Marie Duffy
PR and Communications Officer, Mental Health Ireland
Learn how recovery education and recovery colleges are empowering people in Ireland to embrace peer support and destigmatise mental health challenges.
In Ireland, the mental health care landscape is evolving. It is increasingly emphasising holistic approaches that empower individuals on their journey toward mental health recovery.
What is recovery education?
Recovery education is a process that empowers individuals to explore and create the knowledge necessary for recovery in their own lives or in the lives of those they support. As defined by the Health Service Executive (HSE) in 2017, it adopts a strengths-based and adult education approach, offering individuals the choice to engage in learning opportunities that align with their needs and preferences. It is grounded in values such as self-direction, personal experience, ownership and hopefulness, providing a framework that fosters empowerment and autonomy.
Recovery colleges: safe, collaborative space
Central to recovery education are the many recovery colleges operating around the country. These are community hubs offering a diverse range of modules and courses co-produced and co-facilitated by individuals with lived experience of mental health challenges, family members, caregivers, service providers and community partners. Although there is not a recovery college in every county, it is hoped that their work can continue to expand.
Recovery education is a process that empowers
individuals to explore and create the knowledge
necessary for recovery in their own lives
or in the lives of those they support.
Peer educators with lived experience
Key to the success of recovery colleges are the recovery education facilitators, often called peer educators, who have lived experiences with mental health challenges. They work alongside attendees to explore their mental health challenges and discover their identities beyond the
One of the hallmarks of recovery education is its emphasis on peer support and collaboration. Attendees of recovery colleges not only learn from facilitators but also from each other, sharing experiences and insights in a supportive and non-judgmental environment.
Addressing mental health issues
Moreover, recovery colleges serve as catalysts for destigmatising mental health issues by promoting open dialogue, community engagement and social inclusion. Although there is progress to be made in prioritising wellbeing, recovery-focused education is a positive step for Ireland.
To learn more about Recovery Colleges in Ireland, visit Mental Health Ireland: bit.ly/recoverycolleges