A free course exploring different aspects of mental health problems is to be held at Kennaway House, starting on Tuesday, February 20.

The WEA, the largest adult education charity in the UK, has teamed up with the NHS-supported Devon Recovery Learning Community (DRLC) to offer the course, 'Different Perspectives on Mental Health’. It will explore the meaning and experience of mental distress from four very different viewpoints: the biological or medical model, various psychological approaches, the societal perspective and a spiritual one. This course is not currently available anywhere else.

Dr Kevin Walker, the WEA tutor said: “This is an introductory level course; no previous knowledge is assumed. It is suitable for those on a recovery journey, for those with an interest in mental health and those seeking to use their own experience to help others. The teaching is a mix of short presentations, collaborative activities and lots of open discussion.”

Esther Waring, DRLC peer tutor, said: “We all have preconceptions about what mental health and/or illness is. Our discussions are not about dismissing any of the perspectives presented but about exploring how some might be more applicable in different situations.”

The course will run until Tuesday, March 26 with each weekly session taking place from 2pm until 4pm. Places are limited and need to be booked by contacting the WEA on 0300 303 3464.