Recovery College

Recovery Colleges are structured programs based on adult learning models with the goal of providing an environment and experience where participants bolster their strengths and learn skills to promote their recovery. The focus of the program is educational rather than therapeutic.

They are modelled after a traditional college, but there are no tests at a recovery college, admission is free, and everyone is welcome. 

Recovery Colleges are often attended by a broad spectrum of the community, including people experiencing mental health and substance use challenges, family members, supporters and peers.

Launched in 2025, the program is a partnership between the Canadian Mental Health Association and Island Health.

WHO CAN ACCESS SERVICES:
Recovery Colleges are for everyone:

• People experiencing mental health and substance use challenges

• People experiencing social challenges

• Family members

• Support networks

• Peers

All groups and courses are free to attend. You are not required to have a referral, diagnosis, or be a member to participate; all are welcome!

Program Delivery:

• Virtual delivery at this time.

Current Course Offerings

Recovery College 101 Registration Form

• Recovery College Drop In: an informal opportunity to connect with the program coordinator and facilitators and ask questions related to the CMHA MI Recovery College

• Recovery College 101: a mandatory course for all recovery college participants to complete that will cover course design, course delivery, expectations, responsibilities, etc.

• Recovery College Co-Design Workshop: a facilitated workshop for those interested in helping to co-design courses offered through the recovery college.

Be Your Best Coach Registration Form

In this interactive course, students will learn to be their own best coach, developing skills for self-support through life's challenges with compassion and clarity.

This course provides a supportive space for recovery, personal growth, or intentional living.

No experience required—just bring curiosity and a willingness to grow.

You'll explore how to:

• Build self-awareness and recognize strengths

• Set realistic goals and stay motivated

• Navigate setbacks with resilience

• Practice self-compassion over self-criticism

• Develop healthy habits aligned with your values

Re(creating) Recovery Registration Form

• To foster personal recovery, resilience, and community connection through experiential outdoor activities using peer modelling, group learning, and self-reflect

Nourishing Your Well-Being Registration Form

• A gentle, stigma-free exploration of the connection between food, mood, and mental health. Designed with compassion, curiosity, and choice at its core, this Recovery College course offers a supportive space to reflect on personal experiences with nourishment, emotional well-being, and self-care. Through guided reflection, peer sharing, creative activities, and practical tips, participants will build awareness of how food impacts their energy, emotions, and recovery journey. No diets, no pressure — just real talk, real life, and real support. Everyone is welcome — whether you’re ready to share or just want to listen.

2SLGBTQ+ Co-Design Registration Form

• A collaborative, discussion-based course that offers a welcoming and inclusive space for Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer, and other gender- and sexually-diverse participants to explore what meaningful, culturally relevant recovery college programming could look like for and by the community. Through generative conversations, shared lived experiences, and co-creative activities, participants will identify priorities, gaps in support, and innovative ideas for recovery-focused courses and resources. This is a space for dreaming, designing, and leading future supports rooted in equity, empowerment, and community care.