By Mani Sanford of NAMI Michigan
Psychosocial clubhouses: What are they? Who is welcome? How can they help you? Where do you go to find one?
Wayne E. Baker, a professor at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business, once wrote: “The need to belong is a potent human force that finds expression in personal relationships, work relationships, community involvement, participation in voluntary associations, national pride, patriotism, tribal loyalties, and religious allegiances. The need to belong is hard-wired … Belonging has measurable positive effects on subjective well being, mental and physical health, and the body’s bio chemistry.”
Dr. Baker is saying that clubs can be essential to recovery. This forms the central idea around which Psychosocial clubhouses are framed. So what are these clubhouses? Clubhouses are non-profit, members-based organizations in which the day to day operations are handled by the members. Some, but not all clubhouses are affiliated with the ICCD (International Center for Clubhouse Development) which issues a set of internationally reviewed and accepted club house standards. Although members handle the workings of the clubhouse, individual members are not asked to do anything they don’t want to do. For example, members need not work in food prep or clean the bathrooms if they do not want. However, members do meet every day to discuss daily events, such as an upcoming bake sale or changes to their newsletter. Clubhouses also offer opportunities for community involvement and advocacy.
In the case of community involvement, members of Lansing’s local clubhouse (Charter House) volunteer at the local animal shelter and have been responsible for cleaning up a local park. Opportunities for advocacy also arise as when, recently, members of Lansing’s Charter House met with State Representative Joan Bauer to discuss their concerns about programs impinging on mental illness.
Clubhouses cater to individuals with serious mental illness such as people with major depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and borderline personality disorder.
Clubhouses have much to offer you in terms of social involvement as well, for example; at Lansing’s Charter House they have planned trips to the Upper Peninsula or to the Detroit Zoo. They also offer transitional employment positions.
At Charter House, these may include sending a work “crew” to tend their vending machines or office cleaning at local businesses, as well as positions available at Community Mental Health. They also offer an in house training system to make people familiar with the path necessary to become a Peer Support Specialist. This is prior to any state mandated accreditation of Peer Support Specialists.
Nicole, a consumer diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and borderline personality disorder and who is now a Peer Support Specialist at “Charter House” says, “I was homebound until Charter House gave me a reason to get out of bed.” She goes on to say it gave her “new meaning in life.”
Lansing’s local clubhouse (Charter House) which is located at 606 Shaiwassee can be reached at (517) 371-2077. You can locate other club houses in the state of Michigan by going to www.mi-clubhouse.org, then at the top of the page under the banner and next to the first box labeled “Home”, you click on “About the MAC”. Then appears six new selections and you should choose the one that is third from the left labeled “Clubhouse Map”, then select the dot that is closest to where you live. You will then see the contact information for the clubhouse closest to you. So think about joining your local clubhouse, it could be the best thing you do for yourself.
If psychosocial clubhouses seem to be a good fit for you or if you would just like to learn more about them you, might think about attending the upcoming Mid-States Clubhouse Conference “Navigating a Bright Future” to be held in Troy, Michigan, August 30 - September 2, 2010. More information can be obtained at their website www.genesisliv.org/Mid-
The first session will discuss the motivational stories of three members who have excelled in education, employment and lifestyle/wellness. The second will focus on the importance of clubhouse coalitions, a discussion of stigma and a review of stigma reduction initiatives. The third will focus on the relationships within the work units and the Work Ordered Day. There will also be a discussion of the dynamics of member leadership. The fourth will deal with employment and that there are employment options for everyone. There will be examples of Transitional Employment, Supported Employment and Independent Employment. The fifth will discuss public relations and your clubhouse’s community profile. It will also focus on getting involved in your communities’ diverse opportunities
