At the Health and Wellbeing Recovery College, we take an educational approach to help you take control of your health and wellbeing.
You can learn new skills, build confidence, meet others and make connections in a supportive environment.
Please note we do not offer therapy, assessments, clinical care or support.
We are now accepting students for our new term starting January 2027.
Who can join
You can enrol on courses if you are aged 18 and over, and live in the boroughs of Bury, Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale, Oldham, Stockport, Tameside and Glossop.
We operate three terms per year, you can work with us for a maximum of 12 months. This will help you to move on in your recovery journey and taking your next step, whatever this might be.
You can choose as few or as many courses as you like. Your course choices will be guided by your learning plan and your learning goals.
When you enrol, you will develop an individual learning plan and agree to our student charter. You can read more about this below.
Once you have enroled and completed an induction workshop, you can book courses online.
Our courses focus on recovery. We help you to recognise your potential and make the most of your talents and resources. This can help you to deal with any health challenges you may experience and achieve the things you want to in life.
Everything we do at the college is fully developed and delivered by experts by profession and experts by experience working together.
This means people who have professional knowledge in a particular subject area and people who have personal experience of a particular health challenge.
This shared approach helps create a supportive and empowering learning environment.
Visit our courses page for full details.
Please note, you will need to attend an induction session before you can book courses.
You can now register for our Spring term, which runs from 4 January 2027.
You will need to attend an induction session, which begin from 12 October and run throughout November and December. These sessions will be held in person at our college.
Visit our induction page to book your place online. No referral is required.
Once you have attended an induction session, you will be able to book courses online.
You can read more about courses by visiting our courses page. The timetable will be published later in October.
The amount of time you need to attend will depend on your chosen courses.
To get the most from your experience we encourage you to attend all sessions, where possible. You must attend at least 75% of a course to receive a certificate.
You must attend the first session of any course.
If you cannot attend, please let us know as soon as possible. You can talk to our team about deferring if needed.
Our college is at 225 Old Street, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL6 7SR, next door to Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust Headquarters.
Access to the college is through the rounded glass end of the building nearest the Magistrate’s Court.
You can find our entrance using the What3Words map: nail.oddly.handy
Parking and transport
There is no on-site parking but there is a pay and display car park behind the main college building.
The main bus station and tram stops for Ashton are a short walk away.
While enrolled as a student, you can use our college facilities. You can also speak to staff for guidance and support.
The college campus is open from 9.30am-4pm, Monday to Friday.
We have a communal area offering a small library resource with free access to the internet.
We also have a volunteer-led coffee bar where you can purchase light refreshments.
Toilets are available on all floors, with an accessible toilet on the ground floor. The building also has a lift.
You will be asked to read and sign our student charter, which sets of the terms of the college.
We do not routinely ask you about your health conditions, nor do we routinely contact any professionals involved in providing your care, treatment or support.
However, by signing the student charter, you give our team permission to contact any professionals necessary, if required.