What is Waves?
Waves is a 12-month recovery and life skills programme, offering understanding, tools and support for people with a diagnosis or traits of borderline/emotionally unstable personality disorder. The group offers a safe, confidential and non-judgmental environment.
Waves runs one day a week, 10am-4pm, from a purpose-built Recovery Centre at Sale Road, Norwich. It is easily accessible by the no 23/23A bus from the city centre, which stops a minute’s walk away from the Recovery Centre.
"Waves has changed my life more than I can say. I am a better version of me, confident, happy, enjoy life now. It has done more for me in 1 year than everything else in 30 years."
What do we learn?
Waves is a psychoeducational programme run in a therapeutic environment, but it is worth noting, Waves is NOT therapy.
Over the course of the year, we cover many topics including:
- Safety Planning and Staying Well
- Dealing with Change
- Recovery
- Acceptance
- Values and Identity
- Emotional Regulation
- Relationships and Managing Conflict
- Goal Setting and Planning for the Future
The morning sessions consist of psychoeducational learning, focusing on recovery, mental health and wellbeing. The afternoons are a mixture of social and creative sessions, with an emphasis on having fun, trying new things and making connections in a safe and non-judgmental environment. You are expected to attend both sessions, each week over a 12 month period.
"Waves has helped to change how I think and feel, I understand myself better, it has also helped my kids to understand me."
How do I access this service?
You can apply for Waves by downloading and completing the application form on this website. You can either return it by email or by post. If you require a paper copy to complete, please email us at waves@norfolkandwaveneymind.org.uk with you name and postal address, or by calling our Reception on 01603 853176.
We ask that anyone applying, completes the application form with as much detail as possible. If professionals are submitting on behalf of an individual, we ask that the form is completed using the individual’s own words.
Once your application is received, it will be reviewed by the team and you will be informed of the outcome. If the application is deemed suitable from the information provided, you will be invited to a 'Taster Session' at the Recovery Centre, where you will be given an overview of Waves and other support we offer within the Personality Disorder Service that may be more suited to your needs at this time. This is a short session run in a group setting of around 15 people.
Following the Taster Session, if you have decided that the Waves programme is suitable and the commitment is, we will invite you to an informal interview assessment, in order to gain more personal insight into your experiences and whether Waves may be beneficial.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Waves Recovery Application Form
Waves Recovery Application Form PDF
The next Waves group intake is scheduled to start in April 2025 and will run on a Tuesday. Suitable applicants can expect an invite to taster sessions around March time.
The Closing date for applications is 7th February 2025. Any received after this date will be held until the next application window for the next group.
"Waves has meant so much to me, I can't put into words. It has given me the understanding, knowledge and compassion to love myself. It's helped me to heal from generational trauma, it's helped me to recover from long depression. It's got me back into work and I'm excited to start a family."
How do I find out more about this service?
Call us on 0300 330 5488 option 1 where you will be met by a Recovery Triage Operator who will provide you with further information about this service or email waves@norfolkandwaveneymind.org.uk
Whether it’s you, someone in your family, a friend or a work colleague, we are here to support you.
FAQ's?
Why is the course 12 months long?
We follow a course structure of 6 modules where each build on the other. This time also allows attendees to integrate the skills they learn in to their lives while being supported and building connections.
Does it cost anything?
Waves is a FREE programme, the only time you may need some money is if we go out in to the community and you wish to purchase food/drink.
Do I need a diagnosis of BDP / EUPD to apply for Waves?
No you don’t, we understand how difficult it can be to get a diagnosis for your mental health and therefore we welcome attendees who show traits of BPD.
"I’m very grateful to the team for a great teaching environment and safe space. Waves has meant stability, safety, routine and acceptance. I was always allowed to be myself and never felt pressured to be anything else."