Recovery College

Click here to view the fall semester calendar.

Welcome to CMHA Halton’s Recovery College, where we bring together lived experience and practical knowledge under a recovery-oriented framework. Rather than focusing on diagnosis or treatment, Recovery College supports people to build skills, explore what recovery and well-being mean to them, connect with others, and strengthen confidence in their own recovery journey.

This approach is rooted in the CHIME framework for personal recovery, where every participant is considered a student:

C – Connectedness: Building relationships, belonging and community
H – Hope: Strengthening optimism and belief in possibilities
I – Identity: Exploring identity beyond challenges or diagnosis
M – Meaning: Discovering what gives life purpose and value
E –  Empowerment: Building confidence, choice and personal agency

We are excited to be launching our fall semester that will run from October 1 to December 22. You will have two ways to learn and participate: Monthly Drop-In Groups & Workshops. 

Click here to learn about Monthly Drop-In Groups.

Click here to learn about Workshops.

Monthly Drop-In Groups: Connect & Learn

What to Expect: Register once for the monthly drop-in groups via the link below the list of drop-ins and receive information for all drop-ins running throughout October – December.

Click here to register for monthly drop-in groups.

Click here to review the Recovery College Student Agreements.

Here are our fall semester monthly drop-ins:

Workshops

What to expect: Workshops offer an opportunity to explore a topic in greater depth with the same learning community. Registration is required for each workshop. Since learning builds from week to week, students are expected to attend the full series. Registration closes 1 week before the workshop begins.

To register for a workshop, please click on the “Click here to register” link next to the date.

How to Create Healthy Boundaries

Explore boundary styles, communication, relationships, self-care and strategies for developing and maintaining healthier boundaries.

6 Weeks • Virtual • Tuesdays • 10:00–11:30 a.m.

Week 1 – What are Healthy Boundaries

Week 2 – The 6 types of Healthy Boundaries

Week 3 – Why don’t we have Healthy Boundaries & How Does it Feel in our bodies?

Week 4 – Identify & Communicate your Boundaries

Week 5 – It’s Not a Straight Line – After we set a Boundary

Week 6 – Putting it All Together and Choosing A Healthier Way Forward

Cohort 1: October 6, 13, 20, 27; November 3 & 10: Registration opens Sept 14 & closes September 29

Cohort 2: November 17, 24; December 1, 8 & 15, 22: Registration opens October 20 & closes November 10

Land-Based Healing: An Indigenous Lens

Join us for a six-week healing journey guided by Indigenous wisdom, teachings, and practices in partnership with Grandmother’s Voice.

Rooted in Truth and Reconciliation, this program invites participants to explore personal healing through connection to the land, self, and community. Through storytelling, reflection, mindfulness, Indigenous teachings, and creative activities, participants will explore the interconnectedness of mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being.

What to Expect Each Week

1. Week 1 – My Healing Journey: Explore Indigenous teachings, the Medicine Wheel, and personal intentions for healing.
2. Week 2 – Connecting to Land: Discover how nature, seasonal changes, and connection to the land can support personal wellness.
3. Week 3 – Balance & Wellness: Explore the mind-body connection, understand emotional triggers, and develop grounding practices.
4. Week 4 – Connecting with Myself: Reflect on personal values, beliefs, purpose, and living with intention.
5. Week 5 – Meaning Making: Explore personal growth, healing, and self-expression through reflection and creative activities.
6. Week 6 – What I Carry Forward: Reflect on your journey, explore what you wish to release, and identify the teachings and practices you will carry forward.

This program welcomes individuals from all backgrounds who are interested in personal healing, learning from Indigenous wisdom, and strengthening their connection to themselves, others, and the natural world.

No previous knowledge or experience is required.

Wednesdays, November 4 to December 9, 11 am to 12:30 pm, in person at CMHA Halton, 1540 Cornwall Road, Oakville CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Recovery College Student Agreements

In order to complete registration, students are required to review the following agreements. These are a requirement of participating in our Recovery College services, and you will be asked during the registration process to confirm that you have read and understood them. 

Click on each agreement name to review:

Respectful Learning Agreement: Expectations for creating a respectful, inclusive and supportive learning environment.

Recovery College Service Agreement: Important information about participation, privacy and service expectations.

Agreement to Engage in Virtual Services: Privacy Risks, technology and participation expectations for virtual programming.

Movement waiver: Movement & Physical Activity waiver

If you have questions, you can reach our Peer Mentors at peermentors@cmhahrb.ca.