Converge
Converge
In association with the Institute for Social Justice.
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Independent evaluation of Converge
Every £1 invested in Converge yields £11.80 of social and economic value according to a recent independent socio-economic impact analysis of Converge by the economists Carney Green.
The full report is available using the button below.
We have also evaluated the impact of our programme on those who use it in York and Newcastle.
Download the evaluation summary and full report using the buttons below.
Converge: A community of learners
Converge is a partnership between York St John University and mental health service providers. Find out more in our introductory video.
We provide courses for adults who use mental health services. Our courses help you develop skills in a supportive educational environment. You have the freedom to be creative, challenge yourself and discover new abilities.
Most courses take place at York St John University. Courses are taught by staff, students and people with particular expertise and their own experience of mental ill health. We also offer some courses online and by post.
Applying for a course
You can attend a Converge course if you are an adult (18 and older) and you:
- Receive current support for a mental health issue
- Have experienced mental health issues in the past
Courses are free of charge. They take place during term time and vary between 4 and 10 weeks in length. You can apply for a course throughout the year.
Our courses
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Visual arts
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Creative writing
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Music
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Theatre and performance
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Social science and study skills
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Online and postal courses
Converge characteristics
Characteristic 1: Students, Not Service Users
As far as possible, Converge participants are regarded as students and not as patients or service users.
Characteristic 2: Education, Not Therapy
We offer educational opportunities and focus on the subject. For example, theatre, creative writing, or research methods - not on mental health.
Characteristic 3: The University Campus
Our research has shown us the value of Converge taking place in a university; universities are places of aspiration and hope.
Characteristic 4: Involvement of University Students
We involve university students in the delivery of the courses, the support for people who attend, and in our evaluation and research.
Characteristic 5: Research and Evaluation
We are committed to participatory research in which people who have experienced mental ill health can play in a central role in internal and external evaluations.
Our work with the community
Our history
Find out about the history of Converge and our work to improve access to educational opportunities.
Converge Evaluation and Research Team (CERT)
We offer bespoke evaluations of mental health services and community projects.
Student volunteering
Students from YSJ can volunteer with Converge as participants or in a leadership role.
Foss Park Arts
Our work on the arts strategy at Foss Park mental health hospital in York.
Our partnerships
We work with local, national and international partners to provide rich educational opportunities.
Publications
Access the latest publications and research articles related to Converge.
