Converge York

Converge York We provide educational opportunities for adults with lived experience of mental ill-health, based at York St John University.

A centre for practice, research and teaching
Converge was established in 2008 by Nick Rowe and Gemma Alldred after they had taught an โ€˜Introduction to Theatreโ€™ course at York St John University. At that time, both realised the potential of developing an arts education for mental health service users, delivered by students and held on a university campus. It was to become the key principle which, t

oday, remains at the heart of Converge. Borne of a unique collaboration between the North Yorkshire and York Primary Care Trust and York St John University, Converge continues to deliver educational opportunities for people with mental health problems. In addition, we offer work-based experience to York St John Students involved in the programme. All classes are taught by undergraduate and postgraduate students and staff and we have developed a solid track record of delivering quality courses to service users. 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. Our aims:

-To offer mental health service providers valuable educational opportunities for their clients.
-To offer high quality educational opportunities to those who use mental health services in the York area.
-To provide a means through which undergraduate and postgraduate York St John University students can fulfill their module requirements in community, applied or work-based modules; thereby developing skills and experiences to prepare them for work.
- To support and develop the creative potential of York St John University students and course participants.
- To work with mental health professionals and other partners to fulfill our aims.
- To conduct practice-based research, impact studies and evaluations.
- To support the development of further innovations in the field.
- To challenge the dynamics of social exclusion which make it difficult for people who have used mental health services to access quality education and employment.

A full house at our Converge Christmas Sharing Event . Wonderful to see such a fantastic turn out. ๐ŸŽ‰๐ŸŽ‰๐ŸŽ‰๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ„
12/12/2025

A full house at our Converge Christmas Sharing Event . Wonderful to see such a fantastic turn out. ๐ŸŽ‰๐ŸŽ‰๐ŸŽ‰๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ„

Just one week to go until our annual Christmas Sharing! ๐ŸŽ„โœจJoin us on Friday 12th December, 1pm to 3:30pm in the YSJ crea...
05/12/2025

Just one week to go until our annual Christmas Sharing! ๐ŸŽ„โœจ

Join us on Friday 12th December, 1pm to 3:30pm in the YSJ creative centre for an afternoon celebrating the work of Converge students, staff and volunteers ๐Ÿคฉ

This is a free event and you do not need to book tickets to attend. Family and friends welcome ๐Ÿ’ž

We are delighted launch Creative Writing Heals Volume 8! This unique anthology is a captivating collection of stories, p...
03/12/2025

We are delighted launch Creative Writing Heals Volume 8! This unique anthology is a captivating collection of stories, poetry and scriptwriting from Convergeโ€™s diverse community of talented writers.

Volumes 1-8 of Creative Writing Heals is available to purchase on amazon: https://tinyurl.com/3kznd9dm

We will also have a book stall at our Christmas Sharing next week, Friday 12th December in the Creative Centre Atrium. Card payment only.

Weโ€™ve had a fabulous time this week cheering on Holly, our Office Coordinator and Bekhi (Converge Tutor) who have both g...
21/11/2025

Weโ€™ve had a fabulous time this week cheering on Holly, our Office Coordinator and Bekhi (Converge Tutor) who have both graduated with Masters qualifications. Even better to have Nick Rowe (Founder and original Director of Converge) and new Director Simon Procter there to celebrate their achievements โค๏ธโค๏ธโค๏ธ

Save the Date - Converge Christmas Sharing 2025! ๐ŸŽ„An afternoon of celebraing the work of our Converge students, staff an...
10/11/2025

Save the Date - Converge Christmas Sharing 2025! ๐ŸŽ„
An afternoon of celebraing the work of our Converge students, staff and volunteers. ๐ŸŒŸ๐ŸŽญ๐ŸŽถ

๐Ÿ—“ Friday 12th December
๐Ÿ“ Creative Centre Auditorium, York St John University
โฐ 1pm - 3pm (TBC)

This is a free event and you do not need to sign up to attend ๐Ÿคฉ

If youโ€™ve looked outside today and noticed the autumn leaves beginning to fall, then perhaps youโ€™re thinking of new begi...
06/10/2025

If youโ€™ve looked outside today and noticed the autumn leaves beginning to fall, then perhaps youโ€™re thinking of new beginnings brought to us by the changing of seasons. The year moves around quickly but Converge remains consistent and we are once again amping up for the autumn term. If youโ€™re one of the 240 Converge students studying with us, be sure to keep an eye on your inbox and get ready for an exciting few months ahead!

04/09/2025

Discover Walking Rugby โ€“ Fun, Fitness, and Friendship. FREE - please book via the QR code or website.

Whether you're a retired player, recovering from injury, or completely new to the game, Walking Rugby offers a fun, inclusive way to stay active and connected. Everyone is welcome!

Walking Rugby is a non-contact, mixed-gender version of the game, open to all levels of experience and physical ability. It focuses on safety, enjoyment, and the physical and mental benefits of staying active.

Played by two teams of up to seven, the aim is to score more tries by passing the ball backwards or sideways and carrying it over the try-lineโ€”all while walking, not running. Walking means one foot must always stay in contact with the ground.

Come and be part of the fastest-growing form of this brilliant sport!
York Health Trainers York CVS Healthwatch York Converge York Local Area Coordination in York Age UK York Menfulness

Would you like to meet our tutors and find out more about the courses we have on offer this term? Join us for our next O...
26/08/2025

Would you like to meet our tutors and find out more about the courses we have on offer this term?
Join us for our next Open Day on Wednesday 3rd September, 1pm to 4pm in Quad South Hall at York St John Unvieristy ๐Ÿคฉ
Our friendly team are on hand to answer any questions you may have. You can also recieve support to complete and hand in an application form. Email [email protected] for more information ๐Ÿ“ง

After 17 years, we felt the time was right for a refreshโ€ฆ so we are very proud to unveil our brand-new logo!Since our ve...
18/08/2025

After 17 years, we felt the time was right for a refreshโ€ฆ so we are very proud to unveil our brand-new logo!

Since our very first theatre course back in 2008, Converge has grown from strength to strength. We now offer around 58 courses a year to over 300 Converge students. Our new logo maintains some of the elements of our previous one, but with a modern upgrade that complements the York St John University branding. We feel very privileged to be a core part of the YSJ community and we are very excited for this next chapter.

2025 is shaping to be a landmark year for Converge. Read more about what weโ€™ve been up to here: https://tinyurl.com/38swtu64

Address

York Street John University
York
YO317EX

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