contact 0161 716 2666, email hwcollege.penninecare@nhs.net or visit the campus.