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Sligo Adult Community Mental Health Service

Posted By runningsg65

"Sligo Adult Community Mental Health Service"

About: Sligo/Leitrim Mental Health Services / Sligo Adult Community Mental Health Services

(as a service user),

I go to the Clubhouse in Sligo town. It's a place for people who don't have jobs like me. It gets me out of bed and I get a dinner, I like that bit, but I don't get paid for going anymore and now I want a real job, not just sitting around, but it feels like no one here even wants me to have a better life. I'm sick of being treated like a two year-old.
I can read the paper or use the computer, but most of the time we just sit around until after dinner when we can leave.
We are only allowed to watch the news on the TV and although we're asked about what we want on the menu, I don’t think there is enough attention paid to our views. . It's always the same things to eat. When myself and my friend asked if we could go to play football with some lads in town but we were told we can't because we'll annoy people, so stay in the Clubhouse. It's rubbish, worse than being in school but my nurse said I have to go. My nurse is really nice so I can't tell them that sitting around in the club makes me feel depressed or I might end up in hospital.
My friend told me about this website, he said someone who reads this might be able to help. I think that lots of people in the club feel the same way as I do. I've felt this way for years but I had a bit more money before. I know I can do lots of things, but it's like no one believes in me or thinks I can have a better life.

 

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Responses

Response from Rosaleen Sherlock, Acting Manager, Duchas Clubhouse, Sligo Leitrim Mental Health Services 5 years ago
Rosaleen Sherlock
Acting Manager, Duchas Clubhouse,
Sligo Leitrim Mental Health Services

Submitted on 29/05/2018 at 10:23
Published on Care Opinion at 10:25

Firstly I want to thank you very much for taking the time to share your story.

The Clubhouse accepts referrals from people with a history of mental ill health and strives to work with individuals in order to achieve their own personal goals

Clubhouse activity is based on the concept of the work ordered day in which members and staff work side by side in the day to day running of the Clubhouse.

The Clubhouse is equally welcoming to individuals who merely access for social reasons as those who utilise the Clubhouse for more intensive interaction or job searching. The Clubhouse does not provide specific job training but endeavours to build members self-esteem, confidence and skill base by providing a supportive, respectful partnership approach to care and rehabilitation.

In short Dóchas Clubhouse can be many different things to many different people. Everyone attends voluntarily and have equal access to every Clubhouse opportunity

Up until last year we had a training bonus for members that were regularly attending the Clubhouse, this was coming from HSE Day Services Supports (Guidance & Development Unit Community Inclusion Hub)
there was also a time scale that a member could receive this payment. But now the Training bonus payments have ceased for everyone.

Regarding the menu, we have a Monday morning meeting at which everyone is asked for ideas to plan the weekly menu, ( which members particpate in the preparation and shopping) we have always had excellent feed back from members regarding the food.

In relation to playing football, some members wanted to play football in the small car park, due to risk of damage to cars we could not let this go ahead.

The Clubhouse is basically a HSE day service and we are not an Employment service or Agency.

Please contact me on your return and we can discuss any matters arising if necessary.

Kind Regards,

Rosaleen

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful

Update posted by runningsg65 (a service user)

I certainly did not mean that we would kick a football around parked cars.

I have been unclear what a 'work ordered day' is.

No one has ever asked me about goals and I don't need 'rehabilitation' either, I'm not a dangerous criminal.

Having this response confirms the service is not for me so it was helpful in that respect.

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