SLaM Recovery College: Free NHS Mental Health Service in Croydon

## What is SLaM Recovery College? SLaM Recovery College offers free recovery and wellbeing education to support people in their journey from mental illness. The college is run by South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and funded by Maudsley Charity, complementing the clinical support provided by the Trust. With over 40 courses on offer each term, topics include understanding mental health conditions, sleep, resilience, eating well, social confidence, medication, creativity, and community connection. Every course is co-produced and co-delivered by people with lived experience of mental illness working alongside health professionals. This peer recovery trainer model reflects the Trust's commitment to empowerment and personalised recovery. ## Who Can Use SLaM Recovery College? Courses are open to anyone with a connection to SLaM, including people currently using services, those recently discharged, carers, family members, and friends. Staff, students on placement, volunteers, peer supporters, and involvement register members are also welcome. Online webinars are free and available to anyone, anywhere - you don't need to be a SLaM service user to join these. ## How Do I Access SLaM Recovery College? To enrol, contact the college at **020 3228 3643** or email recovery.college@slam.nhs.uk. You can also visit slamrecoverycollege.co.uk to see the current course catalogue and sign up online. The office is open Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm, and the team aims to respond to enquiries on the same day. Classroom-based courses run at community venues across Lambeth, Southwark, Lewisham, and Croydon. ## What Should I Expect? Courses are educational rather than therapeutic, though many people find them beneficial for their mental health. Sessions are welcoming and non-clinical, typically held in community venues. Recent course highlights include 'Fear of Abandonment' (exploring coping strategies for healthier relationships), 'Getting Curious About Nature for Our Wellbeing', and creative writing workshops with the Royal Literary Fund. Most courses run for a few hours over one or more sessions, and you can choose topics that interest you.