Tapestry Clubhouse
Tapestry Clubhouse is SF Otago's consumer (those with a mental illness diagnosis) community that conforms to the International Clubhouse Model, established in New York in 1948 and has been so successful that there are over five hundred clubhouses operating throughout the world. There are sixteen in Australia alone.What Is A Clubhouse?
A Clubhouse is a club or community, operating for the purpose of providing a restorative environment for the vocational and social rehabilitation of its members. Members re involved in the day to day running of the clubhouse and have equal access to every clubhouse opportunity. Although the general focus of activities is vocational, the clubhouse is not a work training center. Work is a vehicle not a goal.What Is The Purpose Of Clubhouse?
Based on the belief that a productive, work orientated day will satisfy the basic human need to aspire and achieve, each member’s contribution and presence is expected and important. A climate is created through mutual support to ensure members feel needed and wanted.People severely affected by major mental illness can look forward to the future with some hope. They have an opportunity to purposefully utilize some of their time in what is formally known as a Psychosocial Rehabilitative Programme.
The purpose of clubhouse is to provide a rehabilitative alternative for people affected by a major mental illness. This holistic approach focuses on the development of the individuals strengths.
Who Is Involved In Clubhouse?
Clubhouse is for individuals who are affected by major mental illness and as a result have been socially or vocationally discriminated against. Participants are referred to as members as opposed to clients or patients. Staff becomes co-workers with no expectation of members carrying out functions which they themselves do not also perform. Staff are not segregated and generally assist members in designing all functions of the clubhouse. Anyone visiting the clubhouse is a guest.Roles of Staff in Clubhouse
The primary role of the clubhouse staff is to support members in their efforts to work towards their highest level of independence possible. This is done through the work ordered day of each “unit’ where members begin to make decisions and take on the responsibility for the meaningful work within that unit. As their confidence grows, a partnership is formed between staff and member that facilitates more challenges that are carried over to the member’s everyday life.What do Members do in Clubhouse?
Members attend the clubhouse as often as they wish, 5 days per week, during normal office hours.The expectation will be that members come for a work ordered day. They can participate in the daily duties of one or more of the work units. Duties may include clerical work, public relations, cleaning, shopping, maintenance, administrative tasks and anything else applicable to clubhouse functioning. Members participate in the day to day decision making process concerning all aspects of clubhouse life. There are no wages paid to members.
Recreation is an important part of clubhouse life, however all scheduling for the development of leisure skills and social activities is geared for after 3.00 pm.
Transitional Employment Programme
The driving force behind the clubhouse is the reintegration of members into the competitive work force. Participation in the work ordered day can lead to some members looking forward to competitive employment. The clubhouse will assist members to achieve this goal through the Transitional Employment Programme.The Future Clubhouse
Clubhouse is committed to offering opportunities for people affected by major mental illness, to improve their quality of life. It is a place where they can come and develop friendships, gain support from others and contribute to a productive and stimulating environment.In turn they can once again take part in the community with confidence and a sense of purpose.