# NT Life Recovery College

> Mental Health and Wellbeing, North Tyneside


## Posts

- [Driving Gnome for Christmas – A Sector Connector and NT LIFE Collaboration](https://ntlife.org.uk/driving-gnome-for-christmas-a-sector-connector-and-nt-life-collaboration/): Sector Connector has coordinated a creative festive volunteering project that brought three organisations together in support of NT LIFE, North Tyneside’s Recovery College. Volunteers from BT, EE and North Tyneside Council took part in micro-volunteering days designed to offer both practical help and positive wellbeing activities. Across three sessions, 17 staff from BT and EE and two members of staff from the council produced 58 handmade Driving Gnomes for Christmas. The project provided a relaxed, friendly space where volunteers could switch off, get creative and contribute to a local wellbeing initiative. Many spoke about the impact of the sessions: “Making […]
- [NT LIFE Update: A New Chapter Begins](https://ntlife.org.uk/nt-life-update-a-new-chapter-begins/): We’re proud to share some fantastic news from NT LIFE Recovery College – with guidance and support from VODA, we’ve reached two major milestones: we are now a registered charity, and we’re moving into a brand-new, more accessible premises in North Shields.  Becoming a charity is a big step forward for NT LIFE. It means greater sustainability, more opportunities to grow, and stronger partnerships across the community. It’s also a recognition of the incredible impact NT LIFE has had on mental health recovery and wellbeing in North Tyneside. But that’s not all — we’re moving into brand-new premises, offering a […]
- [NT LIFE Recovery College Wellbeing Session with Independent Advocacy North East (IANE)](https://ntlife.org.uk/nt-life-recovery-college-wellbeing-session-with-independent-advocacy-north-east-iane/): NT LIFE Recovery College Wellbeing Session with Independent Advocacy North East (IANE) – 11th September 2024 by Ali Donkin I had the pleasure of delivering a lunchtime wellbeing session to the fantastic team at Independent Advocacy North East (IANE). For those unfamiliar, IANE ensures the voices of vulnerable people are heard, providing vital advocacy services tailored to individual needs. They help people express their views, explore options, and engage in decision-making processes, all while promoting health and self-determination. It was wonderful to see this ethos of well-being extended to their staff. After a warm welcome, we began by discussing various […]
- [Case Study: Peer Supporter Hannah](https://ntlife.org.uk/case-study-peer-supporter-hannah/): Read on to learn how peer supporter Hannah co-created NT LIFE’s new Neuro-divergence Group… As a peer supporter, the idea of a neurodiversity group came very early to me. I recognised that I had the opportunity to create a group that could help neurodiverse people find a safe place to be themselves. It is particularly important to me as I am neurodivergent myself. I first came to understand what it means for me to be neurodivergent whilst studying clinical psychology at the University of Sunderland. My lecturer/personal tutor initiated the idea of my being autistic, after she had become aware […]
- [Exciting start to NT LIFE Recovery College's fifth year of deliveries](https://ntlife.org.uk/exciting-start-to-nt-life-recovery-colleges-5th-year-of-deliveries/): As September 2023 approaches, we recognise the growth we have made since our inception in 2019, with only one staff member employed for 3 days/week; NT LIFE has developed and is now proud to welcome a fourth person to the staff team, Jess Shaw. Congratulations Jess, we are excited to see the progress you will make with us, not least your involvement in our new Neurodivergence Support Group and also in the development of a monthly newsletter. If you would like to contribute anything mental health and wellbeing related to this newsletter please email: jessica.shaw@voda.org.uk. Jess who has volunteered at […]
- [Howay the Lads!](https://ntlife.org.uk/howay-the-lads/): Howay the Lads! Would you like to co-design and co-create a Men’s Mental Health Group or simply be involved? Men’s mental health is an important yet often overlooked health concern (medicalnewstoday.com) “Both men and women experience mental health difficulties. However there are some notable differences between the issues affecting them and the factors that influence those issues” Research demonstrates men are less likely to seek treatment. Attending a support group can be helpful Recently NT LIFE has noticed a significant increase in the number of men accessing our courses. In response to this and in recognition of the difference in […]
- [International Men's Health Awareness Week 12-19 June](https://ntlife.org.uk/international-mens-health-awareness-week-12-19-june/): It is great to see that recent mental health campaigns have promoted the reasons and benefits for seeking support, to men. It is estimated that 1 in 8 men in England will experience a mental health condition at some point in their lives. In the North East of England we have the highest rates of men’s suicide in the UK. (figures from ons.gov.uk) At NT LIFE we are uplifted to have observed a steady growth in the number of men attending, (25% of our participants in the last quarter identified as male). I say uplifted as this demonstrates an improvement […]
