Solas Drop-in Centre

Country

Ireland

Description

The Solas Drop-in Centre, based in Monaghan, was established in 2003 as a direct response to the needs of people with mental health problems living the Monaghan area, who, on discharge from the mental health services, identified social exclusion as being one of the major barriers they have to face.

The Solas Drop-in Centre represents the social needs of mental health service users in the area. Solas is a drop-in centre which is a user led, user run facility for those with mental health problems to provide them with a social outlet.

Aims

The project aims to:

 

• represent the social needs of users of the mental health services in the Monaghan area;
• support users of mental health services through a social drop-in facility;
• encourage a user led, user run facility which represents the interests of the centre users;
• promote recovery through social inclusion;
• provide access and information to support services such as education, training and employment opportunities

Areas

Education, Employment, Social services, Training

Effectiveness

The Solas Drop-In Centre supports the needs of people with mental health problems by empowering the members to identify their own social needs and to take responsibility for running the club.This in turn improves skills, confidence and self esteem to progress to mainstream social activities.

 

The Drop-In Centre is available to people with mental health problems in the Monaghan area and is accessible to all on a member basis. This offers a practical solution to effectively addressing social exclusion by overcoming the difficult barriers of participating in a social environment. The members' skills and confidence are developed through taking responsibility for their own activities. The club's steering committee is user led.

There is an informal "open door" drop in policy which enables any member to participate in activities of their choice.

Sustainability

The drop in centre provides access to social and leisure activities and has made a significant contribution in addressing the needs of people with mental health problems. As this is a user led project individual needs are met as well as addressing barriers to participation therefore preventing deterioration in mental health. The members who attend can avail of free public transport although the club is in a central location for ease of access.

Innovation

The innovative aspects of the project are:

 

• member led approach as consumer led and driven;
• members actively involved in identifying activities;
• non clinical setting;
• supportive environment conducive to building self esteem and self confidence;
• access to information regarding employment, training and education services.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that those who participate in the Drop-In Centre experience increased self esteem and confidence which improves their overall health and well-being.

Added Value

Members who have had experience of mental illness feel more active and empowered to determine their own social identity. The members gain self confidence and skills in planning, finance, record keeping, meeting procedures etc. enhancing already existing practices.

Transferability

The model of drop in centres is one which can be transferred and replicated. The members should be encouraged to determine their own programme of activities and be independent of the mental health services. This builds on an independent approach and encourages greater uptake of activities.

Mainstreaming Potential

This is a community based programme which encourages and supports social inclusion. This approach is in keeping with the future direction of the mental health services to be more independent and community based. National policy advocates the importance of encouragement leading to self determination.

Costs of the Project

Cost of the project is approximately 7,000 to support running costs of the centre and activities.

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

There are ten members involved at present.

Strengths and Weaknesses of the Project

Strengths of the project include the active and sustained promotion of social inclusion while respecting the choices of the members.

The main weakness of the project are resources both financial and premises.The centre is small and cannot cater for large numbers. As the demand for members is increasing it will be necessary to consider a larger premises.

Contact Person for the Project

Monica Treanor & Alvie O'Neill

Solas Drop-In Centre

Monaghan
+353 47 72930