Brighton & Hove Recovery College Spring term enrolment now open 

Posted on 9 January 2026

Enrolment is now open for the Brighton & Hove Recovery College Spring Term 2026, following a successful open day this week that welcomed people from across our communities to explore learning that supports their mental health and wellbeing. 

The Spring Term will run from Monday 26 January to Thursday 9 April 2026, offering a wide range of free, educational courses and workshops. The deadline for completed enrolment forms to reach us is Friday 16 January 2026. 

Recovery College uses an educational approach to mental health, supporting people to build knowledge, confidence and practical skills at their own pace. Courses are co-produced and co-delivered by Peer Tutors with lived experience, alongside clinical staff and other professionals, creating a learning environment shaped by shared understanding and respect.  

To see which courses are on offer for this term, and their schedule, please see the timetable below:

A welcoming start 

At the open day, people took time to talk with the Recovery College team, ask questions, and reflect on what might feel right for them this term. For some, it was their first step into Recovery College; for others, it was a return to learning in a space that already feels familiar. 

That sense of welcome and choice sits at the heart of the college. Students are encouraged to explore what recovery means to them personally, rather than following a fixed pathway. 

As Sarah, now a Volunteer Buddy, shares in her story, also featured in the college’s 2026 prospectus, Recovery College came at a time when life felt difficult to navigate. Learning gave her focus, direction and, most importantly, “a purpose and a sense of real self-esteem again”. She describes it as the point where she was able to “take the helm” of her life and begin actively guiding her own journey. 

Learning that grows with you 

For many people, Recovery College is not just a starting point, but a place of ongoing growth. Natasha, another Volunteer Buddy, first came to an open day after years of living with complex mental health challenges. She describes how learning helped her better understand herself and build a practical toolbox for daily life. 

Over time, that learning grew into something more. Feeling a sense of belonging and renewed self-worth, Natasha chose to give back by supporting others as they take their first steps. Her experience reflects a core part of Recovery College: people are not just learners, but active contributors to a shared community. 

Creativity also plays a vital role in recovery for many students. Vlad’s journey shows how learning can open unexpected doors. What began as attending courses and workshops led to designing and delivering creative sessions himself. Through imagination, play and shared trust, he found confidence, connection and joy, and helped create spaces where others could do the same. 

Enrolment details 

People can enrol for Spring Term by: 

• completing the online enrolment form, or 

• downloading and submitting a copy
  By email: recoverycollege@southdown.org
  Or by post: Brighton and Hove Recovery College,
  Southdown, Units 1-3 Isetta Square,
  35 New England Street,
  Brighton BN1 4GQ

• All enrolment forms must be received by Friday 16 January 2026. 

• Places are allocated after the enrolment window closes 

Brighton & Hove Recovery College courses are open to adults living in Brighton & Hove, aged 18 and over with lived experience of mental health challenges, as well as carers, supporters and professionals. Learning is free, supportive and shaped by what matters most to the people taking part. The College is provided in partnership with the Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.

Southdown looks forward to welcoming new and returning students this Spring, and to continuing to learn alongside the people who make Recovery College what it is. 
 
If you have any questions, email recovery.college@southdown.org  

For more information, please see our Recovery College web page.

Below are some snapshots from our open day held on 7 January 2026