We're the TOP FE College for Education and Training in Cornwall

Your Road to Wellbeing

Courses to support mental health and wellbeing

A path to recoveryOur coursesMeet the TeamEnquiriesSummer Exhibition

Improve your wellbeing and mental health by taking part in a wide range of relaxed and inspiring courses, which will enable you to build your self-confidence, socialise and make friends.

Whether you’re looking for a new beginning, an opportunity for self-expression or a positive distraction from worries and anxiety, we have a course for you.
Whatever you’re interested in, our courses are great mood-boosters, and will help you develop your creative, practical and communications skills.
We offer fun short courses, at our Camborne, St Austell and Falmouth campuses and throughout the local community at NHS Resource Centres and Longreach Hospital, in the following:

On this course you will learn a variety of mixed media, methods and processes to produce creative art work by practicing and developing your skills through observation and experimental techniques. Projects cover in-depth painting, drawing, printmaking and mixed media.

On this course you will be able to experiment with painting, wet-felting, needle-felting, mixed media, eco-dyeing, sketching with charcoal and pastels, and so much more.

On this course you will learn several hand building, and clay modelling techniques, and ceramic decorative processes. You will be able to make functional ware and sculptural pieces, for example; pots, spoons, tiles and other objects, and ornaments, and learn how to mix and use glazes

This course is run at CROP Gardens, Plymouth, a horticultural site managed by Livewell. This is an accredited course focusing upon the fundamental practical skills in horticulture, you will be able to learn skills such as planting out, preparing ground, pruning, using a mower, maintaining turf or constructing a path. There are various plots and poly-tunnels and you will have the opportunity to plant, propagate and grow a variety of plants and produce.

Our gardening courses are run at various houses or centres depending on the location. On these courses you will develop your gardening skills whilst working as part of the team to maintain and enhance the grounds. Each location has different facilities from poly-tunnels, to green houses.

You will be able to learn and develop horticultural skills and knowledge with the guidance of the tutor and team. There are various plots and poly-tunnels and you will have the opportunity to plant, propagate and grow a variety of plants and produce.

All courses are designed to aid development of your own personal, social, vocational and employability skills. You will start at a stage appropriate to your personal situation and can progress at a pace that suits your own recovery, supporting you to go on and lead a fulfilling and healthy life.

FAQS

How long are the courses?
Our courses run one day per week, over 10 to 13 weeks per term. If you miss the start of the course don’t worry, you can join the courses at any time.

How much do they cost?
Our courses are free to people in receipt of benefits and for people on a low income of less than £20,319. They are also free for those who are looking to gain the confidence and experience to progress onto a Level 2 qualification.

Who are the courses for?
Our courses are for anyone aged 19 plus who is experiencing or who is recovering from mental ill health.

Our courses are also available through referral from the NHS and other external agencies.

Our partnership
We work in partnership with the NHS Foundation Trust, to offer a wide range of courses which aim to support recovery from mental ill health through engagement with learning from the early stages of recovery through to preparation for employment.

View our Wellbeing Courses

Using Learning as a Path to Recovery

Road to Wellbeing

Book a Wellbeing Course

Creative Wellbeing Courses

Art – Your road to wellbeing

Adult
  • Location – Duchy College Rosewarne
  • Duration – 10 – 13 Weeks   |   Part-time
  • Level – No Qualification
  • Available Starts – 15/04/2024, 16/09/2024, 13/01/2025, 28/04/2025
View Course

Art and Craft – Your Road to Wellbeing

Adult
  • Location – Cornwall College St Austell, CROP Gardens
  • Duration – 10 – 13 Weeks   |   Part-time
  • Level – No Qualification
  • Available Starts – 17/04/2024, 18/09/2024, 08/01/2025, 23/04/2025, 16/09/2024, 13/01/2025
View Course

Creative Art – Your Road to Wellbeing

Adult
  • Location – Cornwall College St Austell, CROP Gardens, Liskerrett Community Centre
  • Duration – 10 – 13 Weeks   |   Part-time
  • Level – No Qualification
  • Available Starts – 16/04/2024, 17/09/2024, 07/01/2025, 22/04/2025, 19/04/2024, 12/09/2024, 06/06/2025, 15/04/2024, 16/09/2024, 13/01/2025, 28/04/2025
View Course

