At the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Wellbeing and Recovery College, we believe in the power of collaboration, and our latest venture is a testament to the magic that happens when experts join forces. Picture this: a course co-created by the resilient voices of Experts by Experience—local individuals who have navigated the intricate terrain of eating disorders—and the seasoned wisdom of Experts by Profession from the Eating Disorders service in the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust.

This exhilarating journey commenced a year ago in November 2022, with a gathering that sparked the genesis of a transformative idea. We sought to fill a vital gap in community support for those awaiting treatment or seeking post-treatment guidance. Our diverse group, a blend of personal journeys and professional insight, embarked on a series of meetings to unearth the nuances of what was truly needed.

The brainchild of our collaborative effort: a groundbreaking course for individuals forging their recovery path after battling an eating disorder. Co-production, in this context, translates to a course shaped by those who intimately understand the challenges of an eating disorder, co-facilitated by the very same individuals. We knew this course had to be more than just a checklist; it had to be a voyage towards wellbeing.

Our six-week journey navigates diverse themes, each curated to empower individuals on their recovery expedition:

1. Knowing Me Knowing You: Introductions and the initiation of the recovery dialogue.
2. Energy in Action: Unleashing and managing personal energy to fuel the recovery journey.
3. Mindfulness and Quieting the Mind: Exploring mindfulness and the art of finding flow in daily life.
4. Being Connected: Discovering myriad ways to forge meaningful connections.
5. Being Myself: Delving into the realms of identity and meaning.
6. Wellness, Wellbeing, and Next Steps: Culminating the course with a focus on holistic wellness and future strides.

The inaugural sessions kicked off in Herefordshire last July, bringing together a tight-knit group of 12 individuals every Friday morning at the Courtyard Theatre. The deliberate small size ensures everyone has a voice in this empowering dialogue. The group, co-facilitated by an Expert by Experience, has become a nurturing space where stories of positive transformation unfold each week.

As we approach the end of this course in November, we eagerly anticipate the wealth of insights we’ll glean for the next chapter. The success of this endeavor has fueled our ambition to expand our reach further. In the pipeline is an online version designed to accommodate diverse schedules, with the first session acting as a standalone introduction to the profound concept of “Recovery.”

Looking forward, our horizon broadens. We aim to extend our offerings to other groups, recognizing that the wisdom gained in each session holds the potential to benefit anyone on a quest for renewed wellbeing.

The journey is far from over, and we’re thrilled to be crafting a narrative of recovery that transcends boundaries, one session at a time. Join us as we redefine what it means to recover and embark on a journey beyond eating disorders—towards a life filled with vitality, connection, and purpose.