Creating “an oasis of hope, inclusion and connection”: students and stakeholders’ experiences of a pilot Recovery College

Abstract

Background

Recovery Colleges are an innovative approach to promoting personal recovery for people experiencing mental illness.

Aims

This study was to explore experiences of students, supporters, staff, educators and external stakeholders (i.e. partner organisations) of a pilot Recovery College in the Australian Capital Territory (ACTRC), and the impact of participation in the College for students and supporters.

Methods

ACTRC students, supporters, staff and educators, and external stakeholders were invited to participate in a mixed-method evaluation via an online survey, interviews and/or focus groups. The survey included questions regarding experiences and recovery-orientation of the College environment, and for students and supporters only, satisfaction with the College. Qualitative data from interviews and focus groups was inductively coded, thematically analysed and triangulated with survey responses.

Results

The findings suggest that the ACTRC provides a safe space, promotes meaningful connections within and beyond the college, and offers steppingstones supporting recovery and growth. Participants spoke positively about cross institutional partnerships and collaboration with several organisations within the ACT.

Conclusions

This evaluation reiterates the role of Recovery Colleges as an innovative approach to promoting personal recovery for people living with mental illness. Adequate resourcing and collaboration are essential in realising the value of co-production whilst ensuring sustainability.

Keywords:

• Mental health
• health services research
• social inclusion
• evaluation
• mental illness
• recovery

Acknowledgments

We appreciate the support of the ACT Recovery College Co-design Committee and co-chairs, [removed], for their invaluable guidance. We also thank the Recovery College staff for assisting with recruitment, the participants for sharing their insights, and Megan Jacques and Nina Whittles who contributed to the literature review.

Disclosure statement

There are no conflicts of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This project was funded by the Australian Capital Territory Health Directorate.