Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association Projects
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The Groupwork Centre & Training Centre
1a Darnley Road, London E9 6QH
Situated in the London Borough of Hackney, PRA Head Office and the training centre share the same premises and provide a caring environment in which people can gain skills and confidence which may not have been developed, or which may have been impaired or lost during the course of illness. It provides challenges required for personality growth without being threatening. The objectives of the centre are to prevent relapse and to rehabilitate those who can eventually move on to employment and independence. The centre also provides support and aftercare for those who may not achieve full independence and ensures that ethnic minority needs are addressed.
The emphasis is on groupwork, that is, working together to achieve an objective based on a group decision.
Activities & Training
Activities are planned in response to the needs and requests of its members. A number of classes are held throughout the week such as IT Training, Pottery, Photography, Jewellery Making & Design, 3D Art, Drawing and Painting to mention just a few. These training courses are undergoing the accreditation process to equip participants with NCFE Level 1 Awards and Certificates. Other classes are held by visiting instructors and include an Art class and a Keep Fit class using top of the range equipment. As well as Adult Education Classes and the activities that develop from these, members take part in relaxation, gardening and SAD lamp sessions. They also make use of facilities in the community.
Users' individual hobbies are encouraged, as is taking responsibility in the running and keeping of the centre.
Whether the activity at the centre is Further Education, a discussion group or a practical task, all are situations where the art of relationships is exercised and cultivated.
Who would benefit from this environment?
- The Day Centre provides occupation and stimulus for those who live alone, relieving their loneliness and the stress arising from this.
- Those discharged from hospital who will eventually find work but are not yet fit. The centre helps them to maintain their working mood, which will soon be lost if they are left for a long period without occupation.
- Those who have been experiencing enduring mental health problems, or are recovering slowly from an acute illness. The Day Centre is the first step towards rehabilitation.
- Some are likely to remain disabled and will require permanent sheltered conditions. The Day Centre offers a supportive environment.
There are, inevitably, some people who are difficult to integrate into any group and who, reluctantly, we are unable to accept if we are to maintain a reassuring milieu for the rest.
This day centre is not appropriate for persons who present intractable problems of violence, alcoholism, drug abuse or arson, or have physical disabilities that require one-to-one attention.
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