Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association Projects
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Et Cetera Workshop
Unit 26G3, N17 Studios, 784/788 High Road, London N17 0DA
The Et Cetera Workshop is situated in the London borough of Haringey and is primarily funded by the Primary Care Trust.
This project simulates a realistic work setting enabling members to take part in daily activities.
Work as therapy
Project members learn new work skills, develop social skills and add structure to their lives. Working as part of a team, taking on responsibilities, motivating each other and supporting the less able for group success are important aspects of daily life at the centre.
Constructive self-expression is an indicator of a person's mental health. Everyone needs opportunities to express themselves and most people find this through their work.
Major encounters with reality are in the workplace where we spend approximately a third of our waking life. In this setting casualties and damage to self-esteem occur. It is no surprise then that this is an area which raises anxiety in those who are experiencing or have experienced mental distress. PRA work programmes take this especially into account.
Our project offers a realistic, low-pressure environment that can act as a stepping stone for members to move to full time employment in the community.
The Et Cetera workshop offers very varied work experience such as cost analysis, stock control and woodworking opportunities. The project also carries out general assembly and packing work for several local companies, as well as direct mail preparation and sales training. In the unit members learn the use of some tools and machinery with which goods are manufactured for the open market. As in any other manufacturing unit, standards have to be maintained, delivery dates honoured and the costing and other paperwork must be accurate.
Discussions are encouraged, either as a mean of solving problems or planning the work, or to stimulate the group's interest and participation in the wider world.
Staff and members meet regularly and enjoy excursions to places of interest or seaside resorts with members from PRA's other projects.
Premises
The project is housed in an industrial unit within a trading estate and is surrounded by a number of firms and companies. The workshop includes a well-equipped area, well-known locally for its ability to produce a wide range of high-quality items to special order. A recent example is the remodelling of the reception area in the offices of a Turkish women's group.
Internet access is available and IT training provided if needed, so that members can search for information or contact friends and family.
Inducement payments
The project functions on Groupwork lines, with members undertaking the maximum amount of responsibility compatible with their skills and condition. All "earnings" are paid into a special account from which members can draw permitted "therapeutic earnings" according to the benefits they receive. Surplus earnings in this reserve account are paid as a rehabilitation grant when members leave to take up full-time employment.
Who would benefit from this environment?
- Those who make sufficient progress at a day centre.
- In this unit members have the opportunity to participate in more demanding work requiring greater skills.
- Attendance may also be appropriate for people referred after only a short period in hospital.
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