Lincolnshire Wellbeing and Recovery College

Student feedback

What was good about the courses you attended? 

"Interaction between presenters and attendees, and the interaction between the two presenters. Clear messages conveyed throughout presentation."

"Engaging trainers who added really well to the slides and brought the information to life. They made everyone comfortable and the pace was good. Useful information."

"It felt very inclusive and the hosts made an effort to welcome everyone by name. The course was delivered succinctly and was clear, and prompted lots of involvement throughout, ensuring diversity of feedback and thoughts on ways we could implement and understand the course materials and objectives."

"Very polite, warm and welcoming course leaders. It was easy to understand and has taught me a few things. I felt heard and understood."

Let’s talk about it – Mental Health

“Extremely well delivered. Very interactive with contributions encouraged. Highly interesting statistics that both shocked and intrigued me. This course encouraged me to expand my knowledge. People delivering the session discussed their own experiences. Everyone felt comfortable to contribute to the session.

"There is useful information that makes attending worthwhile for everyone. Nothing short of fantastic, thank you very much.”

Drama for wellbeing workshop

“I will smile when I think of this workshop. The ideas covered were great and facilitators made participants feel comfortable.”

Dreaming of a better sleep

“Everyone contributed their own experiences, struggles and tips. I am normally shy to contribute but felt comfortable. It felt inclusive, especially as the trainers shared their experiences.

"The course was engaging and there was space to discuss, which I found helpful. The session felt respectful and non-judgemental. It was a safe space to explore the topic and share.”

Creative Connections

“A fantastic session! It was amazing to see other people’s creativity and the enjoyment they feel. Tutors were really encouraging of all the creations that were displayed!”

Meet the team

The College has qualified teachers and trainers, and experienced health professionals. Our teaching team also includes people with lived experience of mental illness. 

Sara Brewin - Service Manager for Allied Health Professionals, Recovery and Inclusion

Sara started at LPFT in 2003 as a Community Support Worker in a Community Mental Health Team. In 2011, she qualified as an Occupational Therapist.

Sara is passionate about mental health, recovery and inclusion. She values the role collaborative working plays in a person’s recovery. Actively working alongside the College, Sara champions the team's fantastic work. Outside of work, Sara enjoys being a mum. She spends time with family and friends, and going on walks for mental wellbeing.

Amy Day - Wellbeing and Recovery College Manager

Amy has worked in NHS mental health services for over 20 years. She has a background in health and wellbeing, recovery and teaching. Amy works with the team, volunteers and students to provide an inclusive and collaborative service. 

She considers the College to be a valuable community asset. It provides the opportunity to learn about mental health, recovery and wellbeing. She believes in celebrating strengths, inspiring hope, creating opportunities, and learning together.

Ed Stables - Wellbeing and Recovery College Occupational Therapist

Ed completed an apprenticeship in cabinet-making but mental ill-health led to a change of direction.

He combined practical and creative skills with an interest in fostering health and wellbeing. He re-trained as an occupational therapist and worked for 23 years in this role.

Ed loves to share his knowledge and skills. He remains passionate about the importance of meaningful activities for recovery.

John Bowtell – Wellbeing and Recovery College Drama Worker

John’s background is as a theatre director. He has worked for over 20 years in the NHS. This includes being a drama therapist. John is interested in how we can use creativity to develop our roles to act in everyday life.

He trains internationally in Developmental Transformations, which draws on personal experience.

Charlynne Wright - Peer Support Worker Co-ordinator

Charlynne has worked in the NHS for over 10 years, with almost 6 years of those being within the Perinatal Mental Health Team as a Peer Support Worker. After the support of LPFT’s Mental Health services when pregnant, Charlynne decided to make it her mission to help others.

Charlynne became very passionate about the role of Peer Support Worker and is now a PSW Co-ordinator, hoping to help and guide all other PSW’s.  She loves to empower people and help them to use their experience’s of mental health in a positive way.

Mindfulness, singing and being with her family helps her to keep well and grounded.