- [The January Low Down from NT LIFE](https://ntlife.org.uk/the-january-low-down-from-nt-life/): Welcome back And Hello 2023 Well what a start to 2023 we’ve had We’re exhausted just listing the bullet points of what we have achieved so far this year! Especially in light of 2 of the 3 staff members, having had a bout of Covid, in the middle of this. The thanks for all we have achieved is shared across the great staff team (Ali, Alice, Julie) our outstanding volunteers ( Mick, Jess, Phil, Vicky, Lisa-Marie, Lorraine, Christine, Erin(PCET Placement), Hannah & Zara (Occupational Therapy Placements) Charlotte (Peer Support Worker) and Mandy (PSW) and of course our amazing participants all […]
- [NT LIFE 12 Days of Christmas](https://ntlife.org.uk/nt-life-12-days-of-christmas/): Here at NT LIFE, we’re halfway through our ’12 Days of Christmas’ activities and it’s going fab!! We’re having so much fun whilst making new friends and distracting from the stresses that this time of year invariably brings. We’ve made crafts that Blue Peter would be proud of, have roared with laughter playing silly games with overly competitive people and eaten copious amounts of Ali’s homemade mince pie Christmas trees, cakes and biscuits. In fact, as I type, our Looney Out of Tuners are singing their little hearts out to ‘I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Daaaa-aaay’. So far, […]
- [12 Days of Christmas from NT LIFE](https://ntlife.org.uk/12-days-of-christmas-from-nt-life/): We know that this year has been a challenging one, coming out of lockdowns, stretched services and the rise in the cost of living. There seems to be challenges at every turn, so we are attempting to address the balance with as much Christmas spirit and positivity as we can. Due to the fantastic response we’ve had this year, we have had to limit our Christmas offers to individuals who have attended this year, rather than new applicants.  However, the effort from our team to make this an extra special Christmas, reducing isolation and improving outlooks by creating connections and positive […]
- [NT LIFE Student Survey](https://ntlife.org.uk/nt-life-student-survey/): This survey was carried out in 2021/22 to give students and volunteers of NT LIFE the opportunity to feed back about their experience. The survey was undertaken on behalf of NT LIFE by Michele Spencer, Chief Officer, North Tyneside Community and Health Care Forum. 22 people took the time to complete the survey and some of the students were happy to meet  Michele and share their personal journey. The survey covered the traditional demographic questions as well as courses students attended, how long they waited and most importantly what benefits they had and continue to have from attending. Conclusion of […]
- [NT LIFE: Taking brave steps with Woodland Wellbeing](https://ntlife.org.uk/nt-life-taking-brave-steps-with-woodland-wellbeing/): Over the last 2 weeks our Woodland Wellbeing participants have been getting stuck into making nettle cordage, a slow and mindful process which involved the participants working together and learning new skills. This process has been extra special for 2 reasons. Firstly, because it’s the first main activity one of our brilliant co-facilitators, Vicky, has led herself. Leading a ‘main’ activity has been one of Vicky & Lisa’s goals for this term, pushing themselves to keep developing their skills and confidence which is a privilege and inspiration to be around 🙂 – and we’re looking forward to Lisa’s turn this […]
- [2022 so far...](https://ntlife.org.uk/2022-so-far/): After a move to Meadow Well Connected at the start of 2022, the team at NT LIFE have been busy. Delivery of courses started in February, with NT LIFE supporting 55 participants across 16 separate programmes for 6 consecutive weeks benefiting from the support of 10 volunteers and trainee volunteers. We have collaborated with North Tyneside Carers Centre to provide 10 of their participants with a program designed to improve their awareness and mind-set to undertaking self-care, this has helped us to access the North West of the borough and identify opportunities for further delivery in that area. As a result […]
- [National Mental Health and Wellbeing award for NT LIFE’s Ali Donkin](https://ntlife.org.uk/national-mental-health-and-wellbeing-award-for-nt-lifes-ali-donkin/): North Tyneside Mental Health and Wellbeing champion Ali Donkin has been awarded joint winner of the Outstanding Contribution to the Mental Health Sector’ award in the national Mental Health and Wellbeing Awards. These UK-wide annual awards celebrate those making a difference to people’s mental health and wellbeing and are judged by representatives from national mental health organisations. Ali is Lead Facilitator and the driving force behind VODA’s NT LIFE Recovery College for North Tyneside. NT LIFE was commissioned by North Tyneside CCG in 2019 and has grown steadily over the last two years, adapting throughout the Covid pandemic to ensure […]
