A FACILITY which allows people space to recover from mental health problems and enrol on courses aimed at improving their wellbeing is expanding.

Arch Recovery College, run by the Tees, Esk and Wear Valley NHS Foundation Trust, is based at St Margaret’s Health Centre, Durham.

The college, which is also described as a learning centre, is now expanding the number of courses it offers and there are plans to deliver more programmes at other sites in order to support people living in rural areas.

The hope is that the move will reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues.

Support will come from the Richmond Fellowship, a non profit organisation and specialist provider of mental health services.

Claire Chapman, an operations manager at the Recovery College, said: “The feedback we have had so far from students at the Recovery College has been really positive.

The courses will be supported by trained ‘peer tutors’ who have had their own experience of mental health problems.

One such tutor is 32-year-old Paula Roberts, from Darlington, who six years ago was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder.

She said: “I have dealt with a lot and come through the other side so I can relate to the things people at the college are struggling with.

“If I can help people recover and manage their mental health like Richmond Fellowship did for me than I’ll be doing my job right.”

For more information on the Arch Recovery College and to register your interest in the courses contact (0191) 3843895 or e-mail tewv.recoverycollege@nhs.net