Health and Wellbeing College celebrates first year

Katie Kay (far right), Health and Wellbeing College Project Lead, with staff from the Health and Wellbeing College

An innovative training programme designed to help people improve their wellbeing has more than doubled its intake of students in its first year.

The Health and Wellbeing College, run by Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust, supports people to make the most of their potential, increase their confidence and tackle issues such as improving their sleep, controlling anger, setting goals and managing their finances.

When the college launched in September 2016 it had just 85 students and one campus in Oldham. This increased to 200 students across four sites in Oldham, Bury, Rochdale and Stockport, with future plans for a Tameside campus.

A survey of students found that two thirds did not believe they could improve their own health by taking an active role in managing their condition before coming to the college. This reduced to less than half after taking a class.

The courses aim to be fun and interactive and include a number of different learning styles, to ensure there is something for everyone.

Amy Wilcox Jones started as a student at the college during the first semester before becoming a volunteer and then progressing on to a peer trainer role.

Amy said: “The college has given me so many skills and so much confidence that it amazes me.

“I want to thank the college for helping me to develop into the person that I am today and continuing to help me better myself. I can’t think of anything better than helping other people every day”

Katie Kay, Health and Wellbeing College Project Lead, said: “We’ve had a fantastic first year and it’s really encouraging to know we’re helping people to take an active role in their health and wellbeing and improving their knowledge and self-confidence.”

The courses are for anyone over the age of 18 years, who lives in Bury, Heywood, Middleton, Rochdale, Oldham, Stockport, Tameside or Glossop.