Izzy Kusyk (they/them) - Peer Trainer

Izzy first joined LPFT in 2021 as an Assistant Psychologist and has worked in adult mental health rehabilitation wards, acute settings and the core CAMHS team. Izzy supports people in their recovery through different episodes of mental health difficulties or illnesses. Outside of the NHS, Izzy is a grief and bereavement counsellor and has experience in supporting people through acquired brain damage rehabilitation as well as delivering various soft skills training.

In their Recovery College Peer Trainer role, Izzy believes in the value and benefits of lifelong learning, personal growth and nurturing everyone’s strengths and potential to improve their wellbeing and mental health.  Having been through mental health rough patches themself, Izzy can use their insight into mental health recovery, hope and the process of healing. Lived experience also helps Izzy to work in a non-judgemental way with compassion and understanding towards everyone’s individual struggles and unique  recovery journey. Izzy is non-binary and is autistic with ADHD, and is part of the LGBTQ+ community.

Outside of work. Izzy loves books, nature, and staying active while practicing martial arts. They restore their energy and motivation through spending time with their children and four cats, taking photos of nature and being at the seaside.

Luke Sanby - Peer Trainer

Luke was a carer for 20 years, from being a young carer and balancing education, to working alongside other carers and eventually exiting the care role.

At Bishop Grosseteste he studied Education & English, although his care role made this something he had to end prematurely, his time at university left him with a passion for education and the democratisation of learning.

He hopes to provide a supportive space for carers, as he was lucky to experience as a young & young adult carer.

In his free time, Luke enjoys writing, making music and a few revolving hobbies for when the right mood strikes.

Liz Stradling - Peer Trainer

Liz worked for the third sector in homelessness for many years. 

When an opportunity arose in 2015 to undertake PGCE in Secondary education, Liz jumped at the chance and the rest, as they say, is history. 

Liz has taught on community courses, including English, Maths and ESOL, for children, young people and adults.

Liz has her own lived experience of managing her mental health and maintains her well-being by spending time outside with her animals and appreciating the great outdoors.

Helen Bussey - Volunteer

Helen trained as a physiotherapist and moved into education when she started her family. Helen worked with children with special educational needs to enable them to access mainstream education. 

Following an episode of mental ill-health, Helen retired early. She enjoys helping at the College, supporting people on their recovery journey.

Abi Burgess – Part Time Administrator

Abi has a background in customer service and sales. Since 2013, she was a Mortuary Technician and later a Coroners Officer. Due to ill health and knowing that her wellbeing was compromised, she started a new career.

Abi believes her past experiences working with the bereaved help her understand how important wellbeing is. Along with hiking and walking, she draws mandalas as a creative outlet.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are the courses free?

Yes! All our courses are free and for virtual sessions the Microsoft Teams app is free to download.

2. Who can come on the courses?

Anyone aged 16 or over can register with the College. You don’t need to be involved with mental health services. Many of our students are or have been supported by mental health services. However carers, health professionals, and anyone looking to improve their wellbeing can also benefit from learning with us. No referrals from health professionals are needed.

3. How many courses can I take?

We recommend you choose courses that will be most relevant and of benefit to your wellbeing.  We would suggest no more than between 5 to 7 per half term. This allows you to spread out your learning and put into practice what you have learnt.

4. Do I need any qualifications? Will I have to take any tests at the College?

No, you don’t need any qualifications to learn with us and there are no tests.

5. How many other people will be on the course with me?

We limit the amount of learners to around 15 per course, as learners benefit from smaller groups.  However, due to circumstances and demand, this may vary occasionally.

6. How do I register at the College?

Fill in the online registration form and we’ll contact you to book onto courses.

If you require support to complete the registration form, please contact us. Call 01522 309333 (Monday to Friday 9am to 2.30pm) and we can complete the form over the phone.

7. During online courses, do I need to have the device camera on?

We would prefer it if you can as it easier for staff to engage with you. Please remember to switch it off if you require a break.

8. What should I do if I need to cancel a session?

If you are unable to attend, we ask that you contact us to let us know.  Please do so at the earliest opportunity so we can offer your place to another student, as places on our courses are limited and many become fully booked.