Welcome to our timetable of courses, workshops, and outdoor activities.
We hope you find something of interest and look forward to seeing you. All courses and activities are designed to contribute to your wellbeing and recovery.
Health and Wellbeing
Photography Walk (Weekly)
Friday 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th November & 6th, 13th December, 10:30am-12noon
Facilitator: Peter / Co-facilitator: Nigel
This is a slow-paced walk based specifically around looking out for photographic opportunities, where we share advice on photographic techniques, how to improve composition skills, and other advice as to what makes a good photo.
In Durham, we have previously visited Wharton Park, the Cathedral, and the Town Hall. We often visit a café afterwards as well!
Gentle Paced Walking Group (Weekly) (60 minutes)
Monday 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th November & 2nd, 9th, 16th December, 10am – 11am
Walk Leaders: Christine and Luke
A gentler paced walk, taking place on flat ground and supported by friendly and supportive walk leaders. The walks are at a much slower pace, with the option to rest, if needed. These walks are great for helping to build your confidence and increase activity levels gradually.
Walks will alternate between Chester-Le-Street Riverside Park (meeting in the car park) and Durham.
We will confirm the walk venue and meeting arrangements when you contact us to book.
Places must be booked on a weekly basis.
Walking the Seasons (Monthly)
Friday 8th November and 13th December, 1:30pm – 3:30pm
Venue: Botanic Gardens, Hollingside Lane, South Road, Durham, DH1 3TN
Facilitator: Peter and Janice
A monthly walking meditation, taking place on the second Friday of every month, lets you observe and experience the changing of the seasons. You’ll be encouraged to use your senses to connect with nature. As seasons change, we’ll suggest what to look out for, so you can experience things in a new and different way.
Join a walking group in County Durham
Did you know that Durham County Council run a programme of free, weekly walks throughout County Durham? The walks are a fantastic opportunity for those wanting to take first steps to being active via Gentle Steps to Walking / Get Ready Walks, or for maintaining a healthy lifestyle (Wellbeing Walks) in the company of others. For more information and to book onto the walks, Link: Move walking (thriveleisure.co.uk) or Follow on Facebook
Exploring Literature (6 Sessions)
Thursday 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th November & 5th, 19th December, 10am – 12:30pm
Course Facilitator: Kay and Kyle
Literature can be a portal to wellbeing through escapism, empathy; or excitement from discovering something new.
Each week will be an exploration of different literature styles and genres. Featuring readings and group discussions across a variety of themes.
Wellbeing Skills and Tools
Mind, Body and Spirit (Weekly)
Friday 1st, 15th, 22nd, 29th November & 6th December, 10:30am – 12noon
Course Facilitator: Janice or Peter / Co-facilitator: Luke
Weekly sessions are practical and informative, covering practices such as Tai-Chi, Breath Work, relaxation techniques, acupressure, and mindfulness. No prior knowledge or experience is required. The practices aim to promote relaxation, whilst nourishing the mind, body and spirit. They can positively affect our emotional and physical wellbeing and increase our energy levels.
Managing Intrusive Thoughts (1 Session)
Tuesday 5th November, 1:30pm – 4pm
Course Facilitator: Peter
Intrusive thoughts are unexpected and unwanted thoughts or images that become stuck in our mind. They generally revolve around doing or saying something violent or inappropriate, even though this might be in complete opposition to the values we hold.
Most people experience intrusive thoughts from time to time, and are usually easily dismissed, yet for some people, they can be like a stuck record and can cause significant distress. This workshop looks at where intrusive thoughts come from, why they can be troublesome for some of us, and how we can learn to manage them.
Building Resilience and Wellbeing Workshop (Monthly)
Friday 8th November & 13th December, 10:30am – 12:30pm
Elvet Methodist Church, 8 Old Elvet, Durham DH1 3HL (Meet at ARCH 9.45 am to walk to venue)
Course Facilitators: Janice and Luke
The aim of the free session is to promote wellbeing and relaxation by using mind, body and spirit practices gathered from many cultures, to help people cope with trauma and everyday stress. In the session we will share simple Tai chi, breath work, meditation, self-acupressure, and energy work. When engaging in these practices, many have reported feeling peaceful, more positive, calmer and feeling more alive.
Fundamentals of Wellness (3 Sessions)
Monday 11th, 18th & 25th November, 10am – 12:30pm
Course Facilitator: Simon
This three-session course looks at the five areas of therapeutic self-care: exercise, sleep management, nutrition, relationships, and mindfulness.
The course aims to support and encourage students to make improvements across these five areas, with insights into brain function and self-compassion, giving students the tools they need to improve their coping strategies and maintain their wellness.
Exploring Social Anxiety (2 Sessions)
Tuesday 19th, 26th November 10am – 12:30noon
Course Facilitator: Kyle
Social anxiety is defined as nervousness or extreme shyness in social situations. While common, social anxiety can result in considerable distress and prevent people from engaging in social situations, as they may fear criticism and scrutiny from others.
This course discusses the causes and symptoms of social anxiety and the ways in which it can be overcome.
Understanding Self-Neglect (1 Session)
Wednesday 20th November 1:30pm – 4pm
Course Facilitator: Peter
While self-neglect is something that we all do from time to time, some people may do so to the extent where it has a significant effect on health, wellbeing, and personal safety. Somebody who self-neglects may not take care of personal hygiene, experience malnutrition, or seek urgent medical advice.
This workshop looks at the symptoms, causes, and consequences of self-neglect, and suggests how it can be managed. The workshop also looks at how best to support a friend, relative, or loved one who self-neglects.
Exploring OCD (2 Sessions)
Thursday 21st, 28th November, 1:30pm – 4pm
Course Facilitator: Peter
This two-week course will provide students with an introduction to OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder), looking at why it develops, its manifestations, and how it can persist and evolve with time.
It will also look at the pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments which have been successfully used to manage this condition.
Men’s Mental Health (3 Sessions)
Friday 22nd, 29th November & 6th December, 1:30pm – 4pm
Course Facilitator: Peter / Co-Facilitator: Kyle
This 3-session course looks at common men’s mental health issues and why current discourses on why men should not be vulnerable or show emotion can be counterproductive.
This course aims to foster a safe space around what ‘masculinity’ means, why society can send the wrong message, and explore what a healthier, open form of masculinity might look like.
Exploring Adult Autism Diagnosis (2 Sessions)
Monday 25th November & 2nd December, 1:30pm – 4pm
Course Facilitator: Kyle
Receiving an autism diagnosis can be a huge relief, but it can also lead to a lot of questions.
This course will explore basic information about ‘late diagnosis’, coping mechanisms and reasonable adjustments. It will also be an opportunity to discuss best practice in a friendly environment. Open to anyone who is curious about adult autism diagnosis.
Festive Activities at ARCH
Christmas Activity Day at ARCH Recovery College
Thursday 12th December, 10 am – 3 pm
Come and join us for part / all day for a festive get together.
Activities throughout the day will include a festive walk to the Cathedral, Christmas crafting, festive singing and lots more.
Join us for a mince pie and refreshments – we’d love to see you.
