Blogs, articles, insights and research
Blogs, articles, insights and research
🧭 Navigating This Blog

Hearing about the experiences of others, and sharing tools and tips to support recovery, is one of the foundations of our culture. We can create connections by sharing about our lived experience – especially those that offer inspiration and hope.

Recovery in mental health is not always well understood; sharing your experiences makes personal recovery come alive. It also supports values and strengthens lessons learned from life experiences. It helps to build community and create connections.

You can find lots of inspirational stories; use the search bar at the top to find stories relevant to you. To return to this page after a search, please press the back button in your browser.

✍️ Share Your Experiences

If you are a registered student and would like to share about your experience, please contact us.

You can read more student experiences on our testimonials page and student development programme page.

📰 Newsletters

To make our website and newsletters more accessible from 2025 onwards, all blogs, tips and articles published in our e-newsletters will be published on this page.

You can also read PDF newsletters published before 2025.

📝 Write for the Blog

We welcome students who are interested in writing blogs, sharing reflections, or contributing creative content to support others on their recovery journey.

Get started by visiting the following links:

If you have any questions or ideas, please contact us at newleaf.wellbeingcollege@nhs.net.

Writing Poetry for Recovery
Blog, Writing for wellbeing, Creativity for wellbeing, Self-acceptance, Nature and wellbeing

Writing Poetry for Recovery

In celebration of World Poetry Day, we explore how words can heal, inspire, and transform, and are thrilled to present a collection of nine powerful and heartfelt poems written by students. Dive into each piece and feel the passion and resilience behind every line.

Why gardening brings me joy
Blog, Keeping active and physical exercise, Creativity for wellbeing, Spiritual self-care, Nature and wellbeing

Why gardening brings me joy

In this interview, Susanna shares how gardening helps her wellbeing, and the small steps anyone can take to get started. 

The Joy of Nature
Blog, Keeping active and physical exercise, Nature and wellbeing

The Joy of Nature

"Like a lot of people in the last couple of years I’ve started gardening and begun to appreciate how plants and nature are more complex than we once realised."

Read Rosies' full story to appreciate the impact that gardening has had on Rosies wellbeing. 

Immerse and explore Hertfordshire
Blog, Keeping active and physical exercise, Mindfulness, Spiritual self-care, Self-care, Nature and wellbeing

Immerse and explore Hertfordshire

Mental Health Awareness Week

To continue celebrating Mental Health Awareness Week by Mental Health Foundation, we will show you how ...

Why nature?
Blog, Keeping active and physical exercise, Spiritual self-care, Self-care, Nature and wellbeing

Why nature?

Mental Health Awareness Week

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week and this year the theme is ‘Why nature?’. The Mental Health Foundation have highlighted...

 
Why Walking Works
Blog, Campaign, Keeping active and physical exercise, Nature and wellbeing

Why Walking Works

Mental Health Awareness Week

In our recent blog about nature and wellbeing, some of the recommended nature activitties included ...

Mental Health Awareness Week
Blog, Campaign, Keeping active and physical exercise, Spiritual self-care, Nature and wellbeing

Mental Health Awareness Week

Today marks the launch of Mental Health Awareness Week, the UK’s national week to raise awareness of mental health.  

Creative recycling (celebrating earth day)
Blog, Creativity for wellbeing, Learning for wellbeing, Nature and wellbeing

Creative recycling (celebrating earth day)

Have you ever considered how creative recycling could help your wellbeing? In this article our students give you examples of creative recycling and why it can help your wellbeinng.