Converge

Coronavirus (COVID-19) update

Please note that in line with current government advice to limit the transmission of Covid-19, York St John University buildings are now closed. All face-to-face Converge courses are cancelled until further notice.

In the meantime, we are posting regular tasks, challenges and updates on our Facebook page, which you can get involved in from home.

You can also take part in our online Creative Writing class and our online Connect to Nature class. 

Converge was established in 2008 from a simple idea: to offer good quality courses in a university setting to local people who use mental health services taught by students and staff.

The development of Converge has progressively demonstrated the potential of offering educational opportunities to people who use mental health services, delivered by students and staff and held on a university campus. This has become the key principle which, today, remains at the heart of Converge. Born of a unique collaboration between the NHS and York St John University, Converge continues to deliver educational opportunities for people with mental health problems.

We offer work-based experience to university students involved in the programme. All classes are taught by undergraduate and postgraduate students, staff and, increasingly people who have lived experience of mental ill health. We have developed a solid track record of delivering quality courses. Careful support and mentoring underpin our work, thereby allowing students to experiment with their own ideas and creativity whilst gaining real world experience in the community. This undoubtedly enhances their employability in an increasingly competitive market.

As a leader in the field, Converge develops symbiotic projects and partnerships which are driven by innovation and best practice. The result is twofold: a rich and exciting educational opportunity for people with mental health problems alongside authentic and practical work experience for university students.

For more information on our work or the courses we offer contact converge@yorksj.ac.uk. 

How to apply

Joining our courses is easy and made as stress-free as possible with the support of our team.As with any course of study, it is essential that we have students’ details prior to the start of the relevant course.

You can apply for our courses throughout the year by completing an enrolment form.