The ‘Better Than Well’ programme was established in 2021. It is led by Dr Ed Day from the Institute for Mental Health in the School of Psychology, supported by a philanthropic grant from the CrEdo Foundation, and managed by Programme Leader, Luke Trainor. The programme was granted university space to use for meetings and, provided with access to internal comms, and was later able to open dedicated housing for students in recovery. Better Than Well also provides support with the admissions process, early orientation, and the training of peer-mentors to address both recovery and educational issues.
Creating a Collegiate Recovery Programme
Getting started:
So you’ve decided to find out more, and want to work out the best way to support students at your University? The guidance and information available within this website will help you to identify the ideal pathway to supporting students in Recovery.
Whether you’re a student yourself, part of a student union, a member of the teaching faculty, or student support services, our Toolkit and Knowledge Hub will guide you through the process, step-by-step.
From asset mapping existing resources that could support the journey, to presenting your findings to University administrators, you’ll find an abundance of key items to consider, and work through, within this site.
You can get full access to the Toolkit, here, and also find three examples of UK University CRPs on this page.
A safe space for anyone in Recovery
Student Life in Recovery
University can be a daunting environment for anyone in Recovery. More than 50% of students believe that their peers use drugs occasionally, almost 25% see taking drugs as part of University culture, and almost 75% see that drinking and getting drunk is part of student life.
Around 44% of students are unsure if their university has a drugs policy on campus in any form. “Zero tolerance” approaches to possession, and use, can create environments where students are fearful of potential consequences, and so are less proactive in coming forward for support. Gambling is another behaviour that can lead to problems for students, while others may identify as in recovery from another
behavioural addiction, such as gaming or shopping.
Ultimately, student life can become a lonely place for anyone without the right support network around them. Some students may feel overwhelmed by the number of events and activities organised around drinking. Others may simply feel unable to fully communicate exactly how they feel, and why.
Subsequently, a University’s CRP then becomes a safe space for anyone in Recovery to feel comfortable, organise alternative activities, and feel fully supported at any time.
An environment of empathy, communication, and wellbeing.
Barriers to Support, and Stigma
Both within and outside of university, pressures exist that can create barriers to any person seeking Recovery support. The stigma surrounding addiction, within families, popular culture, the media, as well as internalised stigma, all form part of how and when someone asks for help, or chooses to talk openly about their Recovery.
Shame, and fear of negative judgement, are the most contributing, stigma-related factors, with more than half of people who have experienced addiction feeling unable to talk freely about their experience. Plus, more than one third of students remain unsure if their university has a policy related to substance use.
The presence of a CRP not only helps to define how a University approaches, and welcomes students in Recovery, but builds an environment of empathy, communication, and wellbeing around them.
Understanding Terminology
Most commonly associated with alcohol, smoking and substance use, addiction can also relate to repetitive behavioural actions which cause dependency. Defined as being unable to control doing, taking or using something, to the point it could become harmful, any addiction is challenging to control, and certainly to stop completely. Collegiate Recovery Programmes welcome people in Recovery from any addiction, including behavioural addictions such as sex, gaming and shopping
Recovery is the experience through which people impacted by addiction use and nurture both internal and external resources to resolve these problems. People in Recovery identify that they may continue to be vulnerable to certain substances and situations, and strive for a healthy, productive and meaningful life. There are multiple forms of, and pathways to Recovery, some involving the intention complete abstinence, and others reducing harm from the addiction. Collegiate Recovery Programmes welcome any student who wishes to make Recovery from Addiction part of their lifestyle at University.
Recovery Capital refers to the quantity and quality of internal and external resources a person can build, and utilise, in order to initiate and sustain Recovery from Addiction. These resources can be broken down into five categories; human, social, cultural, financial, and community. Within a Collegiate Recovery Programme, students are able to explore and build Recovery Capital within a peer network, while staying focused on the academic and life goals that will continue to build Recovery Capital after graduation.
Find out more about the history of CRP’s, here, and take the next step in setting up a CRP on your Campus, by downloading our Toolkit.
Case Studies of existing Collegiate Recovery Programmes in the UK
The University of Birmingham
Features: Grant funded. Managed internally. Recovery friendly housing. Dedicated Programme Manager on site.
Teesside University
First established in 2017, the University of Teesside has had a Students in Recovery Lead on site, COVID aside, ever since. An employee of local Lived Experience Recovery Organisation, Recovery Connections, has coordinated Recovery groups, worked with students 1-2-1, delivered presentations to relevant faculties, and taken part in the University’s regular programme of Health & Wellbeing events. Using the framework of the Texas Tech Collegiate Recovery Communities Curriculum (now available in a UK format, with your registration to this website), the growth of the CRP has seen it become more visible on campus as each academic year goes by.
Features: Coordinated via external charity. University space available each week. Visible presence on campus.
The University of Sunderland
The University of Sunderland became the first UK university to sign the Recovery Friendly University Pledge in 2022. Officially announced as part of the university’s fourth annual Mental Health and Wellbeing Conference, the university has since integrated the CRP within its own wellbeing services. A dedicated Lived Experience Education and Training Coach, from regional charity Recovery Connections works across both Sunderland City campuses each week. Using dedicated university space, and able to advertise the support within the university, the local Recovery Community have timetabled activities for both students and staff throughout the academic year.
Features: Support on multiple campuses. Coordinated both internally and externally. Member of staff from external service employed to work on campus.
Professionals from the following organisations contributed to this project
