Mental health patients can learn to be experts in their own recovery via courses at a new college.

The North East London Recovery College aims to empower people with mental health problems to “live well, and make the most of their skills and talents,” according to a spokesperson.

Pilot classes started this month and will run until March next year.

They are open to users of North East London Foundation Trust (NELFT) mental health services across Barking and Dagenham and will take place at Goodmayes Hospital, Ilford.

Steve Feast, executive medical director at NELFT, said: “We have worked very hard to ensure that the courses we are providing are what people need and want, and are delivered in a friendly, positive way.

“The recovery college will also be central in our work towards a society in which people with mental health problems have access to the same opportunities in life as everyone else.”

Courses available include topics about specific mental health conditions, approaches to managing symptoms and challenges brought about mental illness and practical courses aimed at supporting people into employment and with IT skills.

Visit www.nelft.nhs.uk for more information.