Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association Projects
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Stean Street Industrial Education Unit (IEU)
13 Stean Street, London E8 4ED
The Stean Street Industrial Education Unit is situated in the London Borough of Hackney.
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.
There is a variety of work, including assembly, folding, counting and packing goods for retail. All are encouraged to participate in this work, which is planned to increase members' concentration, accuracy, speed and ability to co-operate. Each task requires different levels of dexterity, but with the emphasis on teamwork rather than individual ability alone. Work enables members to gain confidence and pride in achievement.
The IEU 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 designed as a sheltered workshop on 3 levels. The ground floor houses several machines used in the manufacturing of high frequency welded products such as casting bags, mattress covers and PVC folders and pockets for office use. The second floor is used for light assembly work and packing. The mezzanine floor is an area where members can socialise, relax and enjoy cooked meals.
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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