ARCH Recovery College

11/02/2026

Hi everyone,

Just a reminder that this Friday we have our monthly 'Walking the Seasons' mindful walk which takes place at Durham Botanic Gardens. Hopefully we should see a few early spring flowers :)

In winter the gardens close at 3pm so this month we will be meeting at 1:15pm rather than 1:30pm in the free car park there. We usually stay for coffee afterwards, finishing around 3pm.

To find out more, get in touch with us via email at TEWV.recoverycollege@nhs.net, or give us a ring on (0191) 4510890 🙂

04/02/2026

Many thanks to those of you that have alreadt sent photos across :)

A final reminder that we plan to get some A3 photos printed and framed to go up around the college to make things a bit more homely and welcoming for students.

We are specifically looking for photos taking in and around Durham and the wider North East - this might be of the cathedral, landscapes, wildlife (e.g. birds, flowers), townscapes, etc. It would be nice to have a few photos taken in spring (daffodils, blossom etc).

If you'd like your photo to be included send 2-3 images to peter.swan5@nhs.net. Please sent the highest resolution image possible for printing purposes (should be around 3000+ pixels on the longest side)

29/01/2026

Hi everyone,

Just a reminder that next Thursday we will be having our monthly drop-in enrolment morning between 10am and 12:30pm - come along to chat to one of our friendly peer trainers over a cup of tea/coffee, find out more about our service, and enrol with us if you wish to. Booking is not required - just turn up :)

28/01/2026

Hi everyone, please see attached for information about our ARCH Open Day on Wednesday 18th of March 2026 - this is aimed at staff and health professionals who are interested in finding out about our service and what we offer.

To book (please select either the morning or afternoon session) - you can do so online at tewvAMHARCHRecoveryCollege@nhs.onmicrosoft.com" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://outlook.office.com/book/tewvAMHARCHRecoveryCollege@nhs.onmicrosoft.com

08/01/2026

We want YOUR photos!

We plan to get some A3 photos printed and framed to go up around the college to make things a bit more homely and welcoming for students.

We are specifically looking for photos taking in and around Durham and the wider North East - this might be of the cathedral, landscapes, wildlife (e.g. birds, flowers), townscapes, etc.

If you'd like your photo to be included send 2-3 images to peter.swan5@nhs.net. Please sent the highest resolution image possible for printing purposes :)

We plan to have the printing finalised by early February so please send any images as soon as possible

08/01/2026

In view of weather forecast overnight and tomorrow, 09/01/2026, the following sessions have been cancelled:

Photography Walk
Mind, Body and Spirit
Walking the Seasons

08/01/2026

Hi everyone,

Tomorrow's 'Walking the Seasons' mindful walk at the botanics is cancelled because of the weather - it will, however be restarting in February, where hopefully we will start to see some signs of spring emerging :)

07/01/2026

Due to ongoing icy conditions on footpaths in Durham, we’ve decided to cancel ARCH Thursday walking group tomorrow, 8th Jan, in the interest of everyone’s safety. Will run next week, weather permitting 🥶

24/12/2025

For a large number of us, Christmas can be a challenging time of the year. People who live alone can experience loneliness over the festive period, while others may feel obliged to socialise with challenging family members. Others find Christmas to be a strain on their finances; may find the loss of routine to be difficult; and may experience a considerable ‘mental load’ as a result of all the preparations and having to meet people’s expectations.

Last week at ARCH we ran a ‘Coping with Christmas’ workshop which looked at some of the common challenges that Christmas may bring, and discussed some of the strategies we might adopt to make Christmas easier. Keeping busy (either through going for walks or engaging with hobbies and interests) was seen as being useful by several attendees. Others emphasised the importance of self-care and self-compassion, believing that ‘me time’ was necessary to recharge mental batteries.

Below is a list of useful contacts if you are finding things difficult:
- Text the word CALMER to 85258 to start a free, anonymous and confidential text conversation with mental health professionals at Shout.
- Visit https://www.tewv.nhs.uk/about/campaigns-and-programmes/youmatter/ for various ways to get support for your mental health.
- If you want to talk to someone about how you feel, try one of these free helplines: Samaritans: phone 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org. Open 24 hours a day, every day. SANEline: 0300 304 7000. Open 4pm – 10pm, every day. Careline: 0845 122 8622. Open 10am-1pm and 7pm-10pm, Monday – Friday. MIND: 0845 766 0163. Open 9am-5pm, Monday – Friday.
- If you need urgent help with your mental health call NHS 111 and press option 2 for urgent mental health support (free and available 24/7). You will speak to a mental health professional who will help you find the right support.

Co-created with people with lived experience of mental health challenges, You Matter offers tools and resources to help you get the mental health support you deserve.

20/12/2025

Thursday's Christmas activity day was a great success, with staff, students and volunteers enjoying a festive walk, Christmas food, crafts, and a singalong.

We are now closed for Christmas, reopening the week commencing the 5th of January. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays from all at ARCH - see you in the New Year :)

18/12/2025

We're all set up for the ARCH Christmas Activity Day - do come down and say hello and enjoy some Christmas crafts and nibbles :)

10:30am to 12:30pm - we will have our walk up to the Cathedral to see the Christmas tree.

12:30pm - 1:30pm - lunch - come and join us for some Christmas nibbles.

1:30pm - 3:30pm - afternoon session - quiz, Christmas crafts, festive tunes.

Hope to see you there - you can pop in for as little or as long as you want :)

16/12/2025

Hi everyone, the ARCH calendar has been printed and looks fantastic! If you'd like a copy, just pop into the college at some point this week to collect one.