Nov 10 - Clubhouse Gibraltar Presents Election Wish List
Clubhouse Gibraltar have released their election wish list.
Clubhouse Gibraltar say they have proved themselves to be a real asset to Gibraltar by providing a much needed service in the community for those who have been affected by mental illness. The group says that the Gibraltar Government has recognized and acknowledged this and has been providing funding to meet some of the costs of running the Clubhouse as well as making provisions for the allocation of more adequate premises.
A statement continued: “International experience demonstrates that Clubhouses provide a very positive economic impact with a substantial social return on investment (SROI) of 14:1 which means that for every £1 invested in the Clubhouse there is a return of £14. This includes the savings to the community from reduced hospitalization, reduced incarcerations, community support, education, employment, housing, social and emotional support and much more. The therapeutic community it provides helps individuals to regain their lives and become productive citizens.
“In order to continue to develop their work, Clubhouse Gibraltar are looking forward to moving to their new premises as soon as possible, developing and increasing their team and achieving accreditation status. At the moment, despite the upheavals and disruption caused by the renovation works at Wellington Front, the membership figures stand at 107 and the monthly average attending the work ordered day is 433. The average monthly reach out is 183 and members attending social events is 145. However, it is important to provide stability, continuity and progress and a firm commitment is requested from the incoming Gibraltar Government especially in the wake of an election.
“Clubhouse Gibraltar would therefore like all political parties to commit themselves in their manifesto as follows
- Financial and Human resources
- Move to new premises and refurbishment and suitable provisions if affected by further developments in their proximity
- A commitment to work in conjunction with GHA, Care Agency and related departments as part of a multidisciplinary approach to mental health services
- To develop memoranda of understanding with all relevant departments
- To provide employment placements especially transitional employment placements (TEP) in order to give members an opportunity to develop their confidence, skills and experience.
“In addition to the above, Clubhouse is also keen to develop their Housing program with Government support, in the near future, in order to assist members to live in the community as independently as possible. This is a much needed service and will help to vacate beds in hospitals which are occupied by patients who do not have adequate accommodation, or are unable to cope unsupported.
“Clubhouse Gibraltar welcomes Childline’s campaign requesting a mental health service for youngsters. As part of the World Mental Health Day activities, Clubhouse Gibraltar held an information stall in Bayside School and were impressed at the openness of enquiries and the amount of interest shown. A large number of questions from the pupils centred around bullying issues whilst others included more intricate questions relating to other mental health problems.
“Clubhouse Gibraltar offers a work ordered day from Monday to Friday as well as a social evening on Saturdays for those aged 18 and over who have a history of mental illness. It has also started a Young Adults Program (ages 18 to 35) to accommodate the different needs of this age group. Additionally it provides support to many adults who were not provided any mental health support or counselling during their childhood or adolescence and this almost certainly contributed to their developing a mental illness later on in life. Clubhouse has therefore been providing education and awareness on mental health matters in order to prevent unnecessary hardship due to lack of information and support.”
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