Introduction to Creative Crafts for Wellbeing

Adult
  • Location – Cornwall College St Austell
  • Duration – 10 – 13 Weeks   |   Part-time
  • Level – No Qualification
  • Available Starts – As required
View Course

Ceramics – Your Road to Wellbeing

Adult
  • Location – CROP Gardens, Richmond House Resource Centre
  • Duration – 10 – 13 Weeks   |   Part-time
  • Level – No Qualification
  • Available Starts – 10/01/2025, 16/04/2024, 17/09/2024, 07/01/2025, 22/04/2025
View Course

Introduction to Ceramics for Wellbeing

Adult
  • Location – Richmond House Resource Centre
  • Duration – 10 – 13 Weeks   |   Part-time
  • Level – No Qualification
  • Available Starts – As required
View Course

Introduction to Creative Crafts for Wellbeing

Adult
  • Location – CROP Gardens
  • Duration – 10 – 13 Weeks   |   Part-time
  • Level – No Qualification
  • Available Starts – As required
View Course

Art – Your road to wellbeing

Adult
  • Location – Duchy College Rosewarne
  • Duration – 10 – 13 Weeks   |   Part-time
  • Level – No Qualification
  • Available Starts – 15/04/2024, 16/09/2024, 13/01/2025, 28/04/2025
View Course

Introduction to Creative Crafts for Wellbeing

Adult
  • Location – CROP Gardens
  • Duration – 10 – 13 Weeks   |   Part-time
  • Level – No Qualification
  • Available Starts – As required
View Course

Introduction to Art for Wellbeing

Adult
  • Location – Richmond House Resource Centre
  • Duration – 10-13 Weeks   |   Part-time
  • Level – No Qualification
  • Available Starts – As required
View Course

Gardening Wellbeing Courses

Gardening – Your Road to Wellbeing

Adult
  • Location – Cornwall College St Austell
  • Duration – 10 – 13 Weeks   |   Part-time
  • Level – No Qualification
  • Available Starts – 16/04/2024, 17/09/2024, 07/01/2025, 22/04/2025
View Course

Introduction to Gardening for Wellbeing

Adult
  • Location – Liskerrett Community Centre
  • Duration – 10 – 13 Weeks   |   Part-time
  • Level – No Qualification
  • Available Starts – As required
View Course

Introduction to Gardening for Wellbeing

Adult
  • Location – Duchy College Stoke Climsland
  • Duration – 10 – 13 Weeks   |   Part-time
  • Level – No Qualification
  • Available Starts – As required
View Course

Introduction to Horticulture for Wellbeing

Adult
  • Location – CROP Gardens
  • Duration – 10 – 13 Weeks   |   Part-time
  • Level – No Qualification
  • Available Starts – As required
View Course

Introduction to Gardening for Wellbeing

Adult
  • Location – Cornwall College St Austell
  • Duration – 10 – 13 Weeks   |   Part-time
  • Level – No Qualification
  • Available Starts – As required
View Course

Gardening – Your Road To Wellbeing

Adult
  • Location – CROP Gardens, Liskerrett Community Centre
  • Duration – 10 – 13 Weeks   |   Part-time
  • Level – No Qualification
  • Available Starts – 15/04/2024, 18/04/2024, 24/04/2025, 28/04/2025, 17/04/2024, 18/09/2024, 08/01/2025, 23/04/2025
View Course

Meet the Team

Jamie Coates

Jamie Coates

Curriculum Area Manager Sports & MAPs, & Community Health

Jamie Coates is a mental health and wellbeing professional with considerable experience in senior-level leadership and management, education and educational pastoral support. He is currently a Curriculum Area Manager at Duchy College Stoke Climsland, where he leads a team of 12 professionals delivering courses for learners of 16 years and above. Previously he was the manager of Recovery College Cornwall where he led a team of 10 mental health professionals in helping those with long and short-term mental health issues into employment or education. The first of its kind in the county, Coates was promoted to the Recovery College Cornwall manager position following success in his previous role as Mental Health Keyworker for Pentreath, the Newquay-based award-winning mental health organisation. Previous to working in the mental health sector, Coates spent twenty years in secondary education, overseeing the education and wellbeing of over 20 000 pupils. While at Callington Community College in Cornwall Coates was promoted from Head of PE to Middle Manager. Born and educated in Plymouth, Coates completed his B Ed (Hons) in Physical Education at Marjon University.

