Chairde Le Chèile (Friends Together) Social Club

Country

Ireland

Description

Chairde Le Chèile was established as a response to cater for the needs of club members with mental health problems. Initially the group catered for a small group to provide Sunday afternoon outings.

Over time this group expanded as the number of club members increased, due to its success.

The club meets on two nights a month, and once a month on a Sunday. Special outings are held at to mark seasonal events such as at Christmas time.

The Club provides social activities and support to members who experience mental health problems and are at risk of isolation.

Aims

Chairde Le Chèile (Friends Together) Social Club

• Promote and support the club members, through social and recreational activities.

• Promote awareness of mental health issues.

• Promote social inclusion and independence in planning the club activities and outings.

• Assist club members in personal development.

Areas

Health, Leisure, Social services

Effectiveness

An indicator of success is based on attendance. Qualitative indicators support Chairde Le Chèile as providing an opportunity and an outlet for leisure activities, educational opportunities and social support to its members. The club members are empowered to develop and plan the outings.

New relationships have developed where club members have come together outside of the club activities encouraging normalisation, integration and social inclusion.

Sustainability

The participation in activities for Chairde Le Chèile club is on an individual optional basis. Important aspects for the sustainability of the project are the support of the local voluntary mental health association to facilitate co-operation and fund-raising of activities.

 

Innovation

The main innovative aspect is in the connection of offering an opportunity to socialise outside of mental health service provision. Emphasis is put on empowerment in relation to the choice of activities the members want to pursue. Evaluation is on the basis of the members’ satisfaction in relation to the project which is constantly reviewed to ensure interest levels are sustained.

Added Value

Participation in the project encourages the members to seek external social support which in turn enhances their quality of life.

Transferability

Transferring this social project is attainable as the system requires very little by way of resources and is deemed effective by the interest levels of the members themselves. The social process may vary on a cultural basis but that be adapted accordingly.

Mainstreaming Potential

A connection with other social clubs in the community would further ensure the social inclusion of people with mental health problems to integrate into the community through the socialisation process.

Costs of the Project

Finances are arranged from fund-raising and from voluntary donations from the members. The costs involved are minimal and dependant on the activity undertaken and whether transport is required. As this is a voluntary social club there are no staffing costs per se.

People involved in the Project (number of people and profession)

The number of people involved in the project can vary depending on attendance at the club at any time.

Strengths and Weaknesses of the Project

The strength of the project is to provide a social outlet outside of the formal mental health services support structure. The support and integration of members into the community encourages empowerment, independence and sociability.

The weakness of the project is the limited time offered to members and the dependence on voluntary financial contributions.

Contact Person for the Project

Michael Cummins, Development Officer

Mental Health Ireland
Mensana House
6 Adelaide Street
Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin
Ireland.
Tel: 00 353 (0)1 2841166.