Failte Isteach (Welcome In) Drop in Centre

Country

Ireland

Description

The Failte Isteach Drop In Centre is a social club which meets on Mondays from 10 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. As a direct response to cater for the needs of people who had experienced social exclusion. The participants are mainly those who have experienced a mental health problem and are living in supported accommodation in the community.

Aims

The Failte Isteach Drop In Centre aims to:

- offer an opportunity to meet and avail of social and recreational activities in an informal community setting

- promote social inclusion through a range of activities

Areas

Health, Leisure, Social services

Effectiveness

Helps the residents of a local high support hostel to maintain contact with the local community through a range of community social activities.

Sustainability

The social club has been in existence for a number of years. Participation in activities is on an optional basis. An important aspects for the sustainability of the project is the support of Celbridge Mental Health Association to facilitate the activities undertaken.

Innovation

The innovation of the project is to encourage residents of a high support hostel in the community to consider and develop a range of personal interests to participate in.

Added Value

The added value to the project is the input of local community volunteers who participate in the club’s activities. This is turn encourages the process of normalisation and integration into the community through social events.

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 and participation of the members themselves. The social process may vary on a cultural basis but that can be adapted accordingly.

Mainstreaming Potential

A connection with other community clubs and activities in the area would further ensure the social inclusion of the members through an integration socialisation process.

Costs of the Project

The costs of the project vary depending on the activities undertaken and the numbers participating. Financial support is offered by Celbridge Mental Health Association.

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

Persons living in Grove House High Support Hostel.

The volunteers are members of Celbridge Mental Health Association

Strengths and Weaknesses of the Project

The Club is open to the general public and advertised locally, but no people other then the residents of the high support hostel attend.

The strength of the club is that the members enjoy the contact, company and activity.

The volunteers always happy to be involved, 6 volunteers are organised 3 to each Monday.

Contact Person for the Project

Michael Cummins, Development Officer

Mental Health Ireland
6 Adelaide Street
Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin
Ireland.

Tel: 00 353 (0)1 2841166.