About Recovery College YVR

What is a Recovery College?

A Recovery College (RC) is based on a successful community mental health model from the UK, focusing on personal recovery in mental health and well-being. 

Recovery is considered to be a process; one that is unique to each individual and involves a self-directed pursuit of purpose, connectedness, and well-being. There is no single definition of recovery for people with mental health and/or substance use challenges, however; definitions that exist emphasize hope, meaning, resilience, empowerment and a belief that it is possible for people with mental health and/or substance use challenges to live a satisfying life, regardless of the challenges they face. 

RC’s offer an innovative learning space where anyone can access free courses to learn, gain new skills, and connect with others in their community. Despite being modeled after a traditional college, there are no tests at a RC, admission is free, and everyone is welcome. 

What is Recovery College YVR (RC YVR)?

Recovery College YVR (RC YVR) is a community wellness learning centre developed collaboratively by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) North & West Vancouver Branch and Vancouver Coastal Health’s (VCH) Consumer Involvement and Initiatives program.

RC YVR is a place where the expertise of peer facilitators, service providers and other content experts are blended to help participants develop meaningful goals for themselves. We value the lived experience of peers, people who live with mental health and substance use challenges. Peers are central to RC YVR; they are involved as planners, organizers, educators, and participants.  

Our vision is for RC YVR to address significant service and transitional gaps across the mental health and substance use system through a community-based delivery. By offering in-person, virtual courses, and social support groups, RC YVR is effective in reaching people in settings where access to mental health and substance use services are limited.

RC YVR offers courses and groups that cover a wide range of wellness related topics aimed at helping people improve their health and well-being. Course and group categories include arts, self discovery, wellness, training, and social connection. 

Here at RC YVR, our foundation is built upon providing a safe, welcoming space where individuals can create meaningful connections, explore mental health and wellness, and feel empowered in their own journey.