- [NT LIFE stepping into summer](https://ntlife.org.uk/nt-life-stepping-into-summer/): As we step into summer NT LIFE has a new timetable. This follows the success of the Spring timetable that saw Ali, 9 Volunteers and the Newcastle United Football Foundation delivering 13 different sessions each week to over 50 students for over 100 hours of access each week. Six weeks on, a short break and we are looking to roll out the same programmes again so people have the opportunity to further their development and also to welcome new students. The new timetable will run over June and July and we will be opening up enrolments during this time by […]
- [Volunteers' Week: Celebrating our NT LIFE volunteers](https://ntlife.org.uk/volunteers-week-celebrating-our-nt-life-volunteers/): NT LIFE Recovery College relies on the support of volunteer facilitators to deliver its programme of sessions designed to help people manage their own mental health and wellbeing. NT LIFE had to quickly adapt to online provision when Covid hit and has provided many students with vital support during these difficult times. “The facilitators at NT Life really promote the feeling that we are all equal; there is no ‘us’ and ‘them.’ We are all learning from each other, and growing together -there is a real sense of empowerment in that.” Emma H Paul Lapham uses lived experiences to help […]
- [A Little Box of Hope for North Tyneside](https://ntlife.org.uk/a-little-box-of-hope-for-north-tyneside/): NT Life Boxes of Hope from Robin on Vimeo. Participants of VODA’s NT LIFE Recovery College in North Tyneside received a special surprise at their door recently with the delivery of a Little Box of Hope to help support them through this challenging time. NT LIFE – which is funded by the North Tyneside CCG – created 200 Little Boxes of Hope, each containing a series of exercises, contacts, poems and motivational quotes and a number of small gifts, each with an explanation of why they have been included have been collated and distributed with help from a number of […]
- [NT Life Blog: December 2019](https://ntlife.org.uk/nt-life-blog-december-2019-2/): Welcome one and all to our first blog. I’m Emma, I have been volunteering for the NT LIFE Recovery College since its early days back in May. Some of you will have seen me at groups or taking notes at the drop in sessions. Some of the feedback we got at the drop in sessions was that people would like a newsletter/blog of some sort and while this will in no way be perfect please bear with me, whilst in my own unique and probably odd way, to sum up what an amazing first few months.      If you don’t like statistics please jump this […]
- [NT Life Blog: December 2019](https://ntlife.org.uk/nt-life-blog-december-2019/): Welcome one and all to our first blog. I’m Emma, I have been volunteering for the NT LIFE Recovery College since its early days back in May. Some of you will have seen me at groups or taking notes at the drop in sessions. Some of the feedback we got at the drop in sessions was that people would like a newsletter/blog of some sort and while this will in no way be perfect please bear with me, whilst in my own unique and probably odd way, to sum up what an amazing first few months.      If you don’t like statistics please jump this […]

## Pages

- [Expression of Interest Form](https://ntlife.org.uk/interest/): Referral and Self-referrals are accepted We are currently reviewing our onboarding process. This means there may be a delay in responding to your submission. We aim to deal with your submission within 2 weeks, if you haven’t heard from us within 2 weeks please email: info@ntlife.org.uk Your cooperation is appreciated
- [Partners & Funders](https://ntlife.org.uk/partners-funders/): Page coming soon – if you would like to support NT Life and become a Partner or Funder. Please get in contact with Ali Donkin: info@ntlife.org.uk
- [Accessibility Statement](https://ntlife.org.uk/accessibility-statement/): At NT LIFE, we are committed to ensuring digital accessibility for people with disabilities. We are continually improving the user experience for everyone and applying the relevant accessibility standards. Efforts to support accessibility NT LIFE has taken the following measures to ensure accessibility: Text Size and Font Adjustments: Understanding the importance of readability, we have carefully selected fonts that are easy to read. Additionally, we provide options to change fonts and increase text size, catering to individual needs and preferences. Contrast and Visibility: We have designed our website with high contrast to enhance visibility, making content more readable for those with visual […]
- [Terms](https://ntlife.org.uk/terms/): Coming soon.. As this is a free service, we only take on people who live or work in North Tyneside, but we can offer support and direction in your area.