Tina Fox

Tina Fox

Group Development Lead for Community Health

Tina has worked at Cornwall College since 2006, prior to this she worked in primary education, civil engineering and hospitality.  Whilst at the college, Tina has worked with people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities including Pre-16’,s NEETS, Young Mums, Special Parenting, SPLD, A Level and GCSE.

As Group Development Lead Tina develops and co-ordinates the provision across the county by liaising with external agencies and the NHS to determine what provision is needed to suit the needs of the communities in Cornwall.

Qualifications

  • NCFE Level 2 Information, Advice and Guidance, Connect 5, Making Every Contact Count,
  • Breaking the Rules (MHFE), Mental Health First Aid, NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Awareness of Mental Health Problems, Alcohol Identification and Information, ASIST Suicide Prevention Training, Mental Health Awareness,
  • BA (Hons) Education and Training.
  • Level 5 Diploma in Teaching English in the Lifelong Learning Sector
  • Level 5 Diploma in Teaching mathematics in the Lifelong Learning Sector
  • Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector/ Cert Ed
  • TEFL (120 hours plus Business Language).
  • Speech and Language certificate ( run by SALT’s and Ed Psych. – accredited by Warwick University
  • Foundation Degree (teaching assistant).  Modules studied:
  • Behaviour Management, Emotional Literacy, Numeracy, Communication and Language(Literacy), Contextual Module, Curriculum Issues, Supporting teaching and Learning, Equal Opportunities, ICT, Complex SEN, Children Under Stress, Autism.
  • Autism support certificate

Pamela Atkin

Pamela Atkin

Tutor – Community Health

Awaiting information

Claire Banks

Claire Banks

Associate Lecturer

Drawing and painting has been a lifelong passion for me. Although I have been painting for many years, I completed my BA Hons degree in painting & drawing at Plymouth university in 2021. I decided to take the unconventional route and do my degree after my children had grown up. Being a mature student was great as I was much keener to do the work than I would have been at 18! I continue to practice as often as I can. Creativity is hugely important to me as I believe it is fundamental to my wellbeing and I’m happy to be able to share this with others.

Charlie Barriball

Charlie Barriball

Community Health Tutor

Coming from a farming background I have a long heritage with the Cornish countryside. My love for horticulture developed during my travels in New Zealand, working on an orchard for nine months. Later my horticultural work base studies led me to Heaven scent, where I was able to appreciate biodiversity and sustainable horticulture.

My accolade includes the John Dyer shield alongside a silver gilt RHS for designing the exhibit “a road less travelled”, alongside my Heaven scent team at the RCS. I continue to work alongside the Horticultural industry, advising landscape designs, propagating flora locale and engaging in plant surveys.

I have been teaching for over twenty years and have a good understanding of mental health. I understand the benefits of enjoying the outdoors, physical activity and the importance of sharing life’s challenges within a team setting, learning new skills, having fun and meeting your own expectations, and fulfilling your dreams.

Qualifications

Foundation degree in Education(incorporating Diploma in teaching in the lifelong sector).

NCFE level 3 in the preparation for business.

NVQ2 work base nursery horticulture.

Charlotte Dawe

Charlotte Dawe

Floristry Tutor

Charlotte trained at Bicton College (level 2 and 3 in floristry), Exeter and then later progressed at the Academy of Floral Art, Exeter studying the City & Guilds Level 4 Higher Diploma in Floristry.

Charlotte came into floristry through being a member of Young Farmers, entering competitions and starting to succeed. She went on to start a work experience programme at the Flower Scene, Launceston where she worked for a number of years before a career change into teaching

Charlotte is Dedicated to helping each student reach their full potential.
And is Excited to bring an inspiring and hands-on learning experience to the group.

