If you’ve ever wondered why discovery college feels different from traditional mental health programs or classroom-style learning, this piece explores the heart of our approach: co-created learning, real conversations, and lived experience at the centre.
Learning together, not being ‘taught’
Walk into a discovery college course and something stands out immediately:
it doesn’t feel like a classroom, and it doesn’t feel clinical.
There are no lectures. No experts at the front of the room. No pressure to have the “right” answers.
Instead, you’ll find a circle of people – young people, carers, professionals, and community members – learning together through honest, grounded conversation. Everyone brings their own experience, and every voice matters.
Co-created learning rooted in lived experience
Our courses are co-created and co-facilitated by people with lived and living experience of mental health challenges, alongside mental health professionals.
This mix of personal, clinical, creative, and curious perspectives makes the learning feel real and relatable.
Rather than teaching from a slide deck, we explore concepts together.
This approach comes from personal recovery, which sees mental health as a journey toward meaning, connection, and wellbeing.
What the research shows
In a study published by the Journal of Mental Health, more than 500 participants shared what makes discovery college different. Five themes emerged:
1) Multiple perspectives: Learning with people from all walks of life breaks down assumptions about who holds expertise.
2) Lived and living experience: People told us this made the learning relatable, authentic, and deeply meaningful.
3) Real conversations: Participants valued exploring topics that are often avoided elsewhere – suicide, self-harm, recovery, medication, creativity – with honesty and compassion.
“Everyone is equal – anyone can be vulnerable here.”
4) Power and equality: There’s no hierarchy. No “expert vs. patient.” Just people learning side by side.
5) A safe and brave space: Courses are described as open, inclusive and non-judgemental.
“It’s down to earth and close to where things mean the most.”
Participants rated their experience highly (8.7/10) and felt they achieved their learning goals.
Why this matters for young people
For many young people, mental health can feel like something defined by others – professionals, adults, or systems.
At discovery college, we work to shift that dynamic.
Here, learning is co-created, not delivered. Young people shape the conversation, challenge assumptions, and explore what recovery means for them. Many leave with new insights, confidence, and a stronger sense of connection to themselves and others.
A new way forward
When lived experience is valued and every voice is welcomed, learning becomes more than education – it becomes empowerment.
At discovery college, learning is an act of connection. Recovery is shared.
And every conversation brings us closer to understanding ourselves – and each other – a little better.
Want to learn more?
If you’re interested in knowing more about the research, you can read the full journal article here.
If you’re curious about experiencing co-created, lived-experience-led learning for yourself, explore our range of courses or reach out to our team. We’d love to learn with you.
Citation:
Whitehead, R., Harcla, C., Hopkins, L., & Robinson-Clarke, E. (2023). What makes discovery college different? A co-produced analysis of student experiences of discovery college. Journal of Mental Health. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638237.2023.2278093
