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. 

Harnessing music for personal recovery
Blog, Creativity for wellbeing, Spiritual self-care

Harnessing music for personal recovery

In this article, Tammy shares how they use the power of music to influence their mood, support their recovery and move forward in times of grief.

From curiosity to creativity to employee
Blog, Creativity for wellbeing, Giving for wellbeing

From curiosity to creativity to employee

How the student development programme helped me with my recovery

Curious mum of three to parent, community member and employee. Discover how the college aided Kirsty’s recovery and how curiosity turned into opportunities once Kirsty joined the student development programme.

Life Long Learning
Blog, Creativity for wellbeing, Learning for wellbeing, Opportunity building

Life Long Learning

Learning is crucial for mental wellbeing, as this student discovered. Read their story, see personal pictures and discover why learning helps our mental health. 

The Catch22 dilemma
Blog, Resilience, Creativity for wellbeing, Hope and recovery, Healthy eating

The Catch22 dilemma

One persons discovery and recovery plan for overcoming PCOS and binge eating disorder

Keep reading to find out about their recovery journey and how they plan to propel themselves out of the catch22 cycle of PCOS and binge eating disorder.

6 tips to help you relax this summer
Blog, Mindfulness, Creativity for wellbeing, Self-care

6 tips to help you relax this summer

Some find it easy to realax, others not so much, but it is important to listen to our bodies, and minds, when they are telling us to slow down. This August 15th, we wanted to celebrate relaxation day by asking students who found it particularly hard to relax to do some research, and experimentation, to see if they can find some relaxing techniques that work for them. Read on to find out which tips they came up with... 

7 mental health lessons from the Star Wars films
Blog, Resilience, Creativity for wellbeing, Hope and recovery, Learning for wellbeing

7 mental health lessons from the Star Wars films

May the force (and good health) be with you

Did you know that re-watching movies you love helps your wellbeing? It’s...