Achievements- Level 3 award in education and training, Higher Diploma in Floristry, RHS Chelsea flower show, Silver & Bronze medal winner. World skills UK Floristry Gold Medal Winner. Devon & Cornwall area qualified flower arranging demonstrator.

Favourite flower: Vanda Orchid

Nicky Harwood

Nicky Harwood

Tutor Community Health

Nicky is an artist based in Cornwall and runs Art for Wellbeing across various sites for the college. She gave up a commercial art practice after experiencing her own mental health crisis, and losing her self-confidence.

During this time she became aware of the benefits of process, play and experimentation, spending many hours in her studio as part of her recovery. Aware though how lucky she was to have access to these facilities where others don’t, she opened The Creative Gym in 2018, offering the community access to quality art activities.

Shortly afterwards she joined the Cornwall College team where she shares her passion for the power of art and creativity in making positive changes to people’s health and wellbeing.

She has a MA in Printmaking and a BA in Painting, Drawing and Printmaking  from the University of Art, Plymouth.

Martin Pallett

Martin Pallett

Community Health Tutor

Following a thirty year Senior Management career in the NHS and Charity sector, Martin decided to train to be a teacher. He is an experienced Horticulturalist who has developed his own St Austell garden and also sells plants propagated from his garden. He visits lots of other gardens, reads and studies widely and brings his strong enthusiasm and passion for Horticulture to the courses he runs. He believes that gardening and being outside with others can be hugely beneficial for our physical and mental health and that gardening should be accessible to everyone whatever their abilities, background or age.

John Satterthwaite

John Satterthwaite

Associate Lecturer Photography

John has had a lifelong passion for art and photography. However, he spent his early career as a microbiologist, researching at London and Birmingham Universities on the basic science behind infections and infertility.

Having finally been able to work as a photographer, following up on social exclusion and prejudice in the middle east, and Italy, he then began working with mental health and wellbeing groups and as a mentor for the NHS drug and alcohol team. In both cases, using creative sessions of all kinds to help people find a better way forward.

Much of John’s teaching career has been working with creative groups, both in the community and in hospital settings, with the focus on supporting improved health and wellbeing.

Qualifications: BSc (Hons) London Microbiology, BA ((Hons) Falmouth Photography, PGCE Plymouth

Izzy Shiner

Izzy Shiner

Lecturer in Art & design

Hi, I’m Izzy, one of the Art & Well-being tutors at STAC. My professional creative background is Graphic Design having worked both as an independent freelancer and within a studio environment. A lover of many mediums my creative passions have enabled me to explore various disciplines including acrylic painting, crocheting, multi-media art-working, creative writing, and digital illustration.

Lisa Stewart

Lisa Stewart

Community Health Tutor

Lisa is a tutor & arts facilitator and has worked at Cornwall College since 2011. She has gained experience of working with adult learners with a variety of additional needs, challenging behavior’s and mental health issues.  These highly innovative Wellbeing Art and Ceramic courses are run on and off site including Mental health outreach centers and acute wards in hospital settings for adults with enduring and often severe mental health issues.

Her aim is to deliver ideas that not only stretch and challenge but most importantly encourage learners to explore and develop their own unique creativity. This wealth of hands-on experience has enabled her to develop not only skills but also methodologies to target course content to the multifaceted needs of students. The Wellbeing courses seek to address not only emotional wellbeing but are tailored to varying academic abilities and the often complex physical and mental health issues faced by learners.

Qualifications

  • LOCF Sculpture Course. Chelsea and Kensington College London.
  • BTEC -3D mixed media Chelsea and Kensington College London.
  • City and Guilds Ceramics – Chelsea and Kensington College   London
  • BA Honours in Ceramics. Falmouth College of Art.  Cornwall.
  • Post Graduate Certificate in Education- University of Plymouth.
  • Mental Health Awareness Course – Cornwall College Camborne
  • Suicide Prevent training.

Send Us a Message

For more information please contact Tina Fox on 01209 617821  extn: 3821, email communityhealth@cornwall.ac.uk
or complete the enquiry form below.

Our Summer 2022 Exhibition

Some of the fantastic artwork and ceramics created by our students
this year and shown at our annual Summer Exhibition