Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust’s (NSFT) Recovery College has launched a sunflower challenge to help raise awareness of mental wellbeing and promote its support services.
Recovery College offers free educational courses for individuals aged 16 and over in Norfolk and Suffolk, including those facing challenges, supporters, and professionals. It complements, but does not replace, clinical support, allowing individuals to choose courses and learn at their own pace. Course content can cover areas such understanding and managing anxiety, setting goals for recovery and exploring emotions.
Participants in the challenge will be given a packet of seeds and encouraged to make a pledge that will benefit their wellbeing, such as connecting with friends, or embracing the outdoors and nature. The growth of the sunflower will then act as a reminder of their commitment to that pledge.
A symbol of warmth
Recovery College manager Ash Moorcroft said: “Sunflowers have been chosen as they are symbolic of warmth, hope and optimism. The act of tending and nurturing the sunflower will be therapeutic for some and provide a sense of achievement, a reason to connect and share with others.
“Some may choose to host their own mini competitions using their pack of seeds with family members, friends and colleagues or simply add colour and life to where they live or work.”
Chief patient experience officer and deputy chief executive Cath Byford said: “It’s a chance for people to connect with others in a shared goal of hope and support. Sunflowers embody those feelings and add some sunshine to life, even on what can be dark days.”
Local engagement
The Recovery College team has recently been focusing on how it deliver services to the traditionally difficult to reach populations of Norfolk and Suffolk. Recently it received funding in a joint application with Change, Grow, Live (CGL) via Norfolk County Council to recruit a peer tutor specialising in substance misuse to offer further services.
The team has also been working with Suffolk libraries on livestreaming courses and is in the early stages of discussions to expand this to Norfolk. Drop-in enrolment, engagement and support sessions will also be launched across Norfolk starting in autumn/winter 2025.
Find out more about Recovery College and the sunflower challenge here.
