ARCHES Recovery College open day showcases transformative learning

ARCHES Recovery College, in collaboration with the HSE Dublin and South East Mental Health Services is issuing an open invite to everyone with an interest in learning more about a progressive, evidence-informed approach to mental health education and recovery at its forthcoming Open Day on Friday, 27 March 2026. This will also be of interest to people working in healthcare, social services, education and community support.

The Open Day will take place at the Recovery Village, Killadreenan, Co Wicklow (beside Newcastle Hospital) between 11am and 1pm. It will give attendees the opportunity to learn more about what mental health recovery education means.

It will be an opportunity to meet facilitators, Jane Ann Byrne and Wendy Burke as well as hear from past participants and mental health professionals working in the Recovery College and the HSE Dublin and South East Mental Health Service, while also learning more about upcoming ARCHES’ courses.

The college offers a welcoming and innovative learning community and provides a unique learning environment where lived experience and professional knowledge come together to help people on their personal recovery journey.

Their courses are co-produced and co-delivered by individuals with lived experience of mental health challenges and their families/supporters, alongside trained professionals. This collaborative model creates a rich, inclusive space for learning that goes beyond traditional training approaches.

Breffni Coffey, Senior Social Worker in HSE Dublin South and Wicklow Mental Health Services said: Working with ARCHES is a favourite part of my job. Collaborating with so many different people, with different perspectives, has meant I have learnt a lot. It is a wonderful thing to be part of something where everyone is working together for a shared goal of using our skills to help each other.

What courses are on offer

Courses are designed to support personal and professional development across a wide range of areas.

These include:

• improving your sleep
• creative café
• understanding anxiety
• boosting your resilience
• challenging stigma (about mental illness)
• engaging in self-care

Who can apply

These courses are free, accessible, and open to anyone aged 18 and over. This includes people experiencing mental health difficulties, as well as their carers and supporters.

It also includes anyone working in:

• healthcare
• social services
• education
• community support roles

It may also be of interest to anyone who is curious about improving their own mental health.

They would appreciate if you could confirm your attendance in advance. However, walk-ins on the day are also very welcome.

Book a free place on the ARCHES Recovery College website.