Welcome to the Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association

Over 47 years of service to the mentally ill

The PRA (Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association), a self-help organisation was first founded in the London Borough of Hackney in 1959. It has since developed into a dynamic range of services in three London boroughs.

As an organization we focus on supporting choice, the development of skills and the provision and support of opportunities. We achieve these by positioning service users at the heart of decision making, supporting self-help initiatives and encouraging them to access mainstream settings and interact with others in day-to-day situations.

We believe that training for our members is crucial, especially sessions which support, engage and create independence whilst working towards the social inclusion model. The training sessions we deliver at the moment (restrictions imposed by funding) are all tailor-made to meet the specific needs of the individuals and their projects. Part of our programme is to train members to become trainers, because we consider this to be the best way to deliver the appropriate services in order to develop the necessary skills for successful social inclusion.

Across the various projects we also run ad-hoc specific and individualistic groups that focus on the acquisition of different skills such as video making and media studies. These kinds of groups not only provide participants with practical skills but also enable them to develop new means of communication and expression. In relation to developing opportunities for work-related tasks we are actively involved in moving from sheltered workshops projects towards the social enterprise model. We are currently being advised, and working in partnership, with social enterprise executives and local authority cabinet members. The major hurdle that we face with modernization is related to funding, more precisely the lack-of. However, we look forward to be able to work in partnership as we have done for the past 49 years.

PRA co-operates with:

All social agencies concerned with the resettlement of mental health patients

Departments of Health and Social Security
Local Authorities
Health Care Planning Teams
Commission for Patient and Public Involvement
Other Voluntary Organisations

With community leaders and politicians, encouraging them to effect improved legislation and action on behalf of those with mental health problems. Liaison is maintained with government departments, parliament, local administration, etc.

PRA Projects include:

Day Centres providing occupation, diversion, training and rehabilitation
Cluster flats and staffed residences in different boroughs
Industrial education units, providing a more realistic and demanding work situation
An Art Gallery and Studios, providing training in reproduction, cold casting bronzes and individual, original art work
Weekend out of hours groups
Annual holidays at seaside resorts
Counselling
Physical exercise programmes with state-of-the-art equipment
Distant Learning
IT suites and computer training
Involvement with the European Community and other worldwide organizations
Users Network and involvement project

Past and present research projects include:

Study of social problems associated with mental health
Assessment of methods and standards of rehabilitatian and Community Care services
Investigation into geographical incidence of mental illness
Development of prediction formulæ
Analyses of lifestyles of psychiatric patients in the community
Consumer Assessment of Rehabilitation Services
Review of PRA Centre for Better Health (C4BH) counselling service

As with many voluntary organisations, the contribution of volunteers and donors makes it possible for our important work to expand. Although our work is applauded as a 'small miracle', our funding faces constant struggles and also relies upon the generosity of the public. If you can donate time or funds, please do not hesitate to contact us.

It is hoped that you will find these pages a useful resource to explore our objectives and the services we offer. Enjoy your visit here and naturally, if you have any comments please feel free to email us with your views.

Mirella Manni
Director

Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association