New NHS mental health and wellbeing programme opening in Luton this week

A Luton base of the Bedfordshire and Luton Mental Health Recovery College will be officially opened at Luton Central Library on Friday, October 21.

The recovery college is offering a free programme of courses and workshops, open to anyone over 18 living or working in Luton, designed to promote mental health wellbeing and recovery.

Taster sessions at the launch event will also include poetry and art therapy.

The timetable is designed to be as flexible, diverse and innovative as possible, with a combined programme of digital and in-person sessions.

Classes are delivered by a range of community partners and face-to-face sessions are available at Luton Central Library and venues in Stopsley and Leagrave.

“We are tremendously excited to be launching a dedicated Luton service as part of the county-wide recovery college programme,” said recovery college Partnership Senior Lead Kirstin Dear.

“Our programme is fun, diverse, built on a partnership approach and open to anyone who would like to improve their wellbeing or support as part of their mental health recovery journey.”

She added: “This is about offering courses from the community, for the community.”

The launch event will run from 10am-4pm at Luton Central Library, St George’s Square, on Friday, October 21.

Visitors are welcome to drop in, or email [email protected] in advance to book a space.

The recovery college is provided by East London NHS Foundation Trust (ELFT), which provides NHS mental health services in Bedfordshire and Luton, and supported by the Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board (BLMK ICB).