Charity expands courses at college for homeless

St Mungo’s started the Recovery College as a pilot in autumn last year and ran 40 different courses around personal development, health, well-being and creativity.

It will now run 60 courses in the second term at the college in Southwark, such as on assertiveness, boosting confidence, guitar playing and watercolour painting. It already has 395 students enrolled.

Andy Williams, St Mungo’s client involvement manager, said: ‘Demand for courses during the pilot really exceeded our expectations and this second term has proved even more popular.

‘What sets the Recovery College apart is that students are supported on an emotional level and are enjoying learning.’

He pointed out many people who have experienced homelessness have been out of work for more than five years and may not have had a positive time at school.

‘The Recovery College is about a second chance to build confidence and self-esteem, take some first steps back into learning, at all levels, all within a supportive, fun environment,’ he said.

The model is based on one used by mental health trusts, which through the range of courses supports people with mental health, helping them develop their own recovery plans and rebuild their lives. This was the first time the Recovery College model was used outside a mental health trust.