Building life skills and confidence in Brierley Hill and Dudley
The Recovery College at Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is proud to have worked with Top Church Training in Brierley Hill, Dudley to help local people develop life skills, build confidence, and improve their mental health and wellbeing.
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The Life Skills Training Programme helps people to:
- Take responsibility for their actions and life
- Understand how to learn and build resilience when things don’t go to plan
- Recognise what their own version of success looks like
- Reduce the ‘noise’ of the modern world and focus on what is really important
- Focus on life rewarding actions and what they can change or control in their own lives
- Moving forward in life and improving readiness for work
Not only has the training been enjoyable, 85 per cent of attendees have now signed up for further study with the Connect to Success Training Programme and 80 per cent have returned to adult community learning to improve their maths and English skills, to help access further education and training.
The training took place in Harry’s Community Coffee Shop in Brierley Hill which was opened by Top Church Training in 2021 as a venue for its regular groups and activities, and to provide vocational training in kitchen skills and hospitality.
The community-based, inclusive venue helped participants to feel safe, welcome and able to discuss how their past experiences and mental health challenges have affected aspects of their life. Reflecting on their own experiences, learning new skills, and building confidence and self-esteem, is already having a transformative impact.
One learner shared their experience of the course:
“I’ve learnt how I need to just give things a go and try not to worry all the time, that I can’t do something. I have asked to have extra support with my goal setting as I do find that I am not clear on where I want to be, but I know I want more from my life.”
Another attendee has now progressed into employment after completing the course and work experience at Harry’s, and a fellow learner, a young male, is now inspired to start a new young men’s group to help those who feel lonely and isolated. Top Church Training will train him in youth work and group work.
The group of learners also shared important feedback about their experiences of accessing NHS services, including support for their mental health.
Speaking about the partnership with Top Church Training, Kirstie Barnes, Business Development and Sustainability Manager, The Recovery College said: “Black Country Healthcare and The Recovery College recognise the vital and valuable role our community, voluntary and faith organisations play in promoting and supporting the health, wellbeing and happiness of our communities. These organisations know our communities well; they recognise the challenges they may face and can help to develop supportive ways to improve people’s lives. We are proud to work alongside them to make that difference.”
Reflecting on the impact the training has had, Karen Fielder, Chief Executive Officer of Top Church Training, said: “We were delighted when we were successful with our application to work in collaboration with Black Country Healthcare and The Recovery College. They believed in the work we do at Top Church Training and provided funding for our six-week Life Skills programme.
“This initiative has been a huge success, empowering individuals with essential life skills that supported their mental health recovery. It has been a privilege to work alongside The Recovery College team to enable the people we support to enhance their skills through this unique training opportunity.
“By working together, we have collectively inspired hope, built resilience, and offered practical tools for living a fulfilling life. We believe this partnership has made a significant positive impact on our community and look forward to working more closely in the near future”
The course will hopefully leave a lasting impression with the local people who attend.
As one learner said: “I now feel more optimistic and look forward to living my life.”