- [Contact](https://ntlife.org.uk/contact/): Get In Touch Ready to start your journey? Submit an expression of interest or simply drop us a message. Web Form Contact Details AddressNT LIFE Recovery CollegeNorth TynesideNE30 1NA Phone(We currently don’t take calls) Emailinfo@ntlife.org.uk Opening TimesMonday – Thursday:9.00am – 5:00pmFriday:9.00am – noon
- [Blog](https://ntlife.org.uk/blog/): Blog & News Stories, updates, and insights from the NT LIFE community. Our Mission NT LIFE Recovery College provides free educational courses and workshops to support people’s mental health and wellbeing. We use a recovery-focused approach that recognises everyone’s unique journey. Our courses are co-produced and co-delivered by people with both professional expertise and personal lived experience of mental health challenges. This ensures our content is relevant, relatable, and truly supportive. Driving Gnome for Christmas – A Sector Connector and NT LIFE Collaboration Sector Connector has coordinated a creative festive volunteering project that brought three organisations together in support of […]
- [Get Involved](https://ntlife.org.uk/get-involved/): Get Involved Whether you want to learn or share — there’s a place for you at NT LIFE. As a Student Enrolling as a student is simple, free, and open to anyone over 18 living in North Tyneside. No referral is needed. Free courses and workshops Supportive and non-judgemental environment Learn at your own pace Meet like-minded people Build confidence and new skills Enrol Now As a Volunteer Volunteers are at the heart of NT LIFE. Share your skills, experiences, and time to support others on their journey. Use your lived experience to help others Gain valuable skills and training […]
- [Resources](https://ntlife.org.uk/resources/): Resources Helpful resources, support services, and downloadable materials to support your wellbeing journey. Crisis Support If you are worried about your mental health, or someone else’s, these services are available now. The Samaritans 24-hour support Call 116 123 CALM Campaign Against Living Miserably, 5pm–midnight, 365 days Call 0800 58 58 58 SHOUT Free 24/7 text service Text ‘SHOUT’ to 8525 NHS 111 Select the ‘mental health’ option — free, 24/7 Call 111 BSL Text Line For Deaf people using British Sign Language Text 07860 064 775 Emergency If someone is in immediate danger Call 999 Support Websites Visit these websites […]
- [Courses](https://ntlife.org.uk/courses/): All courses are FREE to anyone over 18 in North Tyneside, no referral is needed, simply enrol View or Download Sept -Nov 2026 Prospectus [Search and filters go here] Thursday, 1pm – 3pm Block 1: June 11 Block 2: July 16 Learn More Thursday, 1pm – 3pm Block 1: June 11 Block 2: July 16 Learn More Thursday, 10am – 12pm Block 1: June 11 Block 2: July 16 Learn More Wednesday, 1pm – 3pm Block 1: June 10 Block 2: July 15 Learn More Wednesday, 1pm – 3pm Block 1: June 10 Block 2: July 15 Learn More Wednesday, […]
- [About us](https://ntlife.org.uk/about-us/): About NT LIFE NT LIFE Recovery College is a community-based, recovery-focused organisation supporting adults aged 18 and over in North Tyneside. Our Mission NT LIFE Recovery College is a Peer-led service providing FREE educational courses and activities to support the mental health and wellbeing of adults (18yrs+) living and working in North Tyneside. Our courses are co-produced and co-delivered by people with lived experience of mental ill health and professional expertise. Ensuring our content is relevant, relatable and truly supportive. The CHIME Framework CHIME represents the five key pillars of recovery that guide everything we do at NT LIFE. C […]
- [NT Life Recovery College](https://ntlife.org.uk/): Learning Insights From Everyone Helping people learn new positive ways to deal with the stresses of life, understand themselves better and find purpose. Submit an Expression of Interest View Courses Watch Video Play Video What is NT LIFE? NT LIFE is the Recovery College for North Tyneside Helping people learn new positive ways to deal with the stresses of life, understand themselves better and find purpose. Recovery Colleges offer educational courses about mental health and recovery, which are designed to increase students’ knowledge and skills and to help them feel more confident in the self-management of their own health and […]
- [Privacy Policy](https://ntlife.org.uk/privacy-policy/): Who we are Our website address is: http://ntlife.org.uk. Comments When visitors leave comments on the site we collect the data shown in the comments form, and also the visitor’s IP address and browser user agent string to help spam detection.  An anonymised string created from your email address (also called a hash) may be provided to the Gravatar service to see if you are using it. The Gravatar service privacy policy is available here: https://automattic.com/privacy/. After approval of your comment, your profile picture is visible to the public in the context of your comment. Media If you upload images to […]

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