Serenity House
Country
Ireland
Description
Serenity House is a community educational resource centre which is committed to a way of life and a means of working towards change and support in society.
Areas
Education, Social services, Training
Effectiveness
Serenity House has a long history of positively targeting people with mental health problems through our education programmes and leisure activities in a caring, non threatening environment. We aim to reach out to people with mental health problems and encourage them to participate and integrate in community activity.
There are approximately 500 people attending a variety of courses at Serenity House on a weekly basis and we find that clients in the mental health service mix very well with the rest of the community thus breaking down the stigma attached to mental health problems.
Sustainability
Serenity House feels that for people with mental health problems, the first step towards accessing any service is often the most difficult. We provide programmes that are suitable for all sections of the community but are structured in such a way that they can be taken up by people who may initially lack confidence, self esteem, motivation etc. to encourage them to participate in activities which will improve skills and knowledge as well as providing a social outlet.
Innovation
Those experiencing mental health problems may find themselves isolated with limited possibilities to interact with the community around them. The innovation in the activities offered at Serenity House is to offer an environment which is conducive to supporting social inclusion through learning, involvement and socialisation.
While we have a core of leisure and education programmes over the years we have always responded to differing needs, now interest in email and internet is being met with courses for former long stay psychiatric patients.
Added Value
When people feel comfortable coming into the house, they develop the confidence to approach any of the staff about any difficulties they have regarding issues of health, social services etc. We have a good relationship with medical and public health personnel, citizen's information service, Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS), etc. The Family Resource Centre is also located at Serenity House so they can also assist people in any personal difficulties which may require advice or support
Transferability
We feel that as a community based centre which responds to the needs of the local community, networks with other agencies and provides a safe non threatening centre for people (including vulnerable people) thus making us a good model for replication. The model has a proven track record of effectiveness and as such is possible with modifications to be replicated in any community
Mainstreaming Potential
Serenity House has been addressing the concerns of social exclusion of people with mental health problems through the provision of a range of appropriate activities since its establishment. The range of activities and diversity of the participants contributes to tackling the inequalities that people with mental health problems encounter. It is well accepted that mental health is not just about the presence or absence of mental illness but is about the broader issues of mental health and well-being at both personal and social levels.
The recent report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy "Vision for Change" proposes the development of a balanced and integrated modern mental health service responsive to the disparate needs of those with mental health problems whether home-based, community, in-patient, or forensic. The report emphasises the underlying principles of social inclusion of choice, participation and equality.
Costs of the Project
The cost of the project is approximately € 30,000 excluding administration costs.
People involved in the Project (number of people and profession)
Administrator, Course coordinator, 12 tutors, 2 house keepers and 4 voluntary staff.
Strengths and Weaknesses of the Project
The strengths of the project: Volunteer input; involvement of community; status in community.
The weakness of the project: the on-going issue of securing funding is always an issue, as well as securing resources such as extra equipment and facilities to accommodate larger groups.
Contact Person for the Project
Maura Cannon
Serenity House
2 Montgomery Terrace
Moville, Co. Donegal
Ireland
+353 47 9382945