NAWARC Celebration of Learning
Celebration of Learning for RAMH Wellbeing & Recovery College: A Day of Rediscovery, Recovery and Recognition
A moving, inspirational and heart-warming event to mark the end of term for the RAMH Wellbeing & Recovery College. Guests, students, peers and partners gathered at Saltcoats Town Hall on Wednesday 18 June for a vibrant Celebration of Learning. With a theme of Rediscovery, the event showcased not only the personal growth and achievements of students, but also the transformative power of learning in mental health recovery.
From the moment guests arrived, they were warmly welcomed by peer facilitators who encouraged connection and conversation. Guests explored an art exhibition featuring creative works by Recovery College students, Lucas Barr, Alison Stell and Stuart Falkner before settling in for a rich and varied programme.
D4UrLife’s performance set an energising tone and drawing everyone together and encouraging the audience to participate in a song ‘The Drum Circle Calls.
RAMH CEO Peter Jung welcomed everyone and spoke about his own reflections on discovery since becoming part of the organisation. He paid tribute to the Recovery College’s many accomplishments, including recent awards recognising their innovative and inclusive approach to wellbeing and learning.
Recovery College students Nick and Sarah, a married couple and parents of five children, gave a moving account of how their learning journey had not only changed their lives individually and as a couple and also positively impacted their family as a whole.
One standout moment came as a student reflected on the Story Trees course, sharing how they learned to uncover beauty in painful memories and, in doing so, “I rediscovered my smile.”
Emma Houston of the Scottish Recovery Network (SRN) provided an overview of their national work supporting mental health and recovery and promoting the value of peer work.
We have a strong partnership with Ayrshire College, offering various award courses throughout the year. For the first time the Recovery College ran a Drama and Performance course. Confidence and joy were rediscovered through creative expression. Some of the students on the course performed a short piece, ‘Café Hope’ that they had written based on their lived experience and recovery journeys.
Keynote speaker Suzie Baines founder of You Matter Always further explored the theme of Rediscovery, reminding attendees that healing often means reconnecting with forgotten strengths and long-buried hopes.
Certificates were awarded in a joyful graduation ceremony, with each student recognised for their commitment and courage. Angela, a participant in the Towards Work programme, read
a powerful poem reflecting on her journey of rediscovering self-belief and the positive impact of gaining paid work.
The event closed with a standing ovation as graduates proudly held their certificates, and Andrew McNaught gave a moving address about the lasting impact the Recovery College has had on his life.
Julie Barrett NA HSCP Head of Community Mental Health shared her reflections on the event, congratulating every student, commending all the speakers and affirming the powerful impact on individuals who engage with the RAMH Recovery College.
Recovery College Coordinator Lainey McKinlay reflected on the day “In a world that often focuses on what people lack, this celebration was a powerful reminder of what people can reclaim and rediscover—confidence, creativity, connection, and hope”
Recovery College Manager Jeanette Allan added “I continue to be inspired by the remarkable contributions of our students who take their learning with the Recovery College and transform their lives while impacting the lives of those around them. Every peer, facilitator, staff member and speaker at our annual event worked together to create magic and I am privileged to be part of that team and do this